The Lott by NSW Lotteries is celebrating another year of its long-standing partnership with the Sydney Opera House.

From 1957 to 1986, the Opera House Lottery sold more than 86 million tickets across 496 draws. The $102 million this lottery raised funded the majority of the Opera House’s construction.

On 20 October 1973, the Sydney Opera House opened to the public and has since become one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres, the nation’s premier tourism destination and an architectural masterpiece of the 20th century.

Last year, the connection between Australia’s official lotteries and this Australian icon was renewed to mark the Opera House’s 50th anniversary.

This year, The Lott by NSW Lotteries is celebrating another year as proud Major partner, with a competition offering Aussies the chance to win a Sydney Opera House experience.

The Lott by NSW Lotteries Partnerships Manager Liz McPherson said the rich, shared connection between the two organisations was something worth celebrating.

“It’s still so incredible to think that way back in 1957 when Australians bought their tickets into the very first Opera House Lottery, they were helping to create an incredible international masterpiece and a cultural icon,” she said.

“The Sydney Opera House is just one example of the remarkable impact Australian lottery players have made to the nation. Over the decades, Australia’s official lotteries have also helped to deliver hospitals, world-class research and assistance when disaster strikes.”

Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM said: “The Sydney Opera House simply wouldn’t exist without the support of the community that it was built to serve. Our connection with lotteries dates back to 1957, when tickets into the first Opera House Lottery draw went on sale to fund the construction of what was to become a World Heritage-listed masterpiece.

“More than 50 years later, it’s wonderful to have reconnected with lotteries to highlight our shared connection and to create new ways for everyone in the community to experience the magic of the Sydney Opera House.”

The Lott crowns the winner of Sydney Opera House Social Competition

As proud Major Partners of the Sydney Opera House, we provided the opportunity for our customers to win an incredible prize – an exclusive trip to the Aussie icon, complete with accommodation, Sydney Opera House Presents tickets, a Visa gift card, Bennelong Restaurant voucher, and, of course, Instant Scratch-Its tickets! 

Amy from Queensland took out the iconic prize with her winning comment on our social post eluding to the fact that she had never been to the House and would love to experience the architectural masterpiece up close. 

“I was shocked and in disbelief and was hoping it was real! I was at work and checked my phone on my break and I was so surprised about it that I didn't tell anyone in case it wasn't real!” Amy exuded when we spoke to her. 

“Winning this prize is so special to me. I've been through a stressful time recently as my partner and I had to move out of our rental and had a lot of difficulty finding a new place… We had to put our belongings in storage and it was all pretty expensive and stressful. So, I didn't expect to be able to afford a holiday anytime soon, let alone one as special as this one!” 

The first thing she will do when she steps into the house?  

“It looks so amazing in photographs and on television, so I am excited to take it all in in person. “