8 April 2011

This weekend, one lucky New Zealander could be taking their place on the ‘Rich List’, with instant multi-millionaire status. NZ Lotteries has therefore released its top tips for Lotto players on the steps to take if their ticket is the big winner this weekend.

“Winning $34 million would certainly make one player’s dreams come true but adjusting to the unexpected arrival of such a large amount of money can be tricky at first,” says NZ Lotteries’ Chief Executive Todd McLeay.

“Our first top tip is to make sure that you write your name on the back of that ticket – we are often amazed that people don’t take this basic security measure with their very valuable winning ticket.

“Our next tip is to make sure that you are indeed the right winner by having your winning ticket validated. We advise you to talk to NZ Lotteries in the first instance, by calling us on 0800 MYLOTTO. If you are verified as the big winner, a NZ Lotteries representative will then advise how you can claim your prize in privacy and will offer both practical and emotional advice.

“A ticket can also be checked in any Lotto outlet. Tickets purchased online via mylotto.co.nz are automatically checked by our system and you will be notified if you are the big winner.

“Thirdly, we recommend that you think very carefully about who you tell about your big win. Most of our winners do share their news with immediate family. But, the wider the circle of people you do tell, the more chance there is that other people will find out.

“We advise that you get your winnings deposited into an interest earning account. If we receive the winning ticket on Monday, then we can arrange to have the payment in your nominated bank account on Tuesday morning. We also give winners the contact numbers for the country’s private bankers.”

NZ Lotteries provides its big winners with a comprehensive advice book to read at their leisure.

“Getting professional advice is essential in the early days of winning. For many of our winners, their emotions go on a rollercoaster and they can’t believe what’s happening to them, so we recommend seeking good financial and legal advice before making any life-changing decisions,” says Todd McLeay.

Here are some actual quotes from previous Lotto winners on their initial thoughts on winning:

“I was gobsmacked! There’s a photo of me with my mouth hanging open.”

“No more getting up at 3.45am for work.”

“I was dreaming I won Lotto and then I remembered that I had.”

“I couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear for two weeks”.

ENDS

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