> If they advertised a million dollar prize, I win it and then they tell me it is actually 25k over 40 years This is pretty much how almost all of these things

> If they advertised a million dollar prize, I win it and then they tell me it is actually 25k over 40 years This is pretty much how almost all of these things go, including the state and multi-state lottery jackpots. You can choose your $300M Powerball payout to be paid over 30-40 years, or you can take $125M (very loose numbers) today. Most recipients choose the cash payout, even though of course the jackpot is advertised at the annuity value.