A southern suburbs man has finally come forward to claim a $15 million Oz Lotto prize.
It took a week for Lotterywest to get in contact with the winner because he didn't recognise their number —eventually answering the call that would change his life.
The man, in his 40s, said he normally plays using his favourite numbers and checks them religiously, but a hectic day at work meant he grabbed a Slikpik instead.
“I had customers knocking at the door so I just picked a ticket with random numbers as I was in a rush,” he said.
“I didn’t even think to check my ticket after the draw since they weren’t my usual numbers.
“It was only when I finally answered Lotterywest’s phone call, which I thought was someone cold calling me because I didn’t recognise the number, that I found out I’d won.”
The winner, now mapping out his $15 million future, said he plans to buy a house, upgrade his car, invest, and take his family on a dream European cruise.
When asked if he’d keep working, the winner said, “Mentally yes, but physically no.”
Lotterywest spokesperson Zoe Wender said even though he didn’t answer the first time, the man’s registered ticket meant Lotterywest could continue to contact the player until they were able to deliver the life-changing news.
“It’s a great day in the office when we can make that call and share such fantastic news with a WA player,” she said.
“There’s that moment of disbelief, often followed by confusion, and then the penny drops.
“If you could bottle that moment of realisation and joy, it would be a guaranteed bestseller.”
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