This Thursday’s $200 million Powerball jackpot will be the biggest prize on offer in Australian Lotto history.
Even if the jackpot prize is shared by multiple ticketholders, it could still beat Western Australia’s highest Division One prize on record, currently held by 55 gym ladies who won $80 million in 2021.
Ahead of this week’s record-breaking draw, Lotterywest shared some of the common questions asked by WA players.
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Why are there two different barrels in Powerball?
Powerball is played by drawing seven Winning Numbers from barrel A, and one Powerball number from barrel B. Players need all eight numbers to win Division One, but other combinations of numbers can offer prizes across other divisions.
Can I win if I have the Powerball in the Winning Number section?
The Powerball must be in the barrel B section on a player’s ticket, not in the barrel A section.
Will Lotterywest call me if I’ve won a Division One prize?
If your ticket is registered to a Lotterywest membership, regardless of whether you’ve purchased the ticket in-store or online, someone from Lotterywest will get in touch to share the good news. If your ticket is unregistered, you’ll need to go to your nearest Lotterywest retailer scan the barcode to see if you’ve won a prize.
How do I claim a Division One prize?
Division One prizes are claimed at Lotterywest in Subiaco, where you’ll be welcomed into the exclusive Winner’s Room to learn more about your win and soak up that winning feeling.
How quickly will I receive my Division One prize?
Division One winnings are deposited into a nominated bank account within the following 14 days after claiming the prize. From there, Lotterywest recommends players take some time to consider their options and start by seeking financial advice.
How long do I have to claim my prize?
Players have 12 months from the date of draw to claim their prize. Lotterywest recently took a trip down memory lane to share some previous winner close calls. Read more here.
Am I more likely to win using my own numbers, or system generated numbers?
The odds are the same whether you pick your numbers or grab a Slikpik. In 2023 more than 70 per cent of Division One winning tickets were thanks to system generated numbers.
What are the most frequently drawn Winning Numbers?
The most frequently drawn Winning Numbers are all up to chance, and continuously change. For Powerball, the most frequently drawn Winning Numbers from barrel A are currently 17, 7, 11, 2, 3 and 9, while the least frequently drawn are 33, 15, 34, 31, 26 and 1. The most frequently drawn Powerball numbers are 2 and 19, while the least frequently drawn Powerball numbers are 14 and 16. Players can check the most frequently drawn numbers for each game here.
Are my winnings tax-free?
Yes, your lottery winnings are tax-free. You can also give away as much as you want as a one-off gift without the recipient having to pay tax. Of course, once the winnings are in your bank account, standard income tax rules apply for any interest earned.
How can I buy a ticket with friends or family?
Syndicates are a great way to play because you can share the cost of a ticket and the joy of a potential win. Players can head in-store to create a syndicate with family, friends, or workmates, or alternatively ask your local retailer about the types of syndicates you can join.
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Tickets for Powerball’s $200 million jackpot are available until 6pm Thursday, in-store, online and via the Lotterywest App.
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Media Enquiries:
Sarah Dawson, James Mooney and Emma Rogers
0438 996 884
30 January 2024