While things are heating up for tomorrow’s record $100 million Powerball jackpot, Western Australia’s first Division One winner has claimed their prize.
A family from the Mid-west town of Dongara were the holders of a ticket worth $544,506 from last weekend’s Saturday Lotto draw.
Another WA Division One winner from the same draw, sold just 65 kilometres away at Queens Supa IGA plus Liquor in Geraldton, remains unclaimed.
The Dongara locals said they were in disbelief when they found out.
“I reckon you could have heard my screams from Perth,” one of the family members said.
“This means so much to us because we can spend less time at work and more time with our family.
“Our dog’s even joining in on the celebrations – we’re treating him to a hot chook rather than budget dog biscuits.”
The winning ticket was purchased from Dongara IGA. Last weekend’s WA winners were the first for 2019.
Meanwhile, excitement is building today as the nation prepares to break lottery territory tomorrow night in the $100 million Powerball jackpot.
The equal largest jackpot in Australian history comes after no players held a division one winning ticket in last week’s $80 million Powerball draw, prompting the game to jackpot for the eighth consecutive week.
Lotterywest spokesperson Pina Compagnone said strong advice to local players was to get their tickets early with long queues expected tomorrow.
“This is set to be one of the nation’s busiest draws and in WA about one in two adults are expected to enter,” Ms Compagnone said.
“Our busiest day of ticket sales will be tomorrow, so we encourage players to get in as early as they can.”
Ms Compagnone said several records could be broken following the draw.
“If one single entry takes home the $100 million prize pool, it will become the largest local and national prize ever won, and if we jackpot higher we’ll be looking at the largest jackpot ever offered.
“Either way history could be made!”
Tickets for the $100 million Powerball jackpot are available until 6pm tomorrow from Lotterywest in-store, online or via the app.
Players are encouraged to play responsibly and spend only what they can afford. The cost of a ticket can be shared by forming a syndicate with family, friends or work colleagues.
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Media Enquiries Pina Compagnone: 9488 6227 / 0438 996 884