The 10 biggest American lottery jackpots ever

E. Jason Wambsgans, Chicago Tribune

Patricia and Merle Butler, of Red Bud, Ill., won more than $218 million as part of record $656 million Mega Millions jackpot in April 2012.

Chicago Tribune

Michael Wittkowski, 28, and his girlfriend, Francine Pappas, pose at a news conference in 1984. Wittkowski was the winner of $40 million from the Illinois Lottery in 1984, which at the time was called the largest prize ever won by an individual in North America.

Anthony Souffle, Chicago Tribune

Jesus Davila Jr. won the largest lottery prize in Illinois history at the time when he took home a $265 million jackpot in January 2015.  Davila, a 70-year-old retired professional driver, opted to take his prize as a one-time payment and after federal withholdings will receive $126,890,121. (Anthony Souffle/Chicago Tribune)

Milbert Brown, Chicago Tribune

Sue and Joe Kainz hold an oversize check as they, along with their family, claimed half of the historic $363 million Big Game lottery jackpot.