Powerball Winner • WV • 2002
Jackpot (2024$)
$535,000,000
lump sum
Age at Win
55
Construction company president
Jack Whittaker won the largest single-ticket Powerball jackpot of his era on Christmas Day 2002—$314.9 million. Already a self-made millionaire worth $17 million, within five years he was broke; within eighteen years, dead. Two family members died in drug-related circumstances, his 42-year marriage collapsed, he faced 460+ lawsuits.
"I wish I had torn that ticket up"
"I have had to work for everything in my life. This is the first thing that has ever been given to me"
"I am content with my life. It is going to excite my daughter and granddaughter. I get my enjoyment out of them spending the money"
"I intend to pay but cannot without any money... a team of crooks got all my money"
"I just want to thank God for letting me pick the right numbers - or letting the machine pick the right numbers"
"I can't even read them. I wouldn't have any money left if I did."
"If I had to do it all over, I'd be more secluded about it."
"I'm only going to be remembered as the lunatic who won the lottery."
"The expectations never end."
Purchased $100 in Quick Pick tickets at C&L SuperServe on Christmas Eve 2002 while buying gas and breakfast sandwiches. Only played when jackpot exceeded $100M. Initially thought he lost watching TV drawing - didn't realize he won until next morning (Dec 26). Appeared at press conference in signature black cowboy hat with wife Jewell, daughter Ginger, and granddaughter Brandi (15).