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From flying to Vegas for a friend’s Elvis-themed wedding to upgrading to a new head of hair, Aussie division one winners have revealed some of the wonderfully unique ways they’ve enjoyed their lottery fortunes.
In 2024, there were 441 division one winning entries across the country and across all lottery games that collectively delivered more than $1.56 billion in division one prize money.
The Lott’s Annual Winners Report, derived from surveys conducted with last year’s division one winners, revealed how Aussies have enjoyed their prizes to fulfil long-held aspirations and provide meaningful support to those closest to them.
The Lott’s Annual Winners Report showed that it may one day pay to keep your phone off silent and answer your phone on the first ring.
A quarter of division one winners (25%) discovered their good fortune by receiving a phone call from The Lott. Another 24% found out by checking their ticket against the draw results online.
- “Yelled out, ‘You beauty!’ and scared the dog with my excitement.”
- “I let out a number of swear words and then spent most the night checking my numbers.”
- “I couldn’t form proper sentences and started stuttering. I couldn’t believe my prize money.”
- “I was emotional because of what it meant for my family.”
Investing money for the future (55%), helping family and friends (38%), and purchasing a new car (33%) were the top three ways winners enjoyed their division one prize.
However, many found unique uses for their windfalls:
- “I ordered a pair of hand-crafted leather dress shoes for myself!”
- “I decided to buy a 1936 Oldsmobile.”
- “Bought close family members their own watches to help celebrate.”
- “Visited Vegas for a friend's Elvis Wedding.”
- “Bought electric mountain bikes to go riding on bush trails!”
- “I had a hair transplant in Istanbul for my self-confidence!”
Separately, 17% of winners revealed they used their prize to donate to charities close to their hearts.
Winners frequently described their major lottery prize as “life-changing” and shared the division one win made them feel a sense of relief and security.
- “I felt a great sigh of relief that so much pressure to provide for my family had been lifted, and our future felt far more secure.”
- “I was emotional because of what it meant for my family.”
- “Made so many people’s lives better.”
- “I was just so stunned; I cried and then laughed.”
- “I was excited to think of all the ways I could help my family. It was just such an amazing feeling that’s hard to describe.”
Last year’s winners shared some key advice for future lottery recipients, including taking your time, consulting with professionals, making smart investments, giving back to others, and above all, enjoying your winnings.
- “It’s very easy to go crazy early on, but my advice would be to calm down and carefully think about your future plans.”
- “Treat your win as an opportunity to improve your circumstances, so don’t waste it.”
- “Ride the wave of all your emotions. Don’t be afraid of the change. Trust your instincts.”
- “Sit back, think, and don’t make hasty decisions. Take time to process.”
- Tell very few people and write down who you told.”
The report features exclusive insights from one of the $100 million winners of Australia’s record-breaking lottery draw, who revealed that she has since moved from Hawthorne, Brisbane, to the coast, acquired a beachfront residence, and continues to enjoy each day as it comes.
- “I often speak with my partner about the version of us from last year to now and if only we knew what was to come. We have purchased a place near the ocean on the coast and continue to create lifelong memories with our beautiful family and friends.”
The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell said helping others was a common thread among recent division one winners, many of whom expressed a desire to spend more time with loved ones and support those closest to them.
“Winners often tell us their bodies go into overdrive the moment they hear the life-changing news, with hearts racing, hands trembling, and even a wave of nausea setting in,” she said.
“But once the news sinks in, most winners can’t wait to share the joy with people in the know.
“After the initial shock wears off, many winners are quick to tell their partners, family, or closest mates. Only about 8% keep it completely under wraps and tell absolutely no one.
“For many, the best part of winning is being able to give back, whether it’s helping their kids buy their first home, shouting a holiday for their friends, or even strangers who could use a helping hand.
“In fact, on average, six other people directly benefited from an individual’s division one win.”
Ms Hobdell noted previous winners had offered inspiring advice for those who might one day find themselves holding a life-changing ticket.
“The most consistent piece of advice was to take things slowly, give yourself time to adjust, plan for what’s ahead, and soak in the moment. One winner summed it up best when they said, ‘Take time, there is no rush,” she said.
The official home of Australia’s lotteries, The Lott operates and markets Australia’s leading lottery games customers know and love creating everyday winners, winning every day.