Most people dream of winning the lottery. But for one 29-year-old man, his $15 million win came with a side of guilt, entitlement and a headache the size of a family.
In a post shared on Reddit, the anonymous winner explained that his financial plans were not reckless. He didn’t run out to buy yachts or sports cars. Instead, he wanted to take courses in business and finance, manage his newfound wealth responsibly, and ultimately give back through charitable work. What didn’t he plan? His parents were demanding a full quarter of the winnings — about $3.75 million — because, in their words, “I raised you.”
A jackpot turned sour
The Reddit post made it clear that this is not a close-knit family taking advantage of shared joy. The man described his upbringing as “remote white middle class”, saying he moved an hour away from his “oppressive mother and distant father”. Although he described his sisters as “nice people”, he noted that they have no real relationship.
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Despite this, when he won the lottery, he offered to pay off his parents’ mortgages and give them a cash gift. But when they learned the full extent of his earnings, that wasn’t enough. “Once they found the full amount,” he wrote, “they expected a quarter of it.”
The conversation escalated. When his mother said “I raised you,” he couldn’t help but think back to the five-year period — from age 15 to 20 — when his parents completely cut off contact. Although he didn’t confront them directly with that memory, he now wonders if he owes them anything.
Cold requests, clear answers
Many Redditors agreed that his parents were unreasonable, entitled, and opportunistic. One user summed it up nicely: “You don’t owe them anything.”
Another commenter presented a detailed legal and financial checklist: hire an attorney and financial advisor, prepare a will and living trust, create powers of attorney for medical and financial decisions, and install a home security system. They ended their commentary with a clear mantra: “People go crazy with money.”
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And they were not alone in that warning. Several users pointed out the need for protection – not just from scammers or strangers, but also from family members who might be willing to sue, manipulate or feel guilty in order to access the prize. One even suggested freezing earnings in a trust for a year just to let emotions cool down and see how people behave.
Entitled parents or reasonable request?
Not everyone was completely unsympathetic to the family’s reaction, however. From a devil’s advocate angle, some might say that parents who have supported their child for nearly two decades — through diapers, meals and housing — might feel hurt or left out if they’re only offered a slice instead of a share.
But this perspective depends on a relationship that does not seem to exist in this case. The man’s post did not reveal abuse or violence, but emotional neglect — especially during his formative years — cast a long shadow. Five years of silence from his parents left a mark. And now, with millions on the table, old wounds are reopening under the glare of justice.
“I feel like I’ve been as generous as I can,” he said, noting that he never explicitly told his parents, but assumed it would be clear. What stung the most was that their reaction didn’t reflect pride or joy—it smacked of resentment that they didn’t get more.
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A lesson in limits and richness
The original poster has since emailed his parents to reiterate his offer and firmly state that nothing more will come. Whether and how they respond remains to be seen.
In a later update, he emphasized that this situation is not about seeking revenge or proving a point. It was about maintaining boundaries and protecting the life he worked so hard to rebuild. “I’m not looking to be told how to spend my money or how to be vindictive,” he wrote. “They love me, even if it’s in their own sad way.”
And maybe that’s the hardest part. Winning the lottery can change your bank account, but it doesn’t fix broken relationships. The man walked away with $15 million, but in doing so, he discovered that family ties can break under the weight of expectations. And in his case, no amount of money seems to bring them back together.
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This article Man, 29, Wins $15M Lottery, Offers to Pay His ‘Estranged’ Parents’ Mortgage — But They Want 25% Off, Saying ‘I Raised You’ appeared first on Benzinga.com
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