The Big Win - What are the pros and cons?

[slotbender]

As far as any grand jackpots on the IGT slots such as Megabucks, etc., I believe you have the option of taking a lump sum but it will be less than the full jackpot amount. Otherwise, you can take the full jackpot amount over 25 or 30 years in installments. In my opinion, (if I were to be lucky enough to win a very high jackpot) I would always take the lump sum (if possible - depending on which State the casino is in) and worry about the taxes on the next tax season. This will give you time to get tax write-offs to put against your winnings (eg: old lottery tickets/scratchers that were losers, etc.).