While others are lining up to secure a ticket in tonight’s $50 million Powerball jackpot, one of Western Australia’s missing $1.7 million Megadraw winners has claimed their prize.
A retired couple from the South West have become millionaires after receiving the winning ticket as a Christmas gift from one of their children.
“It’s been a long-standing tradition to purchase Lotto tickets for one another at Christmas,” the couple said.
“It’s been a roller coaster of emotions since finding out the news – we even had butterflies making the journey to Lotterywest to claim our prize.”
The South West couple said they planned to share the prize with the child who had gifted them the lucky ticket.
“We’ll also pay off our other kids’ mortgages, do some home renovations and take a family trip to Europe,” they said.
“It’s paved the way forward for a more secure retirement too.”
The couple’s winning ticket was purchased from Winning Streak Lottery Centre in Warwick.
Two remaining Megadraw tickets worth $1.7 million still remained unclaimed and were sold from Medina Newsagency, and Spencer Village News and Lotteries in Thornlie.
Meanwhile, jackpot fever is surrounding WA today with only hours left until tonight’s $50 million Powerball jackpot.
Lotterywest spokesperson Pina Compagnone said we could be welcoming the State’s first Division One Lotto winner for 2019 following the draw.
“We’re hoping WA will live up to its reputation as a lucky Lotto State once again this year, and here’s hoping the tally of winners kicks-off tonight,” she said.
Lotterywest said close to half a million tickets were expected to be sold in WA for the jackpot, with sales set to peak this afternoon at 450 each minute.
WA players have until 6pm today to buy their Powerball tickets in-store, online or via the app.
(ends)
Media Enquiries: Pina Compagnone 9488 6227 / 0438 996 884
3 January 2019