Q: How is the Georgia Lottery cash payout determined? In the recent big payout, the Georgia winner selected the cash option. She received less than $200 million, even though her share was above $300 million. How are the winnings for the cash option figured?
—David A. Manecke, Mableton
A: The Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots are based and advertised on the estimated amount of the 30-year annuity, or payout, of those games, not the one-time payment option. If the winner chooses the cash option, they receive the money what would have been invested in U.S. Treasury securities during a 30-year span, Georgia Lottery spokeswoman Tandi Reddick told Q&A on the News in an email. "That annual return is the amount winners receive each year for the annuity period," she wrote. The securities earn interest and mature during the years invested, resulting in a larger payment over time. Federal and state taxes are deducted from both payment options. Stone Mountain's Ira Curry took the one-time payout of $120 million when she split the Mega Millions jackpot worth $648 million in December, instead of the 30-year annuity.
Q: Recently you had article on underclassmen entering the NFL Draft. Do you know how many entered each year between 2005 and now?
—Jim Reed, Marietta
A: The number of college underclassmen who declared for the NFL Draft has increased five consecutive years to a record 98 for this year's draft, which will be held May 8-10. The breakdown: 2014 — 98; 2013 — 73; 2012 — 65; 2011 — 56; 2010 — 53; 2009 — 46; 2008 — 53; 2007 — 40; 2006 — 62; 2005 – 57.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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