No time to lose: Nation’s sole Division One winner rushes to claim $6.39 million win

Australia's sole Division One winner from Saturday Lotto wasted no time claiming her $6.39 million prize, arriving at the Lotterywest Winners Room as soon as HQ opened on Monday morning.

It marks a rare lottery double for Western Australia, with a single WA ticket securing the entire Saturday Lotto jackpot for the second time this year after a three-year drought.

The Bassendean woman in her late 70s verified her winning ticket from where she bought it at Galleria Lottery Centre on Sunday before arriving with her sister and niece to officially secure the life-changing prize.

“I always play Saturday Lotto and check my numbers the next day in The Sunday Times,” the retiree said.

“I checked and checked again because I thought there must be something funny going on with my eyes, but I definitely had six numbers.”

The winner then shared her happy news with her sister and niece before going to Galleria Lottery Centre.

“I’ve been buying my lottery tickets from Raymond (Woo) for years,” she said. “He confirmed it and gave me a big hug and congratulations.”

Her first purchase will be her own home.

“I’ve been renting the one I’m living in for a long time, and I’d like to buy it,” she said.

“Then I will buy my sister and niece a car each.

“As far as travel goes, I’d like to head up to Derby where I worked a long time ago to see friends.

“Many years ago, I was helped out by Vinnies, so I will also be making a donation to them.”

Lotterywest spokesperson Jennie Fitzhardinge said it was very unusual for one player to take out the entire Division One prize pool.

“It is such a popular game, we usually have multiple winners each week across Australia,” Ms Fitzhardinge said.

Lotterywest spoke to the other sole Saturday Division One winner - a grandmother who won $6.19 million in July – to ask if she had any advice for the latest winner.

“Firstly, a massive congratulations and all my love to them, it is such a wonderful feeling to know that you can pay off your mortgage and set your family up for life,” the July winner said.

“Once I did that, I have enjoyed being able to support causes I care about such as the Australian Paralympic team.”

It is thanks to Lotterywest players that a $950,000 grant has contributed to WA families being able to access low price tickets to this weekend’s Perth Royal Show.

Ms Fitzhardinge said the next chance players have to win big is this Thursday’s Powerball which is at $20 million.

Tickets are available until 6pm on draw day in-store, online or through the Lotterywest App.

Ends//
Media Enquiries:
Lotterywest Media
0438 996 884