Big secret half of Australians would keep

An Australian could be more than $400 million richer this week but if it’s someone you know, don’t expect to hear about it.

An Australian could be more than $400 million richer this week but if it’s someone you know, don’t expect to hear about it.

According to new research by The Lottery Office looking at the attitudes of Australians towards winning a major lottery jackpot, many would keep it quiet if they won big.

The findings come as the US’s Mega Lotto jackpot surged to a whopping $417 million on Wednesday, with tickets available until 10am AEST tomorrow.

According to the survey, around 49 per cent wouldn’t tell their friends if they scored big in the lottery, while 51 per cent would look after their loved ones and friends and disclose their huge win.

Meanwhile, in a huge blow for many friendships out there, 14 per cent of those who took place in the survey said they would find a new group of friends if they did end up having a huge win.

It’s good to see that at least some Australians have a sharing spirit, The Lottery Office chief executive Jaclyn Wood said.

Many would keep it quiet if they won lotto. Picture: iStock

“More than one third said they would share their winnings with their partner and almost 24 per cent said they would share their winnings with their family,’’ Ms Wood said. “It shows Aussies want to share their good fortune with those closest to them.’’

When it came to a major jackpot, an extra 18 per cent of respondents said they would share their winnings with their parents, while slightly less would share it with their children, at 15 per cent.

When it came to what people would do if they scored some cash in the lotto, 69 per cent said they would enjoy an international holiday, while 67 would purchase property, 64 per cent would save the cash, and 52 per cent would invest in shares or super.

Many say they would travel if they won lotto. Picture: iStock

Most Australians would keep working if they won, at 55 per cent with only 28 per cent saying they would leave their jobs and 17 per cent not currently working.

The USA Mega Lotto jackpot has exceeded $1 billion this year, with Australian lottery’s biggest prize the $200 million Powerball jackpot in January.

Aussies are able to have at the prize money, which far exceeds that of local lotteries, through The Lottery Office.

“We’re Australia’s ticket to the world’s largest official lotteries,’’ Ms Wood said.  

 “When our customers win, we pay them the exact amount of the winnings we collect

from the overseas lottery ticket.’’