Inside the secret book of Australia's lottery winners ahead of Powerball's $80 million draw
Only a relative few people will ever know what it's like to score a life-changing amount of money off a lotto win, but now everybody can get a glimpse of what it's like.
Ahead of tomorrow night's $80 million Powerball draw, The Lott has revealed a look at the Winners Lounge, where the lucky few claim their prize.
The lounge includes a visitor book, where major winners record their first, unfiltered thoughts about what their future now looks like.
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The Winners Lounge at The Lott headquarters. The Lott
The handwritten notes reveal personal moments of disbelief, gratitude, and joy, alongside plans to support family, travel, and pursue long-held dreams.
Big moments of gratitude
Above all else, the winner's visitor book is a place for big feelings and bigger moments of gratitude:
"Something incredible has happened. This is a life-changing amount of money. It has come into my life quietly, unexpectedly, and with so much gratitude. I don't have the words to explain how grateful I am."
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Big winners are urged to sign the visitors' book. The Lott
"After 40 years of working 50-60-hour weeks, to be blessed like this is incredible. A new way of living starts today."
"Just being able to help all my family makes me cry. You never think it will happen to you. $3.88 got me $628,568.41."
"We'll be able to live life to the fullest and not just exist."
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Winners listed their hopes and dreams for their money. The Lott
Family comes first
Amid the excitement, supporting family remains a priority for Australian lottery winners:
"Family! Make the most of this, with those special."
"It means I will be able to help my children and grandchildren in ways I never dreamed possible."
"This is a family win that will be used to pay off our families' home mortgages."
Holidays dominate
Holidays remain a common thread – often written in all caps, circled, underlined, followed by several exclamation marks:
"Holiday, holiday, holiday!!!"
"Can't wait to travel the world."
"Number-one priority is to fly business class to visit family overseas."
Unique dreams
Meanwhile, some winners shared their wonderfully unique plans for their prizes.
"I'll be able to buy a new cricket bat without my wife whining."
"I plan to adopt a million billion shiba-inus!"
"Heaps of new guitars! (Sorry in advance to my wife)."
"I aspire to buy a house and have a good, simple farm life."
Thursday's $80 million jackpot is the largest of 2026 so far, and the highest it's climbed in five months.
The Lott spokesperson Eliza Wregg said a huge rush on ticket sales was anticipated.
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There are many different ways to get help and information about gambling. You can visit the National Gambling Helpline or call on 1800 858 858.
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