James Hayes

Most individuals will never know what it's like to be a millionaire. Would you consider purchasing a mansion? Cars? Vacations? Is it all of the above? You can imagine how enticing that cash would be. So, what would you do if you lost everything?

Jim Hayes earned $19 million, which seemed to be more than enough to live well for the rest of his life. However, Hayes, like so many other victors, overspent. He purchased multi-million dollar residences as well as six Lamborghinis. He went on lavish vacations. He also developed a heroin addiction.

Hayes won the lotto at the age of 35 in 1998 then he spent and spent some more. He borrowed against money he hadn't yet received. It all caught up with him in the end. He turned to pharmaceutical pain relievers due to three ruptured discs. He had to declare bankruptcy by 2007. He was denied access to his winnings, which were used to pay off his obligation. He moved into a low-cost flat that ultimately burnt down.

Hayes had switched to bank robbery by 2017. Over the course of five months, he stole 11 banks. He received only 33 months in prison since he had no prior record and did not employ a weapon.

Lottery Winning Year: January 1997

Nationality: American