From splurging on a ‘whizz-bang’ sewing machine and a new shed to being trackside at the Monaco Grand Prix and skydiving, recent Aussie division one winners have shared some of the unique ways they’ve enjoyed their lottery loots.
The Lott has revealed how a major lottery prize has changed the lives of previous division one winners ahead of Thursday’s $150 million Powerball draw – the third biggest prize ever offered by an Australian lottery game.
The $150 million Powerball jackpot, which coincidentally falls on the game’s 28th year anniversary on Thursday 23 May 2024, comes after there have been no division one winning entries during the past six draws.
BRISBANE MEDIA CALL: ANTICIPATION BUILDS AHEAD OF THURSDAY’S $150 MILLION POWERBALL DRAW
WHEN: 10am, Thursday 23 May 2024 WHERE: The Lott store Street level (up the stairs to the left of the escalator and to the right of the CQUniversity building) 180 Ann Street, Brisbane City WHO: The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell More facts and figures about this week’s $150 million Powerball draw are available here
The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell said while most division one winners commonly bought a new home, enjoyed a lavish holiday, and helped family and friends, some winners weren’t afraid to step outside of the box and indulge in some rather unique plans.
“We asked last year’s division one winners what they did with their prizes and the top responses were: Investing money for the future (52%), helping family and friends (40%), buying a new car (35%), paying off the mortgage (26%) and buying a new home (26%),” she revealed.
“Of course, everyone has their own unique dreams and Aussie division one winners have shared the varied ways they used their prize to enjoy life to the full, help others or just simply relish buying those things that were previously out of reach.”
Enjoying life
- “A cruise for the whole family for one week after Christmas… 38 people.”
- “Went to the Monaco Grand Prix. Always been a life dream to do so.”
- “We’re taking a family trip to France in a month.”
- "I did a skydive over the Gold Coast.”
Helping others
- “Helped my son with some of his bills and preparation for his wedding.”
- “Apart from buying a house and car, I also donated some money to my son and best friend.”
- “We gave every close relative a gift of the same amount. They each received a separate cheque with a note to use as they wanted. That gave us so much joy. We have set our own three kids up with a deposit for a house.”
- “We are in the process of setting up a not-for-profit charity to donate to a range of charities, including but not limited to the Royal Flying Doctors, Royal Children's Hospital and CANTEEN.”
More unique purchases
- “Brought a new whizz-bang sewing machine.”
- “We paid for my sister’s decking.”
- “Just sensible things like a fence and a shed.”
- “I did purchase some home items that will immediately make my life more comfortable: New washing machine, fridge and leaf blower for the yard. Looking at an electric gate for the property entry.”
Ms Hobdell said Thursday night’s momentous $150 million Powerball draw gave players the chance to dream big and claim the title as Australia’s biggest individual lottery winner.
“We expect up to half of Australian adults to have an entry into the $150 million Powerball draw with many Aussies hoping to tick some amazing aspirations off their bucket list,” she said.
“If one person takes home the entire $150 million Powerball prize on Thursday night, they’ll not only expect a hefty boost to their bank account, but they’ll instantly become Australia’s biggest individual lottery winner.
“An inner-Sydney mum in her 40s currently holds the title for the biggest individual lottery winner in Australia after scoring a phenomenal $107 million in 2019.
“Despite becoming a newly minted millionaire, she continues to clean and cook for her family but was happy to ‘never pick up a single iron ever again’.
“We can’t wait to see if we’ll be calling anyone on Thursday night to let them know they’ve scored a life-changing division one prize.
“For anyone wanting the chance to win, don’t leave it too late to grab your entry. For a prize of this magnitude, we’re expecting it to be busy in-store and online leading right up until the draw’s close at 7.30pm AEST on Thursday 23 May 2024.”
Tickets into the $150 million Powerball draw 1462 can be purchased at any licenced lottery outlet, online from thelott.com or via The Lott mobile app.
