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Dad wins Australia's second biggest lottery prize of $96 million

A Sydney man has become the second biggest individual lottery winner in Australian history, winning $96 million.

The father from the Sydney suburb of Chatswood won the jackpot on Tuesday and was at work when he received the news.

“Jesus Christ! I’m at work at the moment so I wasn’t expecting this phone call,” the man said.

“I’m shaking. I’m just waiting for someone to tell me I’m being punked.”

One man from Sydney has won $96 million in Australia's second largest jackpot. Source: The Lott
One man from Sydney has won $96 million in Australia's second largest jackpot. Source: The Lott

The man said the only way to describe how he was feeling after the win was “stunned”.

The father said he was going to look after his children, ensuring they are set up for the future.

Always wanting to travel, after taking care of the kids, the winner said he’s going around the world.

“I know a number of people who are going to be extremely happy when I tell them I have won.

“I can’t wait to call my wife and tell her I have won. I don’t think she’ll believe me. I’m a bit of a prankster so she’ll probably think I’m pulling a fast one.”

As for his job, the man said it was unlikely he would finish the work day.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll quit. My endless lunch-break starts now!” He said.

The Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot has been building since January 2017. Unlike other lotteries, the Mega Jackpot only has one winner.

Back in July this year, when the prize was $84 million, a spokesman for The Lott told Yahoo News Australia it was rare for the Lucky Lotteries jackpot to hit such a high amount.

The lucky winner says he will set his kids up for life and probably go on a holiday. Source: Getty Images
The lucky winner says he will set his kids up for life and probably go on a holiday. Source: Getty Images

“Normally the jackpot doesn’t get this high – it seems to go off every two years,” Matt Hart said.

“It’s been quietly growing in the background.”

The last jackpot winner was back in January 2017. A young woman from Rydalmere won $7.48 million and planned on spending the prize on volunteering overseas, a cruise and a Channel handbag.

This year in January, a Sydney mother won $107,575,649.08, making her Australia’s biggest individual jackpot winner.

The mother, who worked as a healthcare professional said she had no plans to retire because she loved her work.

“It will drive me to do more for causes important to me,” she said.

The mother also said she would be using the money to help out family and would donate a “whole slab” to her favourite charity. Then, she would buy a caravan and travel.

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

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