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
927 articles-
Iowa Lottery has one of its best years ever — here's whyScratch games stayed on top, while Powerball delivered one of the year's biggest surprises.
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Lottery company's latest results point to changing player habitsDigital lottery play is booming, but traditional games are still driving most revenue.
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Uncle accused of keeping $2 million lottery prize meant for nieceShe says she bought the winning ticket but asked a relative to claim it because she feared deportation.
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Lottery winners know the system best. Are state lotteries listening?Former jackpot winners could offer insights on claims, taxes, publicity, and player education.
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Megabucks hits historic $25M as weekend jackpots keep climbingPowerball has topped $700 million, while California players are chasing a prize worth more than $40 million.
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Postal inspector in lottery scam unit admits role in $330K theftHe investigated lottery fraud. Now he's accused of stealing cash mailed by elderly scam victims.
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Boating dispute leads to another arrest for $167.3M Powerball winnerThe Kentucky jackpot winner has now faced four arrests since becoming an overnight multimillionaire in 2025.
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Chasing millions? Here are the biggest lottery jackpots right nowPowerball and Mega Millions lead the list, but state lotteries also have million-dollar prizes awaiting winners.
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Six players win $1M as Powerball jackpot grows to the biggest of 2026U.K. players are still chasing their first top-tier prize, as the jackpot grew to an estimated $633 million.
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Did U.K. players change Powerball? First drawing offers early cluesWe compared Monday's results with Wednesday's to see whether the international expansion made an early impact.
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Infamous "Triple Six Fix" lottery ticket heads to auction after 46 yearsA chance estate sale find is bringing one of Pennsylvania's most notorious lottery scandals back to life.
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Powerball goes global today with its official U.K. debutU.K. players can buy their first Powerball tickets today, with a few key differences from the U.S.
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$34.12M Lotto America jackpot finally has a winning ticketThe first jackpot of 2026 also strengthened Minnesota's claim as Lotto America's luckiest state.
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Should state lotteries spend less on promoting lottery games?A new argument claims that cutting ads could save money without hurting ticket sales.
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Record lottery funding marks the end of National Lottery WeekThis year's Lottery Week finale wasn't just about jackpots. It was about record money flowing back to the public.
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Kentucky Lottery winner's legal saga takes another turnA grand jury returned new charges tied to a 2025 crash that allegedly endangered another driver.
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Three new millionaires emerge as the Mega Millions jackpot keeps climbingWhile no one hit all six numbers, three Match 5 winners won prizes ranging from $2 million to $4 million.
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Who gets the lottery jackpot after this divorce? The court answersThe couple had already split, but a paperwork mistake sparked one last fight over the jackpot.
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Why lotteries across the U.S. are celebrating this weekNational Lottery Week celebrates players, retailers, and lottery-funded programs with special promotions.
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Have lottery drawings become too frequent?Traditional lottery culture may be fading as younger players look for faster digital experiences.
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$12.8M lottery fight heats up as ex-manager reveals new defenseA new court filing claims employees were forced to buy misprinted tickets, and now six co-workers back the story.
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Could a trashed lottery ticket still be worth £12 million?A U.K. player's incredible claim has sparked an investigation after her ticket was reportedly thrown away by mistake.
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Kansas Lottery sued over alleged illegal sales on tribal landThe tribe wants a judge to halt ticket sales at roughly two dozen locations while the legal fight plays out.
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Happy little scratch-offs? Bob Ross joins the lottery worldThe first-ever licensing agreement could turn one of television's most recognizable artists into a scratch-off star.
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Independence Day means fireworks, cookouts, and giant jackpotsJuly 4th may shut down banks and offices, but lottery players still have nearly $1 billion to chase.
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Megabucks enters the Fourth of July with its largest jackpot everThe jackpot has climbed to $22.25 million, a level longtime players have never seen before.
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State lotteries are joining America's 250th birthday celebrationThe commemorative games are arriving just as July 4th travel and celebrations ramp up.
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Millions in Nebraska Lottery funds are frozen as lawsuit moves forwardA judge ruled the money should stay put until the courts decide who has the right to spend it.
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Fight over $12.8M lottery ticket takes another unexpected turnA customer and a Circle K employee have entered the battle over the unsold jackpot winner.
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Mom wants the Ohio Lottery to block her son's alleged winning payoutShe says the ticket was purchased with her funds and is asking a judge to put the money on hold.
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