The West Virginian winner, Andrew "Jack" Whittaker Jr says he doesn't usually gamble but was tempted into $100 worth of tickets because the possible prize was so big.

He is opting to have his winnings paid in a lump sum and the owner of the shop who sold the prize ticket also gets $100,000.

In Spain, a staggering $1.6bn of prizes was given out this month and there were 180 main winners who each collected $2m.

Some argue that the amounts won on national lotteries are too large but that the odds against winning are also too high.

Are jackpot prizes too big? Would games with more prizes of smaller amounts be more popular or fairer? What changes would you make to lottery games?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

Your reaction

I would spend, spend, spend, buy silly things like an elephant and David Beckham to have a kick around in the garden with.
Gareth Jehan, Wales, GB

It's interesting, that on Christmas, people aren't anxious to give their money to charity and the poor. But instead, are anxious to give it away in the name of greed. That's a social commentary in itself.
AC, Canada

Why is an American winning considered to be greedy and uncharitable? James Hart, USA

Why is it that an American winning a lottery at Christmas is considered by so many to be overly greedy and uncharitable? I saw no negative comments towards the recent winners of the Spanish lottery or people who have won on other days of the year.
James Hart, USA

I should have all that money, not him!
Lionel Scales, Wales, UK

Wouldn't it be nice if the Powerball had more winners per draw of a smaller jackpot, for example if the total jackpot was $100m then have 100 winners of $1m each?!
N J French, USA

Money isn't anything Sarah, USA

My husband died in a car accident at the age of 32 just three months ago. I would give it all back if I could have him back in return. Money isn't anything without people to love and share it with.
Sarah, USA

With the ideological attack on taxation as a basis for financing public goods, gambling is increasingly seen as a legitimate source of revenue all around the world. Not so long ago, Harvard medical school was researching gambling as a mental illness.
Hannan, USA

To the winner: have fun and spend it the way you want. It's all yours.
Joe, US

It's interesting how much money the public can come up with in a short period of time for something like a lottery, yet there still are problems like famine and disease all over the world. We should all be ashamed.
Mike Owen, Canada

It may only be money and it may not make one happy, but it sure does offer a person a great many opportunities that they otherwise would not have. On the flip-side it also brings with it a great responsibility.
Mike Connelly, U.S.A.

I have seen some people who are destroyed in the short run by winning the lottery Munir Hassan, UK

It is sad to read what others say on here. Pre-judging a winner. The winner very well may help the needy. This is America, it doesn't mean the land of greed, it means the land of opportunity and people who work very hard for what they have. Most Americans donate a lot, and if you haven't checked statistics lately, we send more money and help more countries than any other in the world!
Greg Williams, USA

Playing the lottery ruins people in the long run. I have seen some people who are destroyed in the short run by winning the lottery. The greed for money lies deep inside a person's heart. Please. This is an appeal, stop playing the lottery!
Munir Hassan, UK

It's only money and you can't take it with you.
Brian L. Reynolds, USA

People who complain about the evils of money have rarely been without it. If they had been without it, they would be dumbfounded by comments like "It's only money." I grew up in a house where Christmas presents weren't a certainty and my Dad could be laid off at any moment. I'm not the least bit disturbed by the prize or concerned over how it will be spent.
Gerald Joyce, Chicago, USA

So much percent should go towards the poor. If I won, I would keep $2m and give to the poor/charity foodbank etc the rest of the money and build free hospitals in a Third World country.
Harjap, Canada

Keep in mind most lotteries in the US put a good share towards community improvement projects and other charitable causes. 50% of ticket fees of the Powerball and other lotteries goes back into Colorado. I'm sure other states here have a similar percentage.
Tom Cramer, CO, USA

Largest in the US? How does this compare to other lotteries in the world?
Arnaud G, London, UK

It's stories like this that make me go and buy the next lottery ticket.
Daniel M., Estonia

With that kind of money in your pocket, any man can become king. Congratulations whoever you are. What a new start to year 2003.
Jones M. Ilukena, Zambia

Now the winner will discover the real meaning of petty jealousy and greed. They have my genuine sympathies.
Paul Harper, UK

Looking over the comments from readers so far, one has to wonder why so few people ever just feel good for someone else's good fortune and say "Congratulations." As for those who would give it all away to homeless whales who've been victimised by land mines - the real value of an untested virtue is not to be overestimated.
Stephen M. Pickstone, MD, USA

Ah good luck to him. Unlike in the UK the US Government will probably take about $150m of that prize money in tax so he really will only get half of that in cash. Still I wouldn't complain eh! Happy new year to him I say, and Uncle Sam they are both winners...
Tony Stewart, UK

Can you imagine how much good one could do with that much money? Go on. Buy yourself a place in people's happy memories.
Stefano, UK

If I won I would soon own my own country and go to space to be the third space tourist. But on the other hand so many people have their lives ruined because of money. Michael Jackson may be rich but I would rather my life over his.
Bill, Australia