Millions of Aussies are scrambling to check their tickets after Australia’s sixth biggest Powerball jackpot was drawn.
Half of Australia’s adult population was expected to buy a ticket for Thursday night’s $100 million jackpot in the hope of landing a life-changing windfall.
The jackpot was also the third largest prize to be won so far in 2024.
The winning numbers are 13, 9, 1, 18, 12, 2 and 14. The Powerball number is 3.
The jackpot rose to nine figures after there were no winners from the first division last week for the fifth week in a row.
If one player wins the full $100 million division one prize, they will share the crown of Australia’s second-biggest individual lottery winner ever.
If you’re a lucky winner and registered player, an official from The Lott will call you to announce the exciting news – and unlike many late night phone calls, this is a call you’ll want to answer.
The drawing for the massive $100 million Powerball jackpot has taken place and the numbers drawn have been announced
James Eddy is one of two people making these calls.
In his two years at The Lott, Mr Eddy has told five Australians they have won $20 million or more, and he never tires of making those life-changing calls.
“It’s one of those things where you can share in the excitement and the celebration and almost vicariously experience what the winner is feeling in that moment,” he said. 7News.
“So it’s always great, especially when they don’t know they’ve won. To be able to tell them that news and just to hear the shock and disbelief in their voices.”
Mr. Eddy sticks to the same script every time he calls the lucky winners.
“I’m going to say, ‘Hello, am I speaking with (their name)?’ And they say “Yes”. I say, ‘Look, my name is James from The Lott’s PR team, I want to call you regarding Powerball drawing number 1461, you have an entry into that drawing.
‘We then have to go through a number of verification steps. And at the end of that, if it’s a little taste test for Thursday night, I can say, “Well, congratulations. I’m pleased to tell you that you’re one of the winners of our Division 1 in this draw.” and you won $100 million.’ And you just pause!’
If you’re a winner and you’ve registered, The Lott will call you to tell you – and unlike other late night phone calls, this is a call you’ll want to answer
He said that sometimes the person being called screams, while others say, “Oh my God, I can’t believe this happened to me!”, and some remain silent because they can’t find the words.
Mr. Eddy often hears from the person that although he always wanted to win, he never expected this to happen.
However, one specific reaction from the winner has always stayed with him.
He called a man in Victoria who was one of three winners of the $160 million Powerball drawing in October 2022.
The call from The Lott that everyone would love to get comes within minutes of the Powerball numbers being announced
“And when I called him, he was at work and he immediately started getting very emotional, bursting into tears and talking about what it would mean for his family.
‘He said, “Okay, I’m going to finish what I’m doing at work and I’m not coming back.” And that was the end of it…
“But I think it was the sheer emotion in his voice when I spoke to him that really stuck with me.”
The next Powerball drawing is on May 23.
Online gambling help or call 1800 858 858.