The Hunter welcomed two millionaires at the weekend… but one of them is still a mystery.
In fact, lottery officials are urging residents and visitors to check their Saturday Lotto tickets as soon as possible.
The winning entry, worth more than $1 million, was purchased at Spar Express Morpeth in Swan Street.
Manager Glen Scarratt admitted the news was fantastic for the town.
“We’re really happy for them… and we hope it is a local,” he said.
“The last time we sold a division one winning entry was on Boxing Day in 2015.
“So, we’re pleased to have another major prize come our way.
“It’s quite thrilling to know that we’ve sold a division one winning entry that has possibly changed someone’s life.
“Congratulations to the winner.”
The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell said she looked forward to uniting the region’s latest lottery winner with their bounty.
“They’re likely starting their work week oblivious to the fact they’ve won $1.2 million,” she explained.
“It’s the type of surprise that could make the rest of 2026 unforgettable.
“We’re encouraging anyone who purchased a ticket from Spar Express Morpeth to check their tickets today because you could be the mystery winner we’re searching for.
“It’s also an important reminder for players to register their entries to a player’s card or online account with The Lott Members Club.
“If this person realises they’re the mystery winner we’re searching for, they can phone us on 131 868 to begin the exciting prize claim process.”
Christmas raffle win just the beginning for doubting Newcastle Lotto winner
A Newcastle dad who normally “never wins anything” has been left wonderstruck at his continued run of good fortune after he scored $1.25 million in the weekend’s Saturday Lotto draw.
It follows his $100,000 triumph in a Christmas raffle.
The local man was initially convinced the winning phone call was a scam.
However, after double-checking his Saturday Lotto ticket, he was left gobsmacked to discover it was in fact the real deal.
“Oh my god! Oh my god!” he joyfully yelled.
“Are you kidding me? I’ve won $1.2 million?
“I can’t believe it! I thought it was a scam! I just kept thinking ‘Why should I read this information out to you?’.
“I initially believed I hadn’t won anything because when I checked my online account earlier, I saw $53, but it turned out that was just my account balance.
“This is the best news! I can’t believe it.
“I have a funny story.
“I’ve never been lucky… and I never win anything.
“But, on Christmas Eve, I bought a TV and it automatically entered me into this raffle, and I won $100,000.
“Now I’ve won $1.2 million! This really tops the Christmas raffle.
“Wow! I’m in shock.”
With $1.2 million about to boost his bank account, the gleeful resident shared ways the prize would help him and his family.
“I’ve got a daughter, and I was recently weighing up which school we could realistically afford to send her to, given the hefty school fees,” he explained.
“And, we’re also going to Japan soon for a holiday and I was about to buy accommodation.
“But, now, this really changes things.
“Thank you so much.”
His winning System 9 entry was purchased on The Lott website.
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