Oz Lotto draw delays anger players but two lucky winners share the $50 million spoils

It’s easy to feel upset when you don’t win a $50 million lotto but some players are feeling particularly angry after a controversial Oz Lotto draw on Tuesday night.

Two people have woken up on Australia Day multi-millionaires after a controversial $50 million Oz Lotto draw which was mysteriously delayed, angering players, including some who want compensation.

The Lott’s social media page on Tuesday night lit up after the organisation revealed results of the $50m draw, which closed at 7pm Adelaide time, were taking longer than expected.

“Under lotteries regulations, regulatory procedures must be followed before the draw can take place,” The Lott said on Facebook and its website, revealing the delay.

“This ensures the integrity of the game and fairness to players. This is taking longer than usual for tonight’s Oz Lotto, but we thank you for your patience.”

In a follow-up post on Tuesday night The Lott said the “verification procedure” which is completed before the draw took “longer than usual”.

Under the State Lotteries Act 1996 the results must be published “as soon as practicable” after each draw.

The results were announced about 11pm with the Division 1 $50m prize split between winners in WA and Queensland.

The Advertiser has sought clarification from The Lott for the specific reasons for the protracted draw.

The Lott had said on Facebook on Tuesday night that government regulators and auditors were supervising the draw to “ensure it is conducted according to strict guidelines”.

One player, Mirjana Dedic, said: “It is 10.17pm and you still have not established correct regulatory procedure? What a laugh!!!! What’s cooking guys?”

Some people asked if they would be compensated for the delays or if the system had been hacked.

“We can assure you this is not the case,” the Lott wrote in response to the hacking claim.

But some players could also see the lighter side of the issue.

“Ok, I’ll just check my losing ticket in the morning,” Bert van Vleet wrote.

Ange Harvey said: “Patience is a good thing. I’m happy to wait tomorrow to receive a call (that) my ticket’s the big winner.”