At least in Canada when you win the Lottery you get it all in one lump sum and is Tax Free for 1 Year. After the first year you only pay tax on what interest you collect. In the USA the :soapbox: Government is greedy. You win the $300 Million Power Ball and the leeches are right there for their 40% cut of the pie and then you are forced to take it in an Annuity over the course of 20 years. If you want the money all at once then someone will buy your Annuity at a reduced price and reap the gains.