Two identical tickets create life-changing win for retiree

A southern suburbs retiree who always plays his favourite numbers is still in shock after winning two Division One Millionaire Medley prizes on the same night, thanks to a slip of the mind that saw him purchase two identical tickets.

The man in his 70s said he didn’t realise he had purchased two $11.40 Slikpik 17 tickets on two separate days through Lotterywest Play Online for the draw on Friday 2 January, an accident that resulted in a $2 million prize.

“I only found out that I had bought two tickets after I received a call from Lotterywest letting me know I had won two Division One prizes,” he said.

“I purchased the first ticket through the Lotterywest App on New Years Eve, and with it being a busy few days with family and friends, I forgot all about it and purchased an identical ticket two days later.”

After visiting the Lotterywest Winners Room last week to verify the win, the winner said retirement was set to become a lot more comfortable.

“I am so grateful that I can now enjoy my retirement stress free and on my own terms,” he said.

“I’m sure most parents dream of being able to help out their children financially, so to be able to do that for my kids and their families is going to be special.”

Lotterywest spokesperson Jake Battrick said while this type of win is rare, some WA players have found themselves in similar situations over the years.

“In 2023, we saw a husband and wife both accidentally purchase a Saturday Lotto ticket featuring their shared favourite numbers from Pharmacy 777 in East Perth, a miss-communication landing the couple two $1.25 million Division One prizes,” he said.

“A similar scenario happened to a northern suburbs couple in 2021, after they purchased two Division One winning Saturday Lotto tickets also playing their favourite numbers which saw them share almost $2 million between them.”

Thanks to WA players and retailers, all available profits from Lotto tickets support community groups across WA through Lotterywest’s grants program.

A Lotterywest grant of $80,000 is supporting Uni Camp For Kids run its Summer Camp programs, which gives young people who are experiencing hardship the chance to enjoy life-changing recreational experiences.

WA players have the chance to join the millionaire’s list in tomorrow night’s $8 million OZ Lotto jackpot.

Tickets for OZ Lotto are available until 6pm tomorrow in-store, online and via the Lotterywest App.

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