Ever wondered how the lucky winners of our lottery games feel about their wildest dreams coming true?
In the 12 months ending 31 December 2022, there were 508 division one winning entries across Australia in all lottery games that collectively won more than $1.6 billion in division one prize money.
We surveyed our division one winners* to find out how they enjoyed their prizes and how their windfalls changed their lives.
Ring ringMore than a third (35%) of winners were surprised and delighted with the winning news over the phone. It could pay to have your phone on hand!
Spreading the word Most winners couldn’t wait to share the winning news with those closest to them, whether it was their partner, family or friends. Only 10% kept it under wraps and told absolutely no one.
Sharing is caringAlmost half (49%) of division one winners shared they used their prize to help family and friends. 12% of winners revealed they used their prize to donate to charities close to their hearts.
The trip of a lifetime!Almost half of the division one winners (48.3%) used their prize to explore what the world has to offer, booking an immediate holiday to all corners of Australia and around the globe.
Europe and Asia were among the most popular overseas destinations, while Tasmania and Queensland were attractive holiday spots closer to home.
Top of the wish listWhile the possibilities are endless, the top three things on the wish list for division one winners were:
1. Investing money for the future (56%)
2. Helping family and friends (49%)
3. Paying off the mortgage or buying a new house (48%)
Winners could select more than one response.
About the winnersThe survey received a strong response from NSW, VIC, and QLD division one winners, particularly those who enjoyed a win in Saturday Lotto, who made up 64% of survey respondents.
46% of division one winners who participated in the survey won up to $3 million in prize money.
The rollercoaster of winning emotions
From sudden shock to stunned silence, many winners discovered that a division one win can often bring the joy of the unexpected!
Some admitted having a physical reaction to the winning news and were left shaking with excitement, feeling motionless and even struggling to breathe.
“We sat motionless as hours ticked by. We forgot to eat lunch and we could not comprehend how this was going to impact us. We felt relief and just stunned. It took over eight hours before we could discuss what we do next.”
Let the celebrations begin!
A glass of champagne with a loved one, a large jamboree or even a quiet night at home with a warm cup of tea. Many winners embraced celebrations that were best suited to them and shared the winning moment with their nearest and dearest.
“I celebrated my winnings with a massive smile and shared a chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne and a delicious meal at a nearby Chinese restaurant with my husband.”
“I retired from work that week. We had a great send off. I drove interstate to celebrate with my family there.”
60% of division one winners who participated in the survey shared the news with their immediate family.
The sentiments behind a special win
Our winners often describe winning the lottery as a beacon of hope and positivity that draws them closer to their life-long dreams and long-held aspirations, whether they’re big or small.
For some Aussies, winning division one allowed them to embrace early retirement and enjoy financial freedom or even acquire the keys to their very first home.
Basking in the glow of newfound wealth also allowed some winners to make special purchases – including upgrades to engagement and wedding rings, and even a pinball game to relive childhood adventures!
“Once we got our house, car and helped our children, my partner and I had $10,000 each to buy something we have always wanted. So, I upgraded my engagement and wedding rings, and my husband bought a pinball game. Now we will leave the rest so we have something we can leave for our boys for when we pass because that means so much more to us than wasting money on pointless possessions.”
Dreaming of what your own winning experience might be like?
Dare to dream beyond the win
The fun doesn’t stop once the winning moment is over!
Many winners envision countless possibilities beyond their windfalls and find ways to maximise their prize to its full potential.
It could be creating a philanthropic legacy, globetrotting adventures or the pursuit of passions that create a positive impact on their own lives and others!
“We are planning a family holiday now my pregnancy is over. Looking forward to being able to travel around and explore different parts of the world.”
“My dream is a world cruise with hubby and just not stress and we want to go to Europe in the summer. I would also love to open a little cafe. Love knowing dreams do come true.”
“Do some essential work on our family home in Australia and a little on our ancestral home in Greece.”
Advice from those in the know
While winning the lottery is a feeling like no other and everyone’s experience is different, our winners are always eager to share their words of wisdom with the next group of major lottery winners.
The most common advice is:
“Our advice would be to celebrate the win but take your time to sit with it and really think about what that money can do for your family.”
“Contact a financial planner as it opened my eyes to how I am able to set my loved ones and myself up for the future.”
“I also recommend always carrying $50 to do random acts of kindness… buskers, Big Issue sellers, etc. It’s worth the look on their face.”
Could this be the beginning of something special for you?
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*The Lott’s Annual Winners Survey has been compiled from data collected through a survey sent to winners of division one across all lottery games between 1 January and 31 December 2022.