This article compiles the world's largest lottery jackpots, highlighting a stark contrast: US prizes are taxed and often paid as annuities, while European prizes are tax-free lump sums. In the US, the IRS withholds 24% of any win over $5,000, and the biggest Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots have grown due to higher ticket prices, more participating states, and slimmer odds. The most extreme European records include Italy's SuperEnalotto paying €371.1 million on a single ticket (February 2023) and a €250 million EuroMillions win in France (August 2025). Other notable wins feature Eurojackpot's €120 million prize in Czechia (May 2026) and the UK Lotto's £66.1 million shared by two tickets (January 2016). Ultimately, the list shows that while US winners face tax obligations, their European counterparts collect the full advertised amount, making those headline figures the true net payouts.