Aussie Lotto winner’s incredible strategy to pick numbers for $4.8 million prize: ‘Believe it or not’

An incredibly lucky Australian man has defied the odds and pocketed the only division one winning entry in Monday’s Set for Life draw, scoring a “mind-blowing” $20,000 per month for the next 20 years.

Remarkably, the Queensland man — from Pomona in the Shire of Noosa — said he’d chosen his numbers by “writing them all down and putting them in a hat”.

“Believe it or not … I’ve used them ever since,” he said. The man now can look forward to a total prize of $4.8 million, paid in portions every single month for the next two decades. Reflecting just how little he expected to win, the Sunshine Coast local, who is semi-retired, said he even screened the first two calls from The Lott representatives.

“I wasn’t expecting this at all. I’m emotional. I don’t even know what to say,” he said. “When you rang twice, I thought it was odd but then I got a call for the third time and thought I better just answer.”

He said he’ll now look forward to fully retiring with his wife. While most lottery winners in Australia get to enjoy their prize in full, a The Lott spokesperson confirmed in the event of a death in the next 20 years, the money will be distributed to the winner’s estate.

“While we always hope our Set for Life division one winners get to enjoy their prize every month for the next twenty years, in the unfortunate event of their passing, the remainder of the prize will be paid in full to their estate, as per the game’s rules,” they earlier told Yahoo News Australia.

Queensland man praises ‘miracle’ win

As for the Queenslander, he said he simply can’t wait to call his wife.

“It’s a miracle. I’m mind blown,” he said. “I appreciate this more than you know.”

The winning numbers in Set for Life draw 3490 on Monday February, 24, 2025 were 36, 37, 25, 10, 32, 15 and 1, while the supplementary numbers were 27 and 2.

In Australia, the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot (matching all seven numbers plus the Powerball) are 1 in 134,490,400.

That means you’re far more likely to be struck by lightning, encounter a shark attack, or even become a millionaire through other means than hitting the jackpot.

Even for Oz Lotto, the odds of winning Division 1 are 1 in 62,891,499. While millions of people play each week, the vast majority will never win a life-changing prize.

If gambling is a problem for you go to Gambling Help Online or call 1800 858 858.

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