An Australian man has been left devastated after being one number off from winning a share in $2.5 billion jackpot.
The New South Wales resident found out on Christmas Day, last year, that he fell agonisingly short after buying a ticket in the USA Power Lotto through Aussie company The Lottery Office.
One lucky person took home the entire division one jackpot.
It reached the eye-watering nine-figure prize after 47 consecutive draws without a winner.
The Lottery Office said the Aussie still took home a “healthy” $46,230.
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Meanwhile, a Victorian man won almost $140,000 after buying a ticket in the same lotto, but a different draw, last Sunday.
“You’ve made my day, my week, my month, my year,” the 48-year-old said.
The lucky winner plans to use his division three prize money to pay off some of his mortgage and to go on a holiday with his son.
“You never know your luck I guess. If you are not in it, you can’t win it,” he added.
And there is a chance for Aussies to do just that this weekend.
Another massive draw, The USA Mega Lotto jackpot, which hasn’t been won since early December, has climbed to $344 million for this Saturday’s draw.
The Lottery Office Chief Executive Officer Jaclyn Wood said she hopes an Aussie can take out the big prize after two decent wins.
“How amazing would it be to start 2026 with a massive lottery win and never have to worry about money again?” she said.
“I’m crossing my fingers that an Aussie can go one better than our recent winners, and take the jackpot.”
How does it work?
The Lottery Office’s government-licenced USA Mega Lotto is exactly matched to the US Mega Millions.
Aussies are given the chance to play for jackpots overseas that can easily dwarf any division one wins from past years.
“When Australians purchase tickets in our lotteries, we purchase a matching ticket in the relevant overseas draw,” Ms Wood explained.
“That means our players are in with a real chance at prizes that are making headlines globally.”
Aussies have until 11am AEST Saturday to buy their ticket into the draw.
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