Up to a quarter of Australians to buy ticket for $80m Powerball

Up to a quarter of all Australians are expected to buy a ticket in tomorrow's Powerball draw, with $80 million up for grabs.

If one person wins the entire jackpot, they will become the equal third-biggest lottery winner in Australian history.

It is only the eighth time the Powerball jackpot has accumulated to $80 million.

READ MORE: Woman vows to never work another nightshift after winning lotto

"Last year, we had two $80 million Powerball draws and on both of those occasions, a single entry won this huge jackpot," The Lott's Matt Hart said.

"In March last year, a farmer from the Port Macquarie region pocketed an $80 million prize.

"Having battled drought and then bushfires in recent years, the Powerball winner saw the windfall as a welcomed change of fortune.

"Then in July 2020, four days after the draw itself, a Dromana couple discovered they'd won $80 million – making them the happy owners of Victoria's biggest ever lottery prize."

A lucky winner has claimed more than $80 million only twice, both from Sydney.

A Sydney mum took home $107 million in 2019, making her the biggest winner in the lottery history.

And the same year, a dad from Chatswood on Sydney's Upper North Shore won $96 million.

READ MORE: UK students miss out on $320m lotto win as payment didn't go through

The draw closes at 7.30pm AEST tomorrow night, but lottery officials are urging people to get in early.

"As this is the biggest Australian lottery jackpot so far in 2021, we're expecting things to become hectic in our lottery outlets and online," Mr Hart said.

"I'd also recommend you register your entry to a player card or online account.

"If your numbers are drawn, you'll want to know you're a multi-millionaire as soon as possible.

"By registering your entry, your prize is secure, and we can contact you with the winning news shortly after the draw."

READ MORE: Man wins half a million after finding winning numbers in fortune cookie