$622m lottery winner to use prize for good of humanity

UNITED STATES: A 20-year-old from Florida who won US$451 million (NZ$622m) on the lottery has revealed he wants to use his winnings to do ‘‘good for humanity’’ after quitting his job.

Shane Missler revealed his staggering win in a Facebook status update posted half an hour after the draw on January 5, writing: ‘‘Oh. My. God.’’ He immediately ‘‘retired’’ from his job at a background screening company, his lawyer confirmed, having won the fourth-largest Mega Millions jackpot in history

The overnight multimillionaire, whose wealth now matches that of pop star Taylor Swift, said of his spending plans: ‘‘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 purchased the lucky ticket from a 7-Eleven newsagent in Port Richey, where his parents live, with the winnings from a scratchcard. Missler added he just had ‘‘a feeling’’ he might win and credited the power of positive thinking for the outcome.

‘‘If there is one thing I have learned thus far in my short time on Earth it is that those who main- tain a positive mindset and stay true to themselves get rewarded,’’ he said. ‘‘I intend to take care of my family, have some fun along the way and cement a path for financial success so that I can leave a legacy far into the future.’’

The American added that he has already taken a crash course in financial management and feels ‘‘fortunate to have this incredible wealth’’.

He opted to receive his winnings in a one-time, lumpsum payment of US$281 million, instead of a larger amount over a longer period. He posted a day later: ‘‘This is only the beginning. I am truly grateful and most appreciative.’’

Played in 44 US states, the record Mega Millions jackpot stands at US$656 million, won in March 2012.

All lottery winnings are subject to a 25 per cent federal tax withholding. Most states also charge taxes, but Florida does not.

This win comes just a few years after another Florida winner split a sizeable haul with a winner from Maryland.

Winners from the two states won the US$414 million Mega Millions jackpot in 2014.

- Telegraph Group