A free ticket has delivered a Western Sydney dad a life-changing $655,000 lottery prize, leaving the unsuspecting winner lost for words. 

The New South Wales player held the only division one winning entry in Lotto Strike draw 4995, drawn Saturday 17 July 2021 and takes home the entire division one prize of $655,483.95. 

When we got in touch with the Sydneysider this morning, he had no idea he had a division one prize waiting for him. 

“No way!?” he laughed. 

“Thank you so much. I am lost for words. 

“I don’t know what to say! Oh my god. I am so excited. 
“I can’t wait to tell my wife – I hope she doesn’t faint. 

“I’ve only just started playing Lotto Strike, and this was a free ticket! 

“Wow! I cannot believe this. It’s amazing!” With $655,000 about to hit his bank account, the winner had plenty of plans for his prize. 

“This will really set us up for quite some time,” he said. 

“I will pay off my mortgage and help my kids. 

“I’ve always said if I ever won the lottery, I would help some charities I am really passionate about so I will certainly do that!” 

The thrilled player won his free winning ticket online at thelott.com – Australia’s official lotteries.