You say that "the reduction in taxes doesn't mean much in terms of how much your winnings are reduced" but there is not just charity.  That can be one of the biggest things, but there are MANY other factors that can reduce taxes for SMART winners.

Note, I'm specifically talking about winners who consult with a tax attorney BEFORE claiming the prize.

It's important to note that many winners get a big chunk of the withholding back as a refund IF they get the good tax advice.  That is ignored so much by people who complain about about the withholding.  Not everyone has to make tons of charitable contributions in order to get refunds .... existing circumstances (medical bills, child deductions, mortgage payments, business expenses) often count for the bulk of the refunds.  But again, the importance of getting professional advice can't be stressed enough.

HAPPY SATURDAY "TODD"

I can appreciate your point.....especially as some States don't have an "income tax" such as Nevada.....

A building on the campus on UNC-Chapel Hill was built with public lottery money many many years ago and I forgot which one Yale or Princeton was started on public lottery money.

Tenaj - which building was it? Might have been after I graduated ('90).