‘Unbelievable’: Western Sydney dad’s shock reaction at history-making $100m Powerball win

The winner of the $100m Powerball – the second biggest lottery prize ever in Australia – is a Sydney dad who claimed the only winning entry.

A Western Sydney dad has become the second biggest-lottery winner in history after taking home the entire $100m Powerball jackpot — but he’s still going into work today.

He beat incredible odds to claim the only winning entry in Thursday night’s mega Powerball draw with up to half of the Australian population expected to hold a ticket.

“Wait a second! Wait a second!” the Bankstown man laughed hysterically when an official from The Lott called to break the news.

“Oh! Oh! Are you sure?! Have you got the right person?

“This is unbelievable! I’ve won $100 million!? Am I dreaming? I’m a millionaire now?!

Only one other Australian has taken home a bigger jackpot in the length of the game’s history – a Sydney nurse who scored more than $107 million in January 2019.

A Bankstown dad has won $100m in the Powerball. Picture: Supplied by The Lott

The Powerball winner said he would still return to work on Friday but was interrupted by his wife who questioned the decision.

“Working?! We’re multi-millionaires now!” she interjected over the phone.

The couple did agree their first step would be purchasing a brand-new home to set themselves up for the future.

After five consecutive Powerball draws were unable to produce a single division one winner, the Powerball prize soared to a whopping $100m for Thursday night’s draw.

The winning number's for Thursday's $100m Powerball. Supplied

The winning numbers are: 22, 3, 5, 23, 4, 14, 6

The powerball number is: 17

In addition to the division one winner, there were more than 3.86 million prizes worth more than $77.61 million won by lower division winners on Thursday night.

Among those winners were 10 division two winners, who each took home a $216,070.00 prize.

What happens if you win?

If you are lucky enough to claim a win in the draw, it takes some time before the millions of dollars land in your account.

Firstly, you will receive a call from a representative of The Lott who will give you the good news that you’ve won.

The next step is that you will receive a letter to confirm that you are now a multi-millionaire, as well as some goodies to celebrate.

The second biggest Lotto prize will be drawn tonight. Picture: Supplied by The Lott

It’ll then take two weeks for the money to be sent your way, meaning you have 14 days to plan what your next moves are.

After that time is up, the money will be paid to your online account.

You’ll then be able to withdraw the millions to your bank account and live your best life.

What sets winners apart from the rest?

There have been nine division one winners so far this year who have taken home a total of $254m in prize money.

Five of these winners chose to select the numbers on their winning ticket, while four of them used PowerHit entries to guarantee them the all-important Powerball number.

Australians won a total of $154 million in the Lott this year. Picture: Supplied by The Lott

The most and least common winning numbers

Every ball has an equal chance of being drawn but some numbers have come out of the barrel more often than others.

Seven winning numbers are drawn from the main barrel and the most frequently drawn numbers are 17, 7, 9, 2 and 28, while the least frequently drawn are 31, 33, 34, 15 and 6.

Most winners so far this year have been from NSW. Picture: The Lott

A single Powerball number is drawn from a possible 20 balls in the Powerball barrel.

The most frequently drawn Powerball numbers are 3 and 19, while the least frequently drawn Powerball numbers are 14 and 16.

Where are this year’s Powerball jackpot winners?

• 4 x NSW winners

Total prize money: $138.8m

• 2 x SA winners

Total prize money: $15.25m

• 1 x QLD winner

Total prize money: $20m

• 1 x VIC winner

Total prize money: $40m

• 1 x WA winner

Total prize money: $40m