0
0
A whopping $40 million is up for grabs in Powerball draw 1428, and entrants can check their millionaire status on Thursday at 8.30pm AEST, an hour after entries close — that’s when the winning numbers will be announced here.
The life of one Australian could change forever, but will they keep that under wraps? Secret winners are on the rise, according to new Australian lottery data.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: The luckiest suburbs for lottery winners revealed.
Watch the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >>
The majority of winners couldn’t wait to tell their nearest and dearest, according to The Lott Winners Report 2023, with the smallest percentage, just 1 per cent, blabbing to everyone they know.
About 60 per cent of winners shared the news with their immediate family, including parents, children, and siblings, and 10 per cent told their wider family.
More than half (57 per cent) kept the news between themselves and their spouse, and 23 per cent of winners told their close friends.
“I thought about who I would tell and ended up celebrating with a couple of close friends and some champagne,” one person told The Lott.
Almost two million Australians to receive $75m cashback
Incredible rags-to-riches stories of viral martial arts stars
Only 10 per cent told absolutely no one about their win, but that number of tight-lipped winners is up from 6 per cent in 2022.
Even still, generosity was still on the cards for secretive winners.
“I have sent a couple of bank cheques to friends anonymously. I have also upgraded a friend’s trip to Business Class, which they will only find out when they check in,” one winner told The Lott.
Another said they “haven’t told anyone”.
“I just help my mum and family a bit more with things without them knowing,” they revealed.
On average, there are about seven beneficiaries from each win, according to The Lott data, with more than a quarter stretching that to 10 — but one winner told The Lott their prize directly benefited up to 50 people.
Even those away from loved ones found a way to celebrate the win.
“As I was away from home working, I bought some pizzas and alcohol to shout the 18-man crew I was working with,” one winner told The Lott.
So far in 2023, there have been 12 division one winning entries in Powerball which have collectively taken home more than $394.15 million in prize money.
And the current prize is the largest on offer in Australia right now.
The Lott spokesperson James Eddy told 7NEWS.com.au: “Just imagine how drastically yours and your family’s lives could change if you won a slice of this week’s $40 million Powerball pie.”
“It would absolutely change your life.”
Major change to Australian coins expected by the end of the year
Check your change now: The $1 coin that could be worth $3000
If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings.
To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.
