John Cheeks Sues Powerball Over $340M Jackpot Claim Denied Due to Website Error

A Washington DC resident's legal battle highlights the complexities of lottery errors and the quest for accountability.

John Cheeks, a Washington DC resident, is suing Powerball after being told his $340 million jackpot win was a mistake due to a website error.
The error occurred when contractor Taoti Enterprises mistakenly posted test numbers on the DC Lottery's live website instead of a development environment.
Despite the mistake, Cheeks's attorney argues there is precedent for compensation, citing a similar incident with the Iowa Lottery.
The lawsuit raises questions about the accountability of lottery operations and the safeguards against such errors.
Powerball is played in 45 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, with odds of winning the jackpot at one in 292.2 million.