Top Ten Lottery Memes

No matter the topic you’re searching for on the Internet—even something as serious as the coronavirus—you’re likely to find plenty of memes about it. Unsurprisingly, people have a great deal of pent-up aggression about their lottery losses, and some would prefer to express that anger by way of memes. Luckily for us, that means plenty of laughter and relatability. On that note, here are our top ten lottery memes.

1. 1 in 176 Chance of Not Going to Work

This meme is pure truth. For most people playing the lottery, the dream is to win and to never have to work again. Some are thrilled by the idea of just not having to show up, while others bask in the fantasy of being able to brag about the win to their bosses and co-workers. Whichever way you fall, one thing is clear: all of us are excited about our 1 in 176 million chance of not having to go to work on Monday.

2. One Does Not Simply Win Money on a Single Scratch Ticket

We’ve all been there—experiencing the excitement of winning anything off of a scratch-off ticket, just to turn around and buy more to hopefully achieve the same feeling. Gambling is a fun game of risk and award, and if you’re not willing to put what you’ve already won on the line, are you truly having a good time? Just kidding. Please be smart with your lottery winnings, folks. Think of the memes.

3. Bob and James Stocklas' Contrasting Powerball Wins

Bob and James Stocklas’ unbelievable simultaneous wins are just a hilarious meme—they are a peak reality. We’ve all been in Bob’s position. Finally win something? Well, someone else won more. What a mood killer. Still, Bob didn’t let his brother’s $291 million win wipe the smile from his face. In fact, we’re willing to bet he knows James is excited to share his winnings with Bob. Maybe he’ll even double Bob’s winnings!

4. Anonymous Scream Costume Lottery Winner

It’s true that most of us think that winning the lottery means we’ll be able to take care of our families. Unfortunately, for many lottery winners, this hope leads to many unwanted or even unknown relatives coming out of the woodwork. Fortunately, the guy in this meme gives us a plan if it happens to any of us. After all, who doesn’t want to accept millions wearing a Ghostface costume? Jokes aside, staying anonymous after a big win is one of the smartest things you can do for yourself. That's why in China, pretty much everyone claims their prizes in costume.

5. The Winning Reporter Who Quit her Job on Live TV

If you haven’t heard the story of Natalia Escudero, it’s time you do. It’s easy to get excited when you win the lottery, even if it’s not that much money. Unfortunately, finding out on live television while you’re working may be a disadvantage, especially if you’re the type of person to excitedly quit your job without having all of the information. Though Natalia thought she’d won millions, she’d really only won $5,500—not nearly enough to retire early. Oh well, at least she had the opportunity to celebrate with all of the other winners!As the meme reads, she definitely played herself.

6. Paying Taxes on Winnings

Unless you’re lucky enough to live in a country with a tax-free lottery, this is exactly how it feels for those who win big, especially in the United States. Even in states with lower lottery taxes, winners are subject to a 25% federal tax. At that point, it feels like the government is knocking on your door with porridge and begging for your money—only they don’t have to beg; they’ll just stick their hands out like in this meme and demand it.

7. Spending More than You Win

How many times have you spent more than $20 on scratch-off tickets, just to win a measly $2 in return? This is a risk that one must take when playing the lottery, but regardless, it’s frustrating enough to deserve a meme.

8. No Matter the Odds, There's Always a Chance of Winning

Is this not the thought process that all of us have when playing the Powerball—Jim Carrey’s facial expression included? We know we’re likely buying losing tickets, but we choose to play for the thrill of possibility. It gives us all the more reason to be disappointed when someone else gets to take home millions.

9. Moments of Hopefulness 

You’ve probably had a ticket—or ten—in your lifetime that has come so close to having the winning numbers. You’re filled with excitement and hopeful that it’s finally your time to shine. Your Ghostface costume is ready to make its debut at your lottery press conference, when… nope! Once again, you’re disappointed. Why do we play the lottery again?

10. Giving Out Handouts

It’s no joke that lottery winners always tend to become local heroes expected to give handouts to the people of their community—even the ones they barely know. On one hand, it could be nice to have all of that loyalty. On the other hand, such loyalty never lasts, and who wants to go broke taking care of people who are basically strangers (except for charitable donations, of course)? This must be why everyone plans to buy an island if they ever win the lottery.