@Jumpmed @jik @vicfroh
> If the prize amount is given to you as a
> smaller amount if you choose the lump
> sum, then that difference is being
> taken by the government.

INCORRECT.

The lottery does not have $2.04 billion in cash. They have $997.6 million. If you take the lump sum, that's what you get. If you take the 30 year payout, they put the $997.6 million into a self-amortizing annuity that pays you interest -- exactly like you would pay interest to a bank on a mortgage.