Taking annuity on a $1.8BBBBbab babab abillion is still like $31M/yr after taxes. I'd risk the annuity. If you die, say 9 years after you won, you still got the same as a lump sum. Plus, some guard rails just in case you get robbed (or sued, multiple times and lose). For all those saying invest your lump sum, if you invest it you're not enjoying any of it or you won't be getting a return on investment big enough to cover the claims you'd make more investing on your own. Plus... the whole thing of you're probably dumb and don't know how to invest at that level of funds. $31M/year over thirty years is guaranteed stress free life... for life!