Aussie punters given green light to play for world's biggest lotto of $1.3b

Australia could soon have a new billionaire, as lottery company Lottoland has given Aussies the green light to play for the world’s biggest jackpot prize of $1.3 billion USD.

The Powerball Jackpot is the largest ever, where the winner will automatically be placed in Forbes infamous rich list.

In a first of its kind, Lottoland has been awarded a five-year license by the Northern Territory Racing Commission to open online gambling in international lotteries.

“We are very excited about this, and Lottoland is setting the pace in opening up winning customer opportunities right around the world,” Lottoland spokesman Luke Brill said.

“It’s quite incredible now to think Australian citizens through Lottoland can join in on the race to win a mega international lottery without having to leave the comfort of their own lounge room or office.”

Previously, lottery players would have to travel to the country of the lottery’s origin to legally be able to play.

Any Australian winners will be charged tax as an American citizen would.

“You win as if you’ve won the underlying lottery,” Mr Brill said.

“If you were to win $1.3b in the US you would receive $880 million after tax,” he explained, which would be equivalent to around $1.2 billion AUD.

Punters at Lottoland will pay $10.50 for a game.

The US Powerball draw will take place 2pm AEDT on Thursday.

For more information, go to: www.lottoland.com.au.