Here’s What Lottery Winners Should Do First, According to Expert Advisors

Winning the lottery is something many people dream about, especially when the prize climbs into the billions. The thought of walking away with a ticket worth life-changing money is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming.

Before buying a dream home, quitting a job, or surprising family with lavish gifts, experts stress that winners should slow down and make a plan. The right steps in the first hours and days can protect both the winnings and the winner’s future.

Protect the Ticket First

Freepik | Secure proof of your winning ticket right away by taking a photo or making copies.

The first action should be securing proof of the winning ticket. Making copies or taking a clear photo provides an immediate backup in case the physical ticket is lost or damaged. Signing the ticket right away may not be the best move.

An advisor often recommends waiting until speaking with an attorney or accountant, because the way a winner claims the prize—personally or through a legal entity like an LLC—can affect privacy and liability.

In some states, anonymity is not possible. For example, Pennsylvania requires the winner’s identity to be public, while states like New Jersey and Delaware allow anonymity. Understanding these rules in advance helps reduce unwanted attention and potential legal risks.

Keep the News Private

Sharing the win should be limited to only a small circle of trusted professionals and family. An advisor typically suggests notifying only a spouse, an attorney, and an accountant at first.

Spreading the news too widely increases exposure to scams, requests for money, and unwanted pressure. Maintaining privacy early on can make a big difference in long-term security.

Lump Sum or Annuity?

Lottery winners usually face a major decision: taking a lump sum or choosing an annuity. While the idea of guaranteed yearly payments sounds appealing, there are drawbacks. If the winner passes away before the annuity is fully paid, the remaining balance may not go to family members.

That risk is why many financial advisors lean toward the lump sum option. It gives winners full control over the money and the ability to manage it on their own terms.

Building the Right Team

Managing billions is not a one-person job. Hiring an attorney is essential, but it should not stop there. Working with two or three financial advisors ensures a range of expertise and prevents overreliance on a single perspective.

A critical point is never to sign a power of attorney granting control of the winnings to an advisor. Keeping authority in personal hands protects against mismanagement or fraud.

Planning Beyond the Excitement

Freepik | Rather than spending all your winnings, create a budget to ensure long-term stability.

Winning big can spark the urge to spend immediately, but budgeting is key to long-term stability. Setting aside funds for fun is reasonable, yet it should be paired with a structured financial plan.

Advisors recommend prioritizing investments, savings, and charitable contributions before diving into luxury purchases. Careful planning helps avoid the all-too-common stories of winners who lose everything within a few years.

Avoid Public Bragging

The thrill of a jackpot win is undeniable, but flaunting wealth can quickly backfire. Flashy purchases, social media posts, or even casual bragging may attract scammers, lawsuits, or worse.

A quieter approach—guided by professional advice—helps new winners focus on stability instead of unnecessary risks.

Secure First, Spend Later

The real work begins once the numbers hit. Guarding the ticket, seeking legal and financial counsel, weighing the pros and cons of a lump sum versus an annuity, and assembling a trusted advisory team should all come before celebrating.

By keeping the news private and resisting spur-of-the-moment spending, winners set themselves up for a future where their money endures long after the initial rush.