How to Claim Lottery Prizes in Australia
Won a prize? Congratulations! Here is everything you need to know about claiming your Australian lottery winnings, from small prizes to multi-million dollar jackpots.
Small Prizes (Under $1,500)
Claim at any authorised lottery outlet. No ID required. Prize paid in cash or credited to your account.
Medium Prizes ($1,500 - $49,999)
Claim at selected major lottery outlets or by post. Valid photo ID required. Prize paid by cheque or bank transfer.
Major Prizes ($50,000+)
Claim directly from the lottery operator. You will be contacted by phone. Financial counselling offered. Bank transfer only.
Claim Timeframes by State
| State/Territory | Operator | Claim Deadline | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | NSW Lotteries | 6 years | 131 868 |
| Victoria (VIC) | Tattersalls (Tatts) | 6 years | 131 868 |
| Queensland (QLD) | Golden Casket | 6 years | 131 868 |
| South Australia (SA) | SA Lotteries | 6 years | 131 868 |
| Western Australia (WA) | Lotterywest | 12 months | 133 777 |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Tattersalls | 6 years | 131 868 |
| ACT | Tattersalls | 6 years | 131 868 |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Tattersalls | 6 years | 131 868 |
Note: Western Australia has a shorter claim period (12 months) compared to all other states and territories (6 years). Always claim promptly.
What to Do When You Win
If you have checked your numbers on our ticket checker and discovered you have won, here are the steps to follow depending on how you purchased your ticket.
Online Ticket Purchases (The Lott App/Website)
If you purchased your ticket online through The Lott, your winnings are handled automatically. Prizes of up to $1,500 are credited directly to your Lott account. For larger prizes, you will be contacted by the lottery operator to arrange payment via bank transfer. Online purchases have the advantage of never losing a ticket — your entry is permanently recorded in your account.
Retail Ticket Purchases
If you purchased a physical ticket from a newsagent or lottery outlet, you must present the winning ticket to claim your prize. For small prizes under $1,500, simply take your ticket to any authorised outlet. For prizes between $1,500 and $49,999, visit a major lottery outlet with valid photo ID. For prizes of $50,000 or more, contact the lottery operator directly on 131 868 (or 133 777 in Western Australia) to arrange your claim.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Your winning ticket (retail purchases) or account details (online)
- Valid photo identification (driver's licence, passport, or proof of age card)
- Bank account details (for prizes paid by electronic transfer)
- Tax File Number (TFN) — not required for the prize, but may be needed if investing winnings
Group and Syndicate Wins
If you won as part of a syndicate or group entry, each member may need to provide their own identification. The lottery operator will divide the prize equally among registered syndicate members. For informal groups, it is important to have a written agreement in place before the draw. Visit our FAQ page for more information about syndicates, or learn about your tax obligations after winning.
Remain Anonymous
In Australia, lottery winners can choose to remain anonymous. The Lott does not publicly identify winners unless they consent to publicity. If you win a large prize, you will be offered the choice of participating in media announcements, but this is entirely optional. Many winners choose to stay anonymous for privacy and security reasons.