From yoga retreats in Bali to a corporate box at the football, Set for Life division one winners have used their prizes to unlock all sorts of life-changing experiences.
Research by The Lott has revealed that many in this select group used their prize to pay off mortgages, travel the world, and support their nearest and dearest. However, many also pursued personal passions and made thoughtful gestures to truly show how their lives had changed.
Set for Life, launched 10 years ago today, is the only Australian lottery game that offers a division one prize of $4.8 million, paid in monthly instalments of $20,000 a month for 20 years, for up to four winners each night of the week.
To date, Set for Life has awarded 159 Australians the life-altering division one prize, with more than $169 million in prize money already paid in monthly instalments.
However, two Aussies remain oblivious to their good fortune, with two Set for Life division one prizes unclaimed, each worth $4.8 million. In New South Wales and the ACT, players have six years from the date of the draw to claim their prize.
The first mystery player held a division one winning entry in Set for Life draw 2072, drawn Thursday 8 April 2021, purchased from Thistle Kiosk, Keltie St, Woden.
The second mystery player held a division one winning entry in draw 3404, drawn Saturday 30 November 2024, purchased from Nextra Kiama, Kiama Village Shopping Centre, 143 Terralong Street, Kiama.
If the winners had been part of The Lott Members Club and registered their ticket to a player card or online account, they would have already been alerted to their good fortune and be enjoying their annuity prize.
Celebrating the monthly payday All Set for Life winners are paid their monthly instalments on the 15th of each month. Many winners mark their monthly boost to their bank account with a celebration:
- “I always buy myself some expensive flowers from my favourite florist.”
- “We go out for dinner or have a lovely lunch somewhere. Every time we transfer the funds, we say aloud ‘Thank you for the gift!’ and reflect on the joy of the amazing opportunity we’ve been given.”
- “We call it ‘WOOHOO day’ and always say it when the money lands.”
- “I show my family who are near me at the time and smile.”
Giving back and paying it forward Set for Life winners have also used their prizes to help others:
- “I paid for my grandkids’ braces — something I’d been planning to do, but winning allowed me to do it straight away.”
- “Last Christmas, we donated $5,000 to pay off toy lay-bys for families in our community.”
- “I have been able to share my good fortune with family, friends and charities. So far, I’ve been able to give away over $370,000.”
- “I pay for my dad’s yearly newspaper subscription.”
Unique purchases that spark joy Beyond the big-ticket items, winners have indulged in personal treats and practical upgrades:
- A trip to Bali for yoga training
- A new fridge
- Tahitian pearls
- A corporate box at the football
- A fishing boat
- A ride-on mower
- A renovated kitchen and garden
- A PS5
- A steam mop
Advice from those who’ve won Winners offered heartfelt advice for future prize recipients:
- “Set goals and always appreciate what you had previously. Think about how you can help others."
- “Take your time and enjoy yourself."
- “Set yourself up with what you need and have a holiday you could have only ever dreamed of before. Save some for emergencies and donate some to your favourite charities.”
- “Try to think of the future. Stay true to yourself and don’t change. You won this for a reason, and you should follow that path."
- “Get advice and make plans for the future.”
- “Enjoy yourself and be grateful.”
The Lott spokesperson Khat McIntyre said it was heartwarming to see the many different and meaningful ways winners had embraced their annuity prize.
“While we often hear about winners using their windfalls for new homes, cars or overseas adventures, it’s the smaller, everyday joys that really stand out,” she said.
“From buying fresh flowers each month to taking a moment to be grateful, these stories show how the prize continues to bring happiness long after their initial win.
“Astonishingly, two people should be enjoying this same monthly prize, but they’ve yet to come forward.
“It’s a powerful reminder to register your ticket to a player card or online account. If the owner of these two unclaimed Set for Life tickets had been registered with The Lott Members Club, we would have been able to contact the winners directly.
“We’ve seen winners discover tickets in all sorts of places, from sock drawers, birthday cards, and gloveboxes. These two prizes could still change someone’s life.
“We can’t wait to check in with our winners again soon and hear how they’ve continued to enjoy their Set for Life prize, whether it’s through big dreams or small, joyful moments."
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 2024, more than 195.3 million winners took home more than $4.84 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 $1.8 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.