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Wia Van Cauwenberghe

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Wia Van Cauwenberghe has been a content writer and editor for more than 20 years; she has always loved writing (and learning!) about different things and has honed her talent in the digital field through her work. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in the University of the Philippines and is now applying her skills and expertise in GambleSpot, an AdWise Partners initiative. In her spare time, she loves traveling, cooking, reading, and walking her dogs.

Recent Article

March 21st, 20255 mins

Mega Millions Winning Ticket of $1.2 Billion Redeemed in California

The $1.2 billion prize winning ticket for Mega Millions has been redeemed in California. The lucky winner is a woman named Rosemary Casarotti, and she opted for the lump sum cash option. Casarotti bought the ticket at a Circle K in December of 2024, and she came forward to claim her life-changing prize this week. The winning ticket from the December 27, 2024, Mega Millions drawing, worth more than $1.2 billion, has finally been redeemed in the state of California. The lucky winner, Rosemary Casarotti, stepped forward this week to claim her massive prize, opting for the one-time lump sum payment instead of the full annuity payout. The winning ticket was purchased at the Circle K Sunshine Food and Gas store in Cottonwood, California, during the holiday season. The jackpot had actually rolled over a few times before reaching the staggering amount. While the winner had up to a year to come forward, Casarotti wasted no time in securing her life-changing payout. Lump sum payout over annuity Rather than taking the full $1.2 billion in annuity payments spread over 30 years, Casarotti elected to receive the lump sum cash option, which amounts to over $571 million. However, this amount is subject to federal taxes amounting to 37%, bringing her net payout down to approximately $360 million. One of the advantages for lottery winners in California is that the state does not consider lottery winnings as taxable income. This means Casarotti will not have to worry about additional state taxes on her prize, unlike winners in some other states where local taxes can significantly reduce winnings. California Lottery policies and public records California law mandates that lottery jackpot winners cannot remain anonymous. The rule is designed to promote transparency and public trust in the lottery system. While Casarotti's name was made public, she chose to forego a formal ceremony held by the California Lottery at the Circle K store where she purchased the winning ticket. Despite remaining mostly private, Carolyn Becker, the California Lottery spokesperson, shared some insights about the winner's reaction. "I had the pleasure of speaking with Rosemary by phone following her win, and I can tell you with certainty how grateful she is and how happy she is to have won this money and to have supported public schools," Becker said. Supporting education in California The California Lottery plays a crucial role in funding the state's education system. According to officials, during the four months leading up to Casarotti's historic win, the lottery raised approximately $89.5 million for K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities in the state. Harjinder Shergill Chima, California Lottery Director, extended congratulations to Casarotti and acknowledged her contribution to the state's educational programs. "We offer Rosemary our heartfelt congratulations for her historic win and our gratitude for her part in supporting the California Lottery's mission to provide extra money for public education," Chima said. Circle K's big win While Casarotti took home the grand prize, the Circle K in Cottonwood, where the ticket was sold, also became a big winner. The store received a $1 million commission from the California Lottery for selling the jackpot-winning ticket. "It's an amazing feeling to know that our store played a part in making lottery history," stated Ishar Gill, whose family owns the Cottonwood Circle K. "Our customers are the heart of our business, and we're grateful to be a part of such an amazing community." A historic win in lottery history Casarotti's jackpot win ranks as the ninth-largest lottery prize in US history along with the fifth-largest in the history of Mega Millions. The game, which debuted in 1996 as The Big Game, has since become one of the most popular lotteries in the country. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot remain astronomical, with a lone ticket having a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of matching all five white balls along with the gold Mega Ball. Starting next month, the cost of playing Mega Millions will increase from $2 to $5 per ticket. The Megaplier, an add-on currently costing $1, will be automatically included in all future purchases. For now, Rosemary Casarotti joins the ranks of history-making lottery winners, taking home a fortune that will undoubtedly change her life forever.

All the Latest

March 21st, 20254 mins

DraftKings Launches Electric Poker in New Jersey

DraftKings has just launched Electric Poker in New Jersey, and it has brought a whole new excitement to players in the state. DraftKings first brought Electric Poker to players in Michigan and Pennsylvania, making New Jersey the third state where the title is played. DraftKings has officially introduced its groundbreaking Electric Poker game to the New Jersey market, making it the third state...

March 20th, 20254 mins

PGCB Reveals Statewide Casino Revenue Down in February

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board recently revealed that the gross gaming revenue in Pennsylvania has decreased this February. The PGCB noted that the main driver of this is brick and mortar casinos, although oddsmakers were also affected when the Philadelphia Eagles won in the Super Bowl. Pennsylvania's gaming industry experienced a significant revenue decline in February, as oddsmakers...

March 20th, 20254 mins

New York Senate Committee Successfully Advances Bill Prohibiting Sweepstakes Games

The New York Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering committee officially advanced a bill, S5935, which moves to prohibit sweepstakes gaming in the state. Even though the bill isn't scheduled for a hearing yet, the passing of it by the New York Senate committee is a vital step in the fight to make social and sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks illegal in NY. A bill that would ban sweepstakes...

March 19th, 20255 mins

Betting on March Madness Now Possible at Robinhood Care of Kalshi

Robinhood, a well-known trading platform, is collaborating with Kalshi in offering a prediction markets hub in its app, which includes the chance to wager on the upcoming March Madness tournament. For now, it has been announced that there will be betting or trading on all games in March Madness in all 50 US states care of Robinhood and Kalshi. Robinhood, the renowned trading platform, has...

March 19th, 20254 mins

BetMGM Players Win Two Consecutive Jackpots Worth Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars

On February 19 and 20, a total of two jackpot wins on slots happened at the BetMGM Casino in Michigan. One player took home the grand prize of $577,164 on the MGM Grand Millions slot, and just a day after, another player won an astonishing total of $654,175 on the slot game MegaJackpots Fortune Coin. Michigan players struck gold at BetMGM Casino, winning two massive progressive jackpots on...

March 18th, 20254 mins

Department of Consumer Protection Issues High5Games Suspension for Illegal Operations Online

The Department of Consumer Protection in Connecticut has issued a suspension of license for High5Games, which it says also illegally operated another online casino. High5Games is a legal licensed service provider in the state of Connecticut - but in a recent investigation conducted by the DCP, it was found that High5Games also illegally operates High5Casino, which is unlicensed. The...

March 18th, 20254 mins

Japan All Set to Reopen Bidding on Casinos While Millions Bet Illegally

Japan may be ready to resume bidding for casino licenses next year in response to a gaming law that was issued in 2018. Seven years on, only a single casino license has been awarded to MGM Resorts International and construction is only just beginning. Meanwhile, there are still two licenses on offer, and millions of Japanese are reportedly gambling illegally online. Japan is reportedly...

March 17th, 20255 mins

MGM Boosts Earnings Through Different Strategies, Including Increasing ATM Fees

MGM Resorts International is reportedly cutting costs and boosting its earnings through different means. One strategy is by raising its ATM charges and fees and another is by moving and reusing furniture in the various resort properties instead of purchasing new desks and couches. MGM Resorts International is implementing a series of fee hikes and cost-saving measures to maximize earnings,...

March 17th, 20255 mins

Bet365 Sports Betting Goes Live in Illinois and Tennessee

Bet365 has finally launched sports betting in Illinois and Tennessee after months of speculation. The gaming giant made its debut in Tennessee just last week, while it also launched in Illinois a few days prior after securing a license in February and December, respectively. After months of anticipation, bet365 has officially launched online sports betting in Tennessee last week, mere days...

March 14th, 20254 mins

Upcoming March Madness Predicted to Draw at Least $3 Billion Legal Wagers

The highly-anticipated March Madness is all set to start next week, and according to the American Gaming Association, the college basketball tournaments are predicted to draw an expected $3.1 billion in legal and regulated bets. However, the AGA also stated that more money will be wagered illegally in unlicensed sports betting sites. The highly anticipated 2025 March Madness men's and women's...

March 13th, 202516 mins

Michigan’s Best Breweries: Top Spots for Craft Beer Lovers

People are seeing beer differently in today’s world – perhaps it’s a shift in preference to something more special and unique, something more customized as opposed to something more generic. But just as more individuals prefer the relaxed, more intimate setting of a beer brewery to the high-octane vibe of a night club, the evidence shows that breweries are also on the rise, and have...

March 7th, 202530 mins

Michigan Nightlife: Best Bars, Clubs, and Hotspots

Among all the cities in the northeast, no state is quite like Michigan. It’s a state that has had its share of unique occurrences and happenings, and Michigan has a charm that remains unrivalled by any other state – but it’s a best-kept secret that’s only known to a certain few. If you ever happen to spend a night or two in the state, it has more than a few surprises up its...

March 5th, 202517 mins

Marisa Lankester: A Journey Through the Underworld of Sports Betting

Believe it or not, Marisa Lankester's journey from a very privileged upbringing to the perilous world of illegal sports betting is a compelling tale of risk, resilience, and finally, redemption. Her poignant, raw memoir, "Dangerous Odds: My Secret Life Inside an Illegal Billion Dollar Sports Betting Operation," offers an insider's perspective on a secretive industry dominated by high stakes...

February 28th, 202532 mins

Discover Pennsylvania's Elite Celebrity Enclaves

Of course, we mustn’t forget Pennsylvania’s crucial role in the formation of the country, and the state is known for its rich history combined with its picturesque landscapes and its bustling metropolitan areas. But one thing that has surprised many is the number of celebrities that have chosen to make Pennsylvania their home. It has become the go-to place for an astonishing number of...

February 27th, 202515 mins

Explore Pennsylvania's Premier Weekend Destinations

You must all have heard of the Poconos, for instance, which is a veritable hidden gem and presents the ideal escape because it’s just a few hours’ drive from any city. But within the city of Philadelphia itself, there are a myriad reasons to explore, so why not take a staycation in the city and discover its secret haunts and cultural attractions? Third on the list is the pleasant county of...

February 26th, 202512 mins

Vanessa Selbst: From Poker Prodigy to Financial Powerhouse

But wait – there’s certainly more! She has also retained the title of the highest-earning woman poker player in history, as she won the 2013 PCA high-roller for $1.4 million. It is said that her overall tournament winnings are just south of $12 million, and we can all agree that she is the most successful female poker player in history. Indeed, Vanessa Selbst stands as a monumental figure...

February 25th, 202514 mins

Dive into Oscars Betting: Legalities and Opportunities Unveiled

Kidding aside, no matter which way you look at it, the stars of Hollywood shine brightest among a constellation filled with heavenly bodies. And among all the glittery gatherings of these stars, there is nothing that gets more attention (and oohs and ahhs from ordinary mortals like us) than the Academy Awards, fondly referred to as The Oscars. The Academy Awards celebrate excellence in every...

February 21st, 202522 mins

Unwind at Pennsylvania's Best Spas: A Guide to Luxurious Retreats

Yes, it’s true: Pennsylvania offers a diverse array of luxury spas, with each spa providing one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experiences to revitalize the mind, body, and spirit. So whether or not you're seeking a day of pampering or even a weekend retreat, the state's top spas are guaranteed to cater to your every desire. These spas offer the best massages you could ever hope for, and they...

February 17th, 202512 mins

Explore Alpine, NJ – Where Luxury Living Meets Celebrity Charm

New Jersey, in particular, stands out among these states because it is very progressive – as evidenced by its stance on gambling, as it is a pioneer on gaming regulation - and it could very well be emulated by other states in this regard. But there is another aspect that distinguishes New Jersey from all the rest: its towns and neighborhoods. The Garden State lives true to its name, as it...

February 14th, 202518 mins

Experience the Best Nightlife Pennsylvania Has to Offer

Whether you are seeking your home away from home and relaxing with a special someone away from prying eyes or looking to explore Pennsylvania’s ever-vibrant night scene with your friends, from vibrant clubs in Philadelphia to cozy breweries in Pittsburgh, there’s no doubt about it - Pennsylvania’s nightlife scene is as rich and varied as its history. There are indeed lots of places and...

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