Interviews, images and overlay available
New real winner’s phone call here
Australian lottery winners are turning their windfalls into acts of kindness this festive season, with winners donating thousands to charities, paying off toy lay-bys in their local communities, and surprising loved ones with dream holidays.
Research by The Lott has revealed the ripple effects of a major lottery win were felt far and wide across Australia this year, with an average of six people directly benefiting from each major prize.
This year, The Lott have awarded 397 Australians (excluding Western Australia) with a life-altering division one win, collectively worth more than $1.28 billion.
Winning big often sparks big-hearted gestures, with 38% of major prize winners using their windfall to spread joy to family and friends.
- “It’s been just amazing. We actually worked out that we’ve helped about 35 people in small ways.”
- "We've surprised family, friends, and our community group with gifts they never expected."
- “I’m taking my daughter and her children to Disneyland for Christmas.”
- “I’m making surprise deposits into family members’ bank accounts leading into Christmas.”
- “I bought my son a boat.”
- “I shouted my friends a holiday to Fiji.”
How winners gave back to charities
The generosity doesn’t stop at friends and family, with 17% of winners revealing they used their prize to donate to charities close to their hearts.
- “Every day brings a new idea, and Christmas is looking good for our chosen charities.”
- "We are involved with a charity that helps the homeless, disabled, and disenfranchised - and now we can make a much-needed substantial donation.”
- “We’re giving to our local Surf Life Saving club, RSL Queensland, and a few children’s charities.”
- "I’ll definitely donate to The Children’s Hospital. I have lots of grandchildren myself, so it’s a charity close to my heart."
How winners paid it forward locally
Additionally, major prize winners are planning to sprinkle Christmas cheer throughout their local communities.
- “We have donated 20 $250 gift vouchers to help families pay off their toy lay-bys at our local Toy World."
- “We'll focus on giving back locally - especially supporting small businesses. I can always help by doing some more shopping.”
- “I gave my neighbour an early Christmas present and bought them a battery for their mower.”
- I’m buying my best friend some fencing - she has no idea it's coming!"
Advice from those who’ve won
Majority of winners often emphasise the importance of giving when offering advice to future prize recipients.
- “Share your newfound wealth if you can.”
- “Help others.”
- “Sharing with family is nice and giving to charity is also beneficial.”
- “Know that your win can have a huge impact not only for yourself, but on many others.”
The Lott spokesperson Eliza Wregg shared it was heartwarming to hear the meaningful ways major lottery winners were embracing generosity this Christmas.
“While many winners dream of new homes, cars or overseas adventures, this year we’re seeing a real trend of winners giving back and spreading joy,” she said.
“From Disneyland surprises to substantial donations to charities, our winners are no doubt creating unforgettable moments of joy this holiday season.
“In fact, on average six people directly benefit from an individual’s major prize win – a true testament to our winners big-hearted gestures.
“It’s always fun to imagine who you’d share a major lottery loot with! How would you spread joy with a major prize? Don't miss next week's Oz Lotto draw offering players an outstanding $30 million."
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.
In FY25, more than 123.8 million winners took home more than $4.1 billion in prize money from their favourite games at The Lott, including Saturday Lotto, Weekday Windfall, Powerball, Oz Lotto, Set for Life, Lucky Lotteries, Keno (SA), Super 66, Lotto Strike and Instant Scratch-Its.
Last financial year, Australia’s official lotteries contributed more than $1.66 billion via state lottery taxes and donations to help community initiatives, such as hospitals, health research, disaster relief and education. As part of its commitment to supporting the community, The Lott proudly supports Play For Purpose, the not-for-profit charity raffle that gives Australians the chance to win while helping more than 500 causes across the country.