Subject: So. Studies/Sciences: U.S./World Issues

Social Issues Series

The Millionaires' Club (Winning the Lottery)

Winning a major lottery is one sure way to enter the exclusive realm known as "The Millionaires' Club"; something most people have dreamed about. We see the faces of those smiling, lucky winners throughout the media when they win the jackpot; then we never hear about them again. Is winning the lottery everything it's made out to be? This documentary provides some answers to that inquisitive question. Here we meet four lottery winners who defied the odds. They share their stories, from how the sudden windfall of money changed their lives to the unexpected trials and tribulations that came with their newfound wealth. One man lost everything in eleven weeks; one woman believes she was guided by a higher power; an older man drove 100 miles once a week to buy his tickets; a couple who open their estate twice a year to offer free holidays to sick children. Woven throughout these stories are facts and statistics about the origins of lotteries, the numbers of players, and the odds of winning the biggest prizes. Released in association with CCI, Releasing, Inc. 2009 JSCA 60 min.