From Darwin helicopter pub crawls and gifting relatives a caravan, to getting married and re-turfing the front lawn, Australia’s 2021 division one winners have revealed some of the unique ways they’ve enjoyed their lottery fortunes. 

Last year, more than 130.8 million winners took home more than $3.79 billion in prize money from their favourite games at The Lott, including Saturday Lotto, Monday & Wednesday Lotto, Powerball, Oz Lotto, Set for Life, Lucky Lotteries, Keno, Super 66, Lotto Strike and Instant Scratch-Its. 

There were also an astonishing 533 division one winning entries held by lottery players across the country that delivered more than $1.5 billion in division one prize money.  

How they spend it 

Almost half (40%) of division one winners used their prize to enjoy a holiday within months of their win. With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, lottery winners eagerly cast off the shackles to explore their own backyards and overseas destinations. 

Sharing with family and friends (48%), investing money for the future (44%) and paying off the mortgage/buying a new house (39%) were the top three plans made by division one winners. Almost a quarter (21.89%) donated money to a charity or cause close to their hearts. 

In addition to new homes and holidays, Australian winners shared some of the more unusual ways they enjoyed their prize. These included paying off their adult children’s mortgages, buying their husband his dream car, surprising their brother with a caravan, taking the family on a Darwin helicopter pub crawl, and re-turfing the front lawn. 

Who they told 

The majority of winners couldn’t wait to share their incredible news with their immediate family, including partners, brothers, sisters and children. Over a quarter of our winners even told their close friends, while only 11% said they told absolutely no one. 

Regardless of the win, most winners celebrate with a glass of champagne, some will treat friends and family to a fancy dinner, and others will immediately retire and prepare for a future free from work.  

With celebrations differing so radically, there seemed to be one thing in common, they shed lots of tears and cheers!  

We have already crowned lots of winners in 2022 and we’ll be eager to see how their plans for their winnings compare. Happy winning!