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Powerball winner's first words after division one jackpot: 'Couldn't form proper sentences'
As lottery officials reveal they're still no closer to finding the mystery $100 million Powerball winner, from a competition drawn now over two weeks ago, they've released some of the incredible ways Australians have benefited from their wins.
While it remains extraordinarily unlikely that an individual will ever win a Division One prize, it has been the case for a few lucky Aussies over the years.
According to The Lott's Annual Winners report, there were 441 division one winning entries across the country last year across all lottery games, collectively delivering more than $1.56 billion in prize money.
In 2024, one winner said they ordered a pair of "hand-crafted leather dress shoes for themselves," while another purchased a 1936 Oldsmobile. A third winner marked the occasion by "buying watches for close family members" to help celebrate, and another took off to Las Vegas to attend a friend's Elvis-themed wedding. Another invested in electric mountain bikes to explore bush trails, while one recipient opted for a hair transplant in Istanbul, saying it boosted their self-confidence.
Among their first reactions? Here's how some reacted.
"Yelled out, 'You beauty!' and scared the dog with my excitement."
"I let out a number of swear words and then spent most of the night checking my numbers."
"I couldn't form proper sentences and started stuttering. I couldn't believe my prize money."
"I was emotional because of what it meant for my family."
Winners remain anonymous, but many have issued advice for those lucky enough to pocket a big win.
"It's very easy to go crazy early on, but my advice would be to calm down and carefully think about your future plans."
"Treat your win as an opportunity to improve your circumstances, so don't waste it."
"Ride the wave of all your emotions. Don't be afraid of the change. Trust your instincts."
"Sit back, think, and don't make hasty decisions. Take time to process."
"Tell very few people and write down who you told."
In 2024, more than 195.3 million winners took home over $4.84 billion in prize money, The Lott claims.
With June 12's $100 million Powerball prize still at large, the message from officials remains clear: keep your phone on. A quarter of winners (25 per cent) discovered their good fortune via a phone call, while 24 per cent found out by checking online.
The Lott spokeswoman Anna Hobdell said once the news sinks in, "most winners can't wait to share the joy with people in the know". "Only about 8 per cent keep it completely under wraps and tell absolutely nobody," she said. "Winners often tell us their bodies go into overdrive the moment they hear the life-changing news, with hearts racing, hands trembling, and even a wave of nausea setting in.
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"For many, the best part of winning is being able to give back — whether it's helping their kids buy their first home, shouting a holiday for their friends, or even helping strangers who could use a hand."
According to The Lott themselves, the chances of winning division one in Powerball, based on one standard game, are a vanishingly small one in 134,490,400.
If gambling is a problem for you, go to Gambling Help Online or call 1800 858 858.
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