‘When the magic happens’: The Lott’s call to new-found South Australian multi-millionaire and their advice
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to learn you are a multi-millionaire? This is how The Lott team go about it.
SA News
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The Lott team knows that when they break the news to their major prize winners – it is a call that will change someone’s life forever and this is how they do it.
The Lott’s senior public relations executive Anna Hobdell was one of the spokesperson when their team answered the call to SA’s $150m Powerball winner on Friday morning.
“We like to keep it natural when we call our major lottery winners and keep it fun and exciting for them as it’s a phone call to remember for eternity,” Ms Hobdell said.
“Once their ticket number has been read out then we have the pleasure of confirming their windfall.
“We usually say in a very enthusiastic voice, ‘it’s my absolute pleasure to confirm in [insert lottery game] that your ticket has won a total prize of [insert prize amount]. Congratulations!’.”
Ms Hobdell said it’s the moment the winner’s life is altered forever.
“Then that’s usually when the magic happens,” she said.
“We wait to hear their reaction, whether it’s laughing or crying, and we ask them all about how the win came about, what they plan on doing with their prize and how they’ll celebrate.”
SA’s anonymous northern suburbs winner has revealed he has “never screamed so loud or jumped so high”.
The newly made multi-millionaires are invited into South Australia winner’s lounge to claim their prize, celebrate and debrief their win.
The main advice the Lott give their major winners is to “take a moment to think” before telling their family and friends about their new-found wealth, as well as formulate their financial plans.
Ms Hobdell says many fear the impact money will have on their relationships.
“Winners may be concerned about what impact the prize might have on relationships with friends and family members and they think they might suddenly have many new ‘friends’,” Ms Hobdell said.
“If previous winners’ experiences are anything to go by, true friends and supportive family will be pleased for you.
“We always say before you tell them though, you might want to think through what you will say, and if you intend to share any of your prize with them.”
Additionally, winner’s are recommended to put their prize money into a special bank account – like a term deposit – and seek advice from a qualified financial to ensure the prize will last the rest of their lives.
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