10 (perhaps unwise) ways lottery winners spent their millions
Winning the lottery sounds like a dream come true. But when millions suddenly land in your bank account, deciding what to do with it can get… interesting.
Over the years, some lottery winners have spent their fortunes on everything from racehorses to private businesses, and even property on other planets. Whether these purchases were bold investments or questionable splurges, they definitely make for unforgettable stories.
Here are some of the wildest things lottery winners have spent their money on.
10. Land on the Moon, Mars, and Venus
After winning $1.28 million in 2000, David Copeland decided to invest in something truly out of this world—literally. He purchased land claims on the Moon, Mars, and even Venus for about $154 per acre.
While the legality of owning extraterrestrial real estate is… debatable, Copeland reportedly remained fairly sensible with the rest of his winnings and continued living modestly.
9. $32,000 to Record an Album
When Roger Griffiths won $3.2 million, he and his family initially enjoyed the good life—new cars, quitting their jobs, and plenty of spending.
One passion project included reuniting his old college band and spending about $32,000 to record an album. Unfortunately, the album never found success, and over time the family’s finances unraveled, ultimately leading to bankruptcy.
8. $250,000 for a Racehorse
Keith Gough and his wife won $11.5 million in 2005. Like many lottery winners, he embraced a lavish lifestyle that included sports cars and a luxury box at soccer matches.
One of his biggest splurges was a $250,000 racehorse. The purchase didn’t bring the success he hoped for, and over time his fortunes declined dramatically.
7. $608,000 for a Fireworks Factory
After winning $6 million in 2005, Debbie Mather decided to turn a childhood fascination into a business.
She spent more than $600,000 buying a fireworks factory, hoping to turn her love of fireworks into a profitable venture. While unusual, the investment represented just a small portion of her overall winnings.
6. $825,000 Supporting Marijuana Legalization
Bob Erb took a different approach after winning $25 million in 2012. Instead of luxury purchases, he devoted a large portion of his winnings to causes he believed in.
He donated roughly $825,000 toward efforts supporting cannabis legalization and drug law reform in Canada.
5. $3.2 Million for a Soccer Team
EuroMillions winner Colin Weir took his love of sports to another level. After winning $206 million in 2011, the lifelong fan invested $3.2 million into Scottish club Partick Thistle.
He later announced plans to transfer a majority stake in the club to a supporters’ group, ensuring the team would remain fan-owned.
4. $5 Million for a Whiskey Business
Peter Lavery won $17.7 million and decided to invest in a passion project: launching his own whiskey brand.
He poured about $5 million into developing Titanic Irish Whiskey in Belfast. Unlike many lottery splurges, this gamble turned into a legitimate business venture that continues to generate profits.
3. Losing $5 Million Gambling
Evelyn Adams experienced an almost unbelievable stroke of luck. She won the lottery twice in consecutive years in the mid-1980s.
Her winnings totaled more than $5 million. Unfortunately, much of that fortune eventually disappeared during trips to Atlantic City casinos, where she lost nearly everything.
2. Mansions, Cars, and a Backyard Racetrack
Michael Carroll became a millionaire at just 19 years old when he won £9.7 million (about $12.4 million) in 2002.
His spending quickly made headlines. Among the more unusual purchases were luxury cars, a custom racetrack built in his backyard, and extravagant parties. Within several years, most of the fortune had disappeared.
1. Multiple Multi-Million-Dollar Mansions
Edwin Castro made history when he won the record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot.
After choosing the lump-sum payout, he reportedly took home about $1 billion after taxes. Among his early purchases were several luxury homes in Southern California, including a $47 million Los Angeles estate and a $25.5 million mansion in the Hollywood Hills.
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