Richard Lustig was a man who defied the odds and became famous for winning seven state-sponsored lottery games from 1993 to 2010. His total prizes amounted to over $1 million, and he even wrote a book to share his secrets on how to increase the chances of winning the lottery. But how did this lucky man die, and what legacy did he leave behind? In this article, we will explore the life and death of Richard Lustig, the legendary lottery winner.
Early Life and First Wins
Richard Lustig was born in Orlando, Florida, where he worked as an entertainment booking agent. He had a passion for music and played drums in a band. He also had a hobby of playing the lottery, which he started in 1993. His first win was a $10,000 scratch-off ticket, which he used to buy more tickets. He believed that playing the lottery was like any investment, and that he had to reinvest his winnings to get something out of it.
His strategy paid off in 1997, when he won $13,696 in the Florida Fantasy 5 game. He continued to play the lottery regularly, and in 2000 and 2001, he won two holiday trips to Los Angeles and Memphis, respectively. His biggest win came in 2002, when he hit the jackpot of $842,152 in the Florida Mega Money game. He used his money to buy a motorcycle, a sports car, and a custom home.
Fame and Controversy
Richard Lustig’s lottery success attracted media attention, and he was featured on several news outlets, such as ABC News, CNN Money, and Forbes. He also wrote a book called Learn How To Increase Your Chances of Winning the Lottery, which became a bestseller on Amazon. In his book, he revealed his tips and tricks on how to pick the right numbers, avoid common mistakes, and reinvest the winnings.
However, his methods also faced criticism from some experts and journalists, who argued that his advice was based on faulty logic, superstition, or luck. They pointed out that the odds of winning any lottery game are extremely low, and that Lustig’s strategy of using the same numbers repeatedly or buying more tickets does not improve them. They also questioned whether Lustig actually made a profit from his lottery spending, or if he broke even or lost money.
Despite the controversy, Lustig continued to play and win the lottery. He won two more prizes of $73,658 and $98,992 in 2008 and 2010, respectively. He also became a public speaker and a consultant for other lottery players who wanted to learn from him.
Death and Legacy
Richard Lustig died in July 2018 at the age of 67. The cause of death was not officially announced, but according to some sources, he had heart problems and suffered a stroke. He left behind his wife of over 30 years and their two children.
Richard Lustig’s legacy as a lottery winner is still debated by many people. Some see him as an inspiration and a role model for achieving their dreams. Others see him as a conman and a gambler who wasted his money and misled others. Regardless of one’s opinion, it is undeniable that Richard Lustig was a unique and remarkable person who made history with his lottery wins.
