It’s the bizarre “one ball” Powerball trend that’s left many baffled ahead of this Thursday’s $150 million draw.
The Powerball Draw 1462 division one jackpot has hit the eye-watering amount after going unclaimed for six weeks.
If one person selects all seven winning numbers and the all-important Powerball number this week, they’ll collect the entire $150 million and immediately become Australia’s biggest-ever lottery winner.
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However, it’s been revealed that during the last six draws, a staggering 29 Powerball players have been just one ball shy of taking home the Division One jackpot.
These players had all seven winning numbers, but not the Powerball number — which meant they took home the division two prize pool instead.
The Lott says 10 of these division two winners were from New South Wales, eight from Victoria, five in Western Australia and three each in Queensland and South Australia.
The 29 winners collectively pocketed more than $4.35 million in prize money — and in last week’s draw alone, 10 division two winners each banked a $179,059.50 prize.
The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell said all of these players would’ve scooped the Division One prize if they’d purchased a PowerHit entry.
“We’re often asked for our biggest tip when it comes to Powerball, and when it comes to securing that all-important Powerball number, it’s hard to go past the PowerHit,” she said.
“A PowerHit is an entry type unique to Powerball that guarantees the all-important Powerball number you need to win division one.
“Picture this – you match all of the seven-winning numbers from the main barrel, only to realise you missed out on the jackpot because of the all-important Powerball number! That wouldn’t happen with a PowerHit entry.
‘PowerHits have good form’
“Historically, PowerHits have good form. Last year, there were 20 Powerball division one winning entries across Australia that collectively took home more than $552.15 million in prize money. PowerHits were responsible for more than half of these wins.
“However, we’ve certainly seen division one wins from other types of entries too. In fact, a Bankstown dad became a multi-millionaire last year after his six-game QuickPick entry worth only $8.10 scored him $100 million!
“At the end of the day, as long as you’ve secured a ticket by 7.30pm AEST on Thursday, you’re in it with a chance to win it all!
“We can’t wait to see how Thursday’s $150 million Powerball draw pans out and if we’ll be calling any registered division one winners this week.”
Tickets into the $150 million Powerball can be purchased at any licensed lottery outlet, online from thelott.com or via The Lott mobile app until 7.30pm AEST on Thursday.
What happens if you win Division One?
- A representative from The Lott will call you immediately with the good news using the contact number listed in your account.
- The Lott will send a letter to confirm your Division One Powerball win — as well as some “congratulatory goodies” to celebrate your win.
- The Lott says you’ll then have to wait two weeks to receive your winnings. “You’ll have a two-week provisional period to plan what you’re going to do with your life-changing prize,” The Lott says.
- The prize will then be paid into your online account so you can then withdraw the millions to a bank account of your choice.
If you’re concerned about your gambling or the gambling of a friend or family member, log on to Gambling Help Online or make contact via phone on 1800 858 858.
You can access online counselling as well as services in your state or territory and support for family and friends.
