1994. 

It was the year Forrest Gump ran straight from the big screen into our hearts; Australia had enough world-class cricketers to fill not just one, but two teams for the World Series Cup, and Aussies were introduced to a whole new world of fun! 

On Tuesday, 22 February we’re celebrating 28 years since Oz Lotto launched as Australia’s first big jackpotting game. 

Now a staple fave in our lottery line-up, we know that when those green and gold numbers roll, anyone from Humpty Doo to Wagga Wagga could score a multi-million-dollar jackpot.

Last year alone, we saw 18 division one winning Oz Lotto entries across Australia collectively snag more than $279.7 million.  

And when it comes to how winners use their prize, we’ve found Aussies’ dreams are as unique and diverse as our sunburnt country itself.

Ahead of Oz Lotto’s big birthday milestone, we’ve been looking back at some of our most memorable winning moments.

Are these seven of the most Aussie Oz Lotto division one winners of all time?

1. An endless smoko break

A Melbourne construction worker in his 20s discovered he won $10 million while on a smoko break at work. He planned to down tools indefinitely.

“I’m walking out of here. I won’t be going back to work after smoko,” he declared.

“I’m walking out right now. I think everyone will come with me for a celebratory drink!"

2. Frugal fashion

Despite her $10 million Oz Lotto windfall in July 2012, a Deagon woman was adamant she would still be frugal with her funds and planned on looking through the sale rack for a new celebratory outfit. 

“I’ve saved all my life, so I’m a very careful money manager. Even with all this money, I think I’ll still be very frugal and look around for bargains!” she laughed.

3. The ultimate pub feed

A self-confessed “country girl” from Drouin scored a $20 million prize in September 2020. 

The hard-working woman shared she wouldn’t be giving up work just yet, but she had some initial ideas for her multi-million win! 

“I definitely need a new car, so I’ll start with that,” she said. 

“I’m looking forward to a meal at the pub to celebrate.”

4. A winning cut

Forget homes and holidays, for one young Darwin man who scooped a $3.3 million Oz Lotto prize in April 2017, the first thing he wanted to do was get a haircut.

"I’m going to get a haircut!” the winner giggled, explaining it had been a while.

“Ideally, I’d love to go on a one-week retreat and think about it in a constructive way. Tonight I’ll be celebrating in the Darwin way, however – with a couple of beers!”

5. An A+ Aussie odyssey

A couple of grey nomads from the Gold Coast couldn’t wait to extend their Australian odyssey indefinitely after discovering their Oz Lotto entry had scored a $10 million division one prize in January 2018.

“We’re living in a caravan!  We’re travelling around in a caravan – doing a lap around Australia!” they said.

“We’ve been travelling for a while. This changes things, but we’ll keep travelling. There’ll definitely be a caravan upgrade!”

6. Plenty of fish in the sea

A Deception Bay man declared he couldn’t wait to wet a line at the world’s best fishing spots after discovering he was $2.1 million richer from an Oz Lotto win. 

“Anywhere in the world I can fish, that’s where you’ll find me,” he rejoiced. 

7. A winning wash

A family from regional Victoria looked forward to putting on their next load of whites after winning $35 million in Oz Lotto in August 2018. Their first purchases were going to be a brand-new washing machine and a water tank.

“We are going to get a new washing machine! We’ve been texting about it all night!” one of the family members shared.

With 28 years and over 1,400 winning draws behind us, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for this Aussie jackpotting game and our future true-blue winners. 

Celebrate Oz Lotto’s birthday on Tuesday 22 February, where a hot $2 million is up for grabs.

Grab an entry and play today for your chance to win!