[Lokibob]

Here is an amazing fact: $340 million is the exact same as $164.4 million (the cash option). How? When the top prize is won, the Powerball operations people go to 25 bond dealers in NYC and get bids on bonds to cover the 25 years of the payouts. In this case, they are estimating it will cost them $164.4 million to cover the $340 million over the 25 year period.

Hiring a lawyer isn't going to do you any good, since you can get the $340 million anyway.

[Rebelbase]

"Here is an amazing fact: $340 million is the exact same as $164.4 million (the cash option). How?"

Present value vs. Future value of money. $340 million gained over 20 years is what $164.4 million lump sum is worth today.