Upon claiming the Mega Millions jackpot, the prize winner is given the option to receive the prize winnings in a single cash payment. The gross cash option will represent the sum of the first annuity installment plus the net proceeds from the sale of the government securities originally purchased to fund the annuity prize. Government securities are susceptible to financial market conditions; therefore the amount that is actually realized may vary from the amount originally invested, especially with the passage of time. As a result, the risk of loss rests with the prize winner.