I won $2million playing the lottery but a ‘one-time’ rule and quick decision left me with $1.7million

A LUCKY lottery player ended up winning $2 million, but a number of special circumstances mean he’ll only take home $1.7 million in the end.

Victor Diovera, who lives in Daytona Beach, Fla., probably didn’t expect to win the top prize in the $10 GOLD RUSH SUPREME Scratch-Off game when he bought the ticket two years ago.

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But Victor emerged from the scratch card game at his local Wawa $2 million richer.

“I never thought I would be so lucky my first time playing GOLD RUSH,” Victor said in a press release.

However, a small decision saw him give up around $300,000 of his winnings.

Because he has opted for the option of a one-time lump sum payment.

This allows winners to earn the highest amount at once as quickly as possible.

If you choose to make annual payments over time, you will actually make more money in the long run.

Many winners still choose the lump sum option because they would rather use their wealth now.

Victor said he plans to split the money with his son.

THE GAME

The $10 GOLD RUSH SUPREME game has over $244 million in cash prizes.

This includes eight grand prizes worth $2 million.

The probability of winning money playing GOLD RUSH SUPREME tends to be slightly higher than other games.

Players are said to have odds of one to 3.49.

LOTTERY STRATEGY

While playing the lottery involves incredibly good luck, some players recommend certain strategies in hopes of increasing your chances of winning.

For one, you can statistically increase your chances of winning by joining a lottery syndicate.

These allow you and a group of people to purchase multiple tickets, assuming you share the price.

A Florida math professor also suggests using a truly random number pick to increase your odds.

Richard Lustig, who won over $1 million in seven Florida jackpots, recommended lottery players to choose the same numbers every time as it increases their odds over time.

He also advised lottery ticket buyers to refrain from using special birthday or anniversary numbers, as these are rarely significant in a game.

Keep in mind that there is no surefire way to win the lottery and that all forms of gambling involve risk.

Only gamble if you can afford it.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN YOU WIN

With so many eyes on you after winning the lottery, there are a few precautions you should take to protect yourself and your newfound fortune should you emerge as the new rich lottery winner.

The US Sun reported on the advice of a “lottery lawyer” who wants to help others protect their earnings.

Kurt Panouses told the local ABC affiliate, based in Milwaukee WISN He has advised over 30 winners on the key steps they should take.

“You don’t go back to your little hometown and tear down your house and build a big mansion,” Panouses said.

Panouses said groups like the New York jackpot winners are better off with their privacy than other winners.

“Why don’t you have the court order say, ‘Hey, we also want this to provide some privacy and get a judge to give you a court order,'” he said.

He also urged winners not to deposit money with small, local banks.

“This is not the time to go to your local credit union, which you’ve used all your life, and open an account there.”

Another lottery player missed $100,000 due to a controversial decision.

Meanwhile, a prominent businessman has offered chilling advice to fellow lottery winners after winning his own jackpot led to his own bankruptcy.