Sunday, October 18, 2026

“Afraid I’d be the only one to miss out” ... Bought a lottery ticket just before the draw closed and hit a 93-billion-won “jackpot”

Input
2026-10-18 06:00:00
Updated
2026-10-18 06:00:00
AI-generated image to help readers understand the article./Photo=Gemini

[Financial News]  The story of an Australian woman is drawing attention after a ticket she bought just before the draw closed—fearing she alone would miss out after seeing her family all buy tickets—won A$100 million (about 93 billion won).
On the 16th, Asia Business Daily reported the story of A, the first-prize winner in Powerball, citing Australian outlet 9News.
A, who lives in New South Wales, Australia, won first prize in the Powerball draw held the previous day and will receive A$100 million (about 93 billion won). This is the largest lottery prize awarded in Australia this year.
According to lottery operator The Lott, all of A’s family members bought tickets for this draw. Thinking she might be the only one to miss out, A bought a ticket just before sales for the draw closed—and won first prize.
A could barely contain her excitement, telling The Lott, “I still haven’t recovered from the shock. This can’t be happening. Is my cousin playing a joke on me?”
She said, “I’m sitting here with my whole family now. It’s so wonderful to be able to share this moment with my family.” She added, “Someone in my family passed away recently, and it feels like a sign from them. It feels like they’re looking after me.”
A said she plans to “pay off the mortgage on my home and help my family.”
The prize rolled over after there was no first-prize winner for five consecutive draws. It is said to be the largest prize of the year and the sixth-largest ever.
Cat McIntyre, a spokesperson for The Lott, said, “Up to half of Australia’s adult population is expected to have taken part in this draw.”
The largest prize in Australian Powerball history was A$200 million (about 186 billion won), awarded in the February 2024 draw. That time, two tickets won, so the prize was split. The winners were a couple living in Singleton, in the Hunter region of New South Wales, and a woman who bought a ticket in Brisbane, Queensland.
[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter