If I win €250m EuroMillions, the dog's getting a house and I'm buying an airport
As tonight's EuroMillions jackpot hits its record-breaking €250 million cap, Irish players are letting their imaginations run wild - and the results are as heartwarming as they are unhinged.
In a new survey released today by National Lottery, some hopeful punters summed up Ireland's mood best. One said: "If I win €250m, I'm building a three-bedroom house just for my dog." Another stated: "I'd buy an entire airport so I can travel at a moment's notice."
And that's just the beginning.
From chocolate factories to gold toilets, Ireland's Lotto dreams are proof that when it comes to daydreaming, we go big or go home - often in a private jet apparently.
The research, released ahead of tonight's draw, shows a nation fuelled by generosity and a healthy dose of madness. A massive 52% of respondents said they'd donate between 10% and 25% of their winnings to others, with the average donation clocking in at a very respectable 23.8%. And nearly three-quarters (71%) said they'd buy a house for every member of their family.
But it's not all selflessness and mortgage payoffs. One respondent confessed they'd buy a three-bedroom house just for their dog. Another said they'd splash out on a full-blown airport so they could travel "at a moments notice". Then there's the dream of owning a personal chocolate factory, a garden helipad and a golden toilet.
Some 66% of those surveyed said they'd ditch the 9 to 5 and pursue their dream career or passion project. Travel is high on the wishlist too, with 64% planning to see the world and 52% saying they'd visit places they've only seen in books, like the Seven Wonders of the World. A fearless 2% would go even further... to outer space.
Darragh O'Dwyer from National Lottery commented: "With the EuroMillions jackpot now capped at an extraordinary €250 million, we're seeing dreams take flight - both big and small. From building homes for loved ones to planning once-in-a-lifetime adventures, this survey shows just how imaginative and generous Irish players are when it comes to dreaming big.
"And with the jackpot at its maximum, any additional prize money that would normally increase the jackpot, will now flow down to increase the value of the next prize tier at which there are winner(s) meaning possibly more chances for life-changing wins. If there's no jackpot winner tonight, the prize will stay at €250 million for up to two more draws, culminating in a Must Be Won draw on Friday, June 20. It's an incredibly exciting time to play."
So whether your dream is to buy your mum a mansion, build a golf course in your back garden or secure a lifetime supply of fizzy drinks - it might be worth picking up a ticket. The cut-off time for entries is 7.30pm tonight.
We're a generous island: 71% would buy a house for every member of their family.
From day jobs to dream jobs: 66% would change careers—many to pursue a dream job or passion project.
Giving spirit: Over half (52%) would donate 10–25% of their winnings, with the average donation at a generous 23.8%.
Dream homes: 60% would buy their ideal home, either in Ireland or abroad.
Community focus: 24% would invest in their local community and give something back.
Travel dreams:
Low interest in flashy spending:
Top wacky ways to spend winnings
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