From missed calls to $15 million: WA’s OZ Lotto winner comes forward

Western Australia’s $15 million OZ Lotto prize has been claimed by a southern suburbs man, who eventually answered the call of a lifetime from Lotterywest after days of dodging the unfamiliar number.

The hospitality worker, who purchased the winning ticket through Lotterywest Play Online, became WA’s first Division One OZ Lotto winner of 2026 last week when he scored the entire $15 million jackpot.

The man, in his 40s, said he normally plays using his favourite numbers and checks them religiously, but a hectic day at work meant he grabbed a Slikpik instead.

“I had customers knocking at the door so I just picked a ticket with random numbers as I was in a rush,” he said.

“I didn’t even think to check my ticket after the draw since they weren’t my usual numbers.

“It was only when I finally answered Lotterywest’s phone call, which I thought was someone cold calling me because I didn’t recognise the number, that I found out I’d won.”

The winner, now mapping out his $15 million future, said he plans to buy a house, upgrade his car, invest, and take his family on a dream European cruise.

When asked if he’d keep working, the winner said, “Mentally yes, but physically no.”

Lotterywest spokesperson Zoe Wender said even though he didn’t answer the first time, the man’s registered ticket meant Lotterywest could continue to contact the player until they were able to deliver the life-changing news.

“It’s a great day in the office when we can make that call and share such fantastic news with a WA player,” she said.

“There’s that moment of disbelief, often followed by confusion, and then the penny drops.

“If you could bottle that moment of realisation and joy, it would be a guaranteed bestseller.”

Thanks to WA players and retailers, Lotterywest is able to deliver hundreds of grants to support communities across the State each year.

A Lotterywest grant of $2.2 million has helped deliver a new all‑abilities, inclusive playground in Victoria Park’s Elizabeth Baillie Precinct, now officially open for the local community to enjoy.

WA players have the chance to share a $20 million prize thanks to this week’s Saturday Lotto Superdraw. Tickets available until 6pm on Saturday in-store, online or through the Lotterywest App.

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