
Todd Betzold
News writer
Todd is a freelance writer who has always had a love for all things Lottery.
Todd has been creating a variety of content for over 14 years, and his first paid writing job was covering the first season of The Voice! He has always had a love for gambling, whether it was playing poker with his family as a teen or hitting up the casino when he was old enough to get in. Now, he gets to write about it, so even better! Based out of Michigan with his partner and fur baby Luka, Todd enjoys movies, streaming too much Netflix, spending way too much time at the casino, and hoping to be the next billionaire winner of the Powerball or Mega Millions!
- Hometown
- Born in Bay City, Michigan, currently living in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- Education
- Bachelor's degree in Broadcasting and Journalism from Central Michigan University
- Professional work experience
- Todd has been creating a variety of content for over 15 years, and his first paid writing job was to cover the first season of The Voice!
- Certification and awards
- Google Ad Certification
- Languages
- English
In Todd's own words...
What I like about working for Lottery USA
Todd has always had a love for gambling, whether it was playing poker with his family as a teen or hitting up the casino when he was old enough to get in. With Lottery USA, he gets to write about what he loves to do! In addition, Todd is a true crime lover, so he has been able to work his love for crime into covering news stories involving the lottery.
What most excites and intrigues you about the lottery?
Since joining Lottery USA, I have been able to learn a lot more about the different lottery games offered throughout the country. While I was familiar with my in-state games and the big multistate games, learning about what other states offer is an interesting part of the job.
Best run US state lottery?
I am biased here, but I have to say Michigan. We offer great games and a wide variety, so there is something to play on a daily basis, with some pretty good jackpots available for each one.
What’s your most memorable lottery moment?
I'd say one of my most memorable moments was turning 18 and finally being able to buy lottery tickets myself. Walking up to the counter and buying an instant lottery ticket. Of course, not winning on it, but hey, that would have made an even better memory, huh?
What would you do if you won the Powerball jackpot?
If I were to win the Powerball jackpot, I think I would go into hiding for a while and figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I would definitely pay off all my debt. I would give some money to my close friends and family so they can live comfortably. I would then do a lot of traveling, as that is something I have always wanted to do and never been able to do. Where's Todd? Probably on some tropical island, so good luck finding him!
Can you share an interesting fact about yourself?
I used to weigh over 360 pounds! After finally deciding to get my health in order, I lost over 140 pounds. I have successfully been able to maintain that weight loss for the past five years and in October 2024, I ran a half marathon. Needless to say, that race was a little emotional for me, but the hard work and determination paid off for me.
Todd's latest articles
594 articles-
Can Friday the 13th be lucky again? $264M jackpot up for grabs
Some call it cursed, but Friday the 13th has delivered millions in Mega Millions winnings. Could this be your turn?
Todd Betzold
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Clerk threatened, tickets taken — police say the suspect used a fake gun
The plan? Walk in, fake a gun, and leave with tickets. The outcome? Jail time and a court date.
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Lottery ticket scam resurfaces — NYPD urges New Yorkers to stay sharp
Someone claims they can't cash their lottery ticket and need your help? The 71st Precinct says walk away fast.
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Big winner's big change: From not guilty to serving time
Kentucky Powerball winner initially pleaded not guilty to charges but is now requesting to serve out his sentence.
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Florida sheriff arrested in high-stakes illegal gambling case
Authorities say the sheriff protected the business, which took in $21.6 million before the bust.
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Loose lottery balls force do-over in Massachusetts draw
A mix-up with the machine door led to a chaotic but comically human moment, all fixed with a late-night draw.
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Michigan Lottery signs deal to level up online player experience
Players can expect a smoother, smarter, and more rewarding digital lottery experience by 2026.
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Lottery couriers may see big changes under New Jersey's new proposal
The 60-day comment period is now open, inviting players and pros to weigh in on the future of ticket delivery.
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$793K win shocks duo who just started playing the lottery together
They thought it was a mistake. Spoiler: it wasn't. Now they're planning a debt-free future.
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Texas Lottery gets a legal break, but the bigger battle is just beginning
With the lawsuit dropped, attention shifts to an agency under fire and a jackpot winner still fighting.
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Biggest ever: Mississippi Match 5 jackpot hits $1 million milestone
With 50 drawings since the last win, could tonight finally make someone a millionaire in Mississippi?
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Survey says jackpot winners pick mom first — who would you call?
But not everyone dials Mom — some winners go for friends, spouses..., and even ex-wives.
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Lucky Thursday: Pick 5 players scored $783K in jackpots across two states
With big wins in Ohio and Nebraska, some wonder: Will this jackpot wave roll into the weekend?
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Judge says lottery theft case against Nebraska man can move ahead
He cashed in the $300K winning ticket, but court docs say he broke the rules to do it.
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Life-changing lottery wins are days from expiring. Who's missing out?
One lucky Hoosier and one Bayou shopper are sitting on gold and might not even know it.
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Scratch-off heist caught on video — now police want your help
He waited for a moment of distraction, then reached, grabbed, and ran. But the camera didn't blink.
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Powerball vs. Mega Millions: Who really rules the big jackpot jungle?
Two giants with billions in the game. But which one gives dreamers a better shot at glory?
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Man sues ex over $5M lottery ticket, claims she ghosted him
She says it was a birthday gift. He says it was his ticket. The courts will now decide the truth.
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Texas Lottery winner's dream turns into $83.5M courtroom fight
She's played for years without issue. But this time, her win is stuck in legal limbo, and she's not backing down.
Todd Betzold