Biggest Australia Lottery Jackpots Wins: $100M to $200M

Note: Prizes are shared equally between all winners in that division. So when 3 people win the jackpot, they split it 3 ways—even if they bought their tickets separately.

How Australians Can Play

There are two main ways to participate:

1. In-store: At over 4,000 licensed newsagents and retailers across Australia

2. Online: Through thelott.com or The Lott app

Both methods offer access to the exact same games and jackpots.

When playing online, your ticket is registered automatically—so there’s zero risk of losing it.

Entry Types: QuickPick vs Marked Entry vs System

Understanding how winners play gives extra insight—many major winners use these formats:

• QuickPick: The system randomly selects your numbers
  Most common method used by jackpot winners

• Marked Entry: You choose your own numbers
  Popular among frequent players with number patterns or rituals

• System Entry: Lets you pick more than the required numbers (e.g. 8 or 9 numbers)
  Increases number of combinations = better odds (but costs more)

Fun Fact: One of Australia’s largest solo wins ($107M) came from a $1 QuickPick ticket bought by a young mum in Sydney.

Yep—no rituals, no systems, just sheer luck.

Are Winnings Taxed in Australia?

Here’s the best part:

Lottery winnings in Australia are 100% tax-free.

That means if you win $100 million, you get exactly that—no tax deductions, no government cut.

You can invest, spend, donate, or stash it under your mattress (though we don’t recommend that last one).

Why Some States Produce More Winners

While games are national, some states appear to win more often.

Why?

• Population size: More people = more tickets = higher odds a winner is from that state

• Syndicate culture: Group entries are more popular in some areas, especially WA and QLD

• Luck clusters: Pure coincidence—lottery draws are random, but winning streaks can happen anywhere

For example:

• WA has had several multi-member syndicates take home jackpots in recent years

• NSW continues to produce big solo winners, especially from major cities like Sydney and Newcastle

Recap: How Jackpots Happen

• Powerball = biggest jackpots (up to $200M), harder odds

• Oz Lotto = slightly better odds, still huge wins

• Jackpots grow via rollovers and ticket sales

• Players use QuickPicks, Systems, or personal numbers

• Winnings are split if there are multiple top-division winners

• All prizes are tax-free and claimable within 6 years in Australia

Now that you know how the system works, let’s meet the real people who beat the odds—and discover what they did after winning.

You’re about to see how $100M+ changes a life… or doesn’t.

#5 – The $80 Million Syndicate Win (Sydney, December 2018)

The Win

On December 20, 2018, Australia witnessed one of its most wholesome and surprising lottery wins: a $80 million Powerball jackpot—at the time, the equal-largest in the country’s history—was claimed by a 20-person workplace syndicate from Sydney.

Each syndicate member walked away with $4 million, making it not just one of the biggest payouts, but one of the most widely shared wins in Aussie lotto history.

Where the Winning Ticket Was Bought

The lucky ticket was purchased in-store at:

Newsagency Narellan Town Centre, Narellan (Southwest Sydney)

This local newsagency became an overnight hotspot, flooded with media attention and well-wishers.

For weeks afterward, many hopefuls bought their tickets from the same outlet—hoping lightning might strike twice.

“We’ve had regulars buying from us for years,” the store owner said. “But this… this was next level.”

How They Played

• Game: Powerball

• Draw Date: 20 December 2018

• Entry Type: Syndicate QuickPick

• Ticket Cost: Less than $5 per person

• Numbers: Randomly selected (QuickPick)

The syndicate pooled their money and played a QuickPick entry—meaning the numbers were chosen by the system, not manually.

They weren’t strategic players. And they didn’t analyse trends. They just played together when the jackpot was big—and this time, it paid off big time.

What Happened After the Win

These 20 co-workers were your average Australians—office staff, admin assistants, and team members who never really imagined they’d be rich.

Immediate Reactions:

• Some winners burst into tears at work

• Others quietly left their shifts early to process the shock

• One person reportedly “went straight to Centrelink to cancel my benefits”

Long-Term Changes:

• Many paid off mortgages and bought modest new homes

• Some upgraded their cars—think practical Toyotas, not Lamborghinis

• A few took long holidays or helped family members in need

• Several chose to remain anonymous and returned to work part-time

Were They Frequent Players?

Not at all. They were occasional players, pooling money only when jackpots hit headline-worthy heights (like $50M+).

It was a bit of workplace fun—nothing more serious.

They used a Syndicate QuickPick, which:

• Randomly generates combinations

• Splits winnings equally among group members

• Costs less per person, making it budget-friendly

Takeaways from This Win

• Syndicates can win big—and are safer when organized among trusted people

• QuickPicks are legitimate: You don’t need fancy strategies

• Winning doesn’t mean losing your identity: Many winners stayed humble

• Retail stores still win: You don’t have to buy online to hit the jackpot

Fun Fact: After the win, the Narellan newsagency saw a 300% surge in ticket sales—locals wanted to try their luck at the “lucky store.”

#4 – The $100 Million Oz Lotto Win (November 2012)

The Win

On Tuesday, 6 November 2012, Oz Lotto delivered a staggering $100 million jackpot, marking one of the largest lottery prizes in Australian history at the time.

The prize was split between two lucky ticket holders:

• One from Victoria

• One from Queensland

Each winner received $50 million—still one of the largest individual payouts ever in their respective states.

Where the Tickets Were Bought

Victoria Winner

• Location: Moe, a small town in regional Victoria

• Outlet: Moe Newsagency, in Gippsland

• Ticket Type: Purchased in-store

• Play Method: QuickPick

Queensland Winner

• Location: Near the Gold Coast

• Outlet: Bought online through OzLotteries.com.au

• Ticket Type: Online registered ticket

• Play Method: Manual selection

“I checked my ticket three times, then called my wife in tears,” said the Victorian winner. “We never expected anything like this. I still go to the same newsagency.”

The Victorian Winner: Quiet and Grounded

The man from Moe, Victoria, was in his 60s and a regular Oz Lotto player, often buying his tickets at the same shop each week.

His reaction was humble and sincere:

• He paid off his mortgage

• Took his family on a holiday to Europe

• Donated a portion quietly to local charities

• Continued working part-time in retirement

He also refused media interviews, choosing to stay out of the limelight. Locals later noted that he didn’t drastically change his lifestyle.

“He was the same bloke before and after. Just didn’t worry about bills anymore.”

The Queensland Winner: Low Profile, High Planning

In contrast, the Queensland winner remained entirely anonymous—but what we know is fascinating:

• They had manually picked their numbers

• The ticket was bought online via OzLotteries.com.au, a third-party agent

• They consulted a financial planner immediately

• Invested the bulk of their winnings in property and shares

• Took time off from work but did not “go wild” with spending

According to reports, the winner was not a frequent player, only buying tickets during big draws.

“It’s like the universe gave me one golden shot. I wasn’t going to mess it up.”

What We Learned from the $100M Split

Factor	VIC Winner	QLD Winner
Entry Method	In-store QuickPick	Online Manual Entry
Purchase Location	Moe Newsagency	OzLotteries.com.au
Playing Habit	Regular player	Occasional player
Reaction	Quiet, humble	Anonymous, strategic
Use of Funds	Paid off home, donated, traveled	Financial planning, investment

Key Takeaways

• You don’t need to be in a capital city to win—small-town and regional players are just as lucky

• Both online and in-store purchases are equally valid in terms of winning chances

• You don’t have to play every week to win—timing really is everything

• Smart winners often:

  • Get financial advice

  • Maintain privacy

  • Prioritize stability over flash

This win showed us that big money doesn’t always equal big changes.

Sometimes, it’s the quietest winners who inspire the most.

#3 – The $107 Million Powerball Win (January 2019)

The Win

On Thursday, 17 January 2019, Powerball delivered one of its most sensational moments: a record-breaking $107 million jackpot—won entirely by a single ticket holder in New South Wales.

This wasn’t just Australia’s biggest solo lottery win at the time—it was a moment that captured the nation.

Media outlets buzzed.

Players dreamed.

And everyone asked, “Who is she?”

Because yes, the winner was a woman.

And not just any woman—a young mum from Sydney’s western suburbs who had no idea she’d won until she got the call from The Lott.

Where the Winning Ticket Was Bought

Store: Syndal Newsagency, Eastwood, Sydney (NSW)

Ticket Type: QuickPick

Registration: YES – she had a player card, which meant The Lott could contact her directly

She didn’t have to scan the ticket or log in to check. Instead, she answered a call and was told by officials:

“You’re the only Division 1 winner. You’ve just won $107 million.”

Her reply?

“I don’t understand… wait, are you sure?! Oh my god, oh my god… I’m shaking!”

Who Was She?

The winner was a woman in her 40s, a hard-working single mum.

She lived a modest lifestyle and, until the win, had never publicly spoken about playing often.

Her story hit the hearts of Australians everywhere because she was so relatable.

She told The Lott that her first priority was:

• Looking after her children’s futures

• Buying a new home

• And sharing some of the win with family and charities

“I just want to make sure my kids never have to worry, ever.”

She also revealed that she wasn’t a frequent player—but she had been buying QuickPick entries for big draws like this one.

How She Celebrated

She didn’t throw a lavish party or head off to Monaco. Instead:

• She took time off work quietly

• Cancelled all bills

• Consulted a financial adviser

• Kept her identity out of the media (to this day, her name has never been made public)

What Made This Win Special

• She won the entire jackpot: No split. No syndicate.

• She wasn’t expecting it: She didn’t even check her numbers until The Lott called her

• It came from a QuickPick: Another tick for random selection entries

• Her win inspired the nation: She became the symbol of “it could happen to anyone”

Key Facts Summary

Category	Details
Game	Powerball
Draw Date	17 Jan 2019
Winning Amount	$107,575,649.08
State	New South Wales
Entry Type	QuickPick
Purchase Method	In-store at Syndal Newsagency
Registration	Yes (Player Card)
Winner Type	Single mum, anonymous
Frequency of Play	Occasionally, during large draws
Post-win Actions	Family first, financial planning, quiet lifestyle

Takeaways from the $107M Win

• Register your ticket—she got the call because she had a player card!

• You don’t need to pick your numbers—QuickPicks really do win

• You don’t need to play every week—she only bought for big draws

• Even solo winners stay humble—she chose a quiet life, not celebrity status

#2 – The $120 Million Powerball Draw (February 2022)

The Win

On Thursday, 10 February 2022, Australia’s Powerball jackpot soared to a mind-blowing $120 million—the second-largest lottery jackpot in the country’s history at that point.

And while there were three winning entries, the real twist came when it was revealed that one person held two of them.

Yes, you read that right:

One person unknowingly bought two separate entries with the same winning numbers, scoring $80 million out of $120 million all by themselves.

Where the Tickets Were Bought

Outlet: Purchased online through The Lott

Location: New South Wales

Ticket Details:

• Two separate QuickPick entries

• Both using auto-generated numbers

• Registered to the same online The Lott account

So when The Lott called the player to break the news, they thought it was a $40 million win—until they were told they had actually won twice.

“Wait—are you telling me I’ve won $80 million?! That’s incredible. I can’t believe this is happening.”

How Did They Win Twice?

The winner had unknowingly bought two entries—likely by selecting the same game twice on different transactions.

Each entry had identical Powerball numbers generated randomly via QuickPick.

Because each entry counts as a separate chance, and both matched the winning combination, both were treated as independent Division 1 wins.

Who Was the Winner?

The winner chose to remain completely anonymous, but The Lott confirmed:

• They were based in NSW

• They were a registered online player

• They had no idea they’d bought duplicate entries

• They were shocked, calm, and deeply grateful

Unlike some winners who disappear after the draw, this player was open with The Lott about taking time to “absorb” the reality before making any decisions.

What They Did Next

Although little is known publicly, The Lott stated the player:

• Immediately contacted a financial adviser

• Was interested in charitable giving

• Prioritized family and financial security

• Remained low profile, avoiding media or public exposure

This was clearly a player with a level head and a good sense of privacy—perfect for managing a sudden eight-figure windfall.

Summary: The $120M Draw

Category	Details
Game	Powerball
Draw Date	10 Feb 2022
Jackpot Total	$120 million
Winners	3 total entries, 2 owned by 1 person
Winning Amount	$80 million to one player
Location	NSW
Ticket Type	Online QuickPick x2
Winner Status	Anonymous
Post-win Actions	Financial advice, family planning, stayed private

Takeaways from the $120M Win

• Double entries aren’t always a mistake—this one paid off big

• Online play has advantages—you can easily track your tickets and get notified

• QuickPicks remain king—this player didn’t hand-pick a single number

• Staying calm = smart choices—the winner took their time to think, plan, and adjust

Coming up next: the grand finale—#1 – The Historic $200 Million Powerball Win (2024), where an entire syndicate changed their futures forever.

#1 – The $200 Million Powerball Win (February 2024)

The Win

On Thursday, 1 February 2024, Powerball reached a record-smashing $200 million jackpot—the largest lottery prize ever offered in Australia.

The country buzzed with excitement as millions raced to grab tickets, hoping to become instant legends.

The prize?

Won by a single syndicate from Western Australia, consisting of 55 everyday Aussies.

Each syndicate member took home approximately $3.63 million—life-changing, yet small enough to still feel real.

Where the Winning Ticket Was Bought

Outlet: Lotterywest – Online Syndicate Platform

Location: Western Australia (via Lotterywest’s official system)

Entry Type: Registered syndicate ticket

Platform: Played online via Lotterywest’s website

This was a government-run syndicate, organized through WA’s Lotterywest platform.

That means participants joined in from various towns and cities, with the system automatically dividing the prize among all registered members.

“I never thought I’d be part of a group win this big. I’m just a dad from Bunbury—I was hoping for a thousand bucks, not millions.”

Who Were the Winners?

Unlike previous big wins involving just one or two people, this syndicate win created 55 millionaires overnight.

Participants included:

• Teachers

• FIFO workers

• Nurses

• Retirees

• Small business owners

Most were WA locals who bought their shares weeks in advance, some participating through syndicate packs at retail outlets, others online.

How It Happened

• Powerball had rolled over multiple times, pushing the prize pool to an unprecedented $200M.

• WA players, known for high syndicate participation, flocked to Lotterywest and local newsagencies.

• This particular syndicate was filled to capacity before the draw.

• The system-generated numbers matched all 7 main numbers + the Powerball—one clean Division 1 win.

What Happened After the Win

News broke across every major outlet—but with 55 winners, the reaction was diverse:

Some reactions included:

• One winner paid off all their family’s mortgages

• A couple retired on the spot and booked a trip around the world

• A young tradie said he’d now open his own business

• Several promised to donate to local WA charities and food banks

Despite the win’s size, no one went fully public.

Instead, winners coordinated with Lotterywest to ensure security, privacy, and financial guidance.

Prize Breakdown

Detail	Info
Total Jackpot	$200 million
Number of Winners	55 (1 syndicate)
Per Person Payout	~$3.63 million each
Purchase Method	Online via Lotterywest (WA-only)
Ticket Type	Syndicate QuickPick
Claim Status	All 55 contacted and verified by Lotterywest
Post-win Action	Mostly private, some public statements via Lotterywest

Takeaways from the $200M Win

• Syndicates are still winning powerhouses—especially in WA

• Online play is reliable and secure—with Lotterywest, every entry is tracked

• You don’t need to win $100M to feel like a winner—$3M can completely change a life

• Planning matters—winners were quickly offered support from financial advisors and legal experts

“We’re not buying jets or yachts—we’re making life a little easier for the people we love.”

This wasn’t just a lottery win. It was a moment of shared joy, where everyday Australians lifted each other into a better life.

Conclusion: Behind Every Jackpot Is a Real Story

From $80 million syndicates to $200 million record-shatterers, these stories prove one thing: winning the lottery in Australia isn’t just about luck—it’s about timing, trust, and sometimes, a little bit of teamwork.

But here’s what stood out most from the top 5 biggest wins:

• Most winners didn’t expect it

• Many played QuickPick entries

• Some were loyal weekly players, others were occasional dreamers

• Almost all stayed grounded and put their families first

While flashy headlines focus on dollar signs, the real takeaway is what comes after the win:

• A mum giving her kids financial security for life

• Office mates celebrating quiet victories

• Anonymous heroes donating to local causes

• And dozens of Australians choosing peace of mind over flashy lifestyles

Final Thought

The odds may be long, but the dream is real.

And as we’ve seen, big wins can happen to anyone—a FIFO worker, a nurse, a single mum, a newsagent regular.

So whether you play every week or only when jackpots spike, just remember:

Play smart, stay grounded, and if you ever do win big—take a breath, get advice, and enjoy it your way.

Who knows? The next name added to Australia’s biggest winners list… could be yours.

Top 5 Aussie Lotto Jackpots at a Glance

This chart highlights Australia’s five biggest lottery wins—from the $80 million Sydney syndicate in 2018 to the record-breaking $200 million Powerball prize in 2024.

Notice how most were Powerball draws, and how NSW and WA dominate the big-win history books.

Fun fact: Three of the top five wins involved QuickPick entries and two were *syndicates—proving there’s more than one way to beat the odds.

Top 5 Biggest Lottery Wins in Australian History