In a stunning turn of events, a fortunate ticket holder has officially claimed the largest Powerball prize in Lotto history, totaling an incredible $44.6 million. This remarkable win, which took place recently, also came with an additional $666,670 from Lotto First Division, marking a day of triumph for the lucky player.
The Winning Strategy
The winner employed a unique strategy by selecting the same set of numbers across all 10 lines played, each paired with different Powerball numbers ranging from one to ten. Lucy Fullarton, Lotto NZ’s head of corporate communications, explained, “The lucky winner played 10 lines with the same Lotto numbers, resulting in a substantial win.” The numbers that brought this fortune were 24, 17, 25, 30, 6, and 3, while the bonus ball was 36 and the Powerball was 1.
Winners Across the Board
In addition to the grand prize winner, fourteen other players without the Powerball number each took home $66,667. These tickets were purchased from various locations, including Relay Auckland Domestic Airport and Caltex Dinsdale in Hamilton, plus several entries made via MyLotto from players in Northland, Auckland, and Wellington.
Other Noteworthy Wins
Moreover, two individuals shared the $500,000 prize from the Strike Four game, each pocketing $250,000. Previous significant wins have created a buzz in Lotto history, including a massive $50 million Powerball jackpot split among seven winners back in June, with each participant claiming $7.1 million.
Advice from Previous Winners
Reflecting on the life-changing experience of winning, previous winners have shared valuable insights. A couple who won $44.06 million in 2016 advised future winners to remember the importance of basic self-care—”eat and sleep”—in the days following the prize claim. Another couple, who split a $50 million jackpot in 2020, emphasized the significance of sharing the news with a small circle of trusted friends or family. “You will need support to navigate through those initial weeks,” they advised.
Family Connections and Future Dreams
A child of another winning couple expressed the joy the family felt, sharing that they were slowly renovating their home and planning a long-desired overseas trip. “It will be amazing for them,” the child remarked, highlighting the positive impact of the windfall on their lives.
This extraordinary win not only reignites excitement around Lotto games but also serves as a reminder of the potential for life-altering changes that come with such luck. As 2024 promises more opportunities for players, one can only speculate who the next jackpot winner will be.