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World|life|January 13, 2018 / 11:11 AM
20-year-old Florida man claims $450 million lottery jackpot

AKIPRESS.COM - State lottery officials said Friday that Shane Missler of Port Richey, a Tampa suburb, came forward to claim the $450 million Mega Millions grand prize, which he won in a drawing one week ago, CNN reported. 

The Mega Millions jackpot swelled to impressive heights ahead of Missler's win, in part because of a recent rule change that makes winning the jackpot more difficult. Twenty-three drawings rolled by before Missler's ticket lined up perfectly with all five numbers plus the Mega Millions ball in the January 5 drawing.

Missler declined to pose for photos or conduct an interview, but he hinted at his plans for the money in a statement provided by the Florida lottery.

"I'm only 20, but I hope to use it to pursue a variety of passions, help my family and do some good for humanity," he said.

The statement also says Missler "wasn't really surprised" when he realized he landed the jackpot: He had "a feeling" he would get lucky.

Related: Biggest lottery jackpots in U.S. history

The first order of business, he said, was to tell his brother. "Then, he shared the news with his father over coffee the next morning," according to the Florida lottery's release.

The $450 million prize marked the fourth-largest in Mega Millions history and the 11th-largest jackpot in U.S. history.

Missler, however, won't receive the full amount. Lottery winners only receive the jackpot's advertised amount if they choose to accept the prize via a 30-year annuity.

Like most winners, Missler chose to accept his winnings in a lump sum. That meant his prize totaled $281,874,999. Financial advisers typically recommend accepting the lump sum. The thinking goes that if the money is wisely invested, the returns can amount to a much larger payout over the next three decades.

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