Important point: That's thing he's holding is not a real check that will get deposited. It is purely symbolic for purposes of the photo. Note that it's also made out to James B. rather than a full name.

Without knowing the details of that particular lottery, it is also possible that the lottery is, in fact, going to hold the money in trust and pay out a smaller amount each year for some number of years. That is fairly common, since it let's the lottery take advantage of investment gains on that money in the meantime, such that the actual cost to them is less than the nominal total. Spreading out the payments may also have tax advantages for the winner, so this isn't necessarily a bad thing, though it does make the stated value of the prize somewhat misleading. Always read the fine print, and understand the trade-offs that maybe offered to you.

Important point: That's thing he's holding is not a real check that will get deposited. It is purely symbolic for purposes of the photo. Note that it's also made out to James B. rather than a full name.

Without knowing the details of that particular lottery, it is also possible that the lottery is, in fact, going to hold the money in trust and pay out a smaller amount each year for some number of years. That is fairly common, since it lets the lottery take advantage of investment gains on that money in the meantime, such that the actual cost to them is less than the nominal total. Spreading out the payments may also have tax advantages for the winner, so this isn't necessarily a bad thing, though it does make the stated value of the prize somewhat misleading. Always read the fine print, and understand the trade-offs that may be offered to you.