Lottery insiders have revealed the six most common myths fooling everyday Australians, from theories on how to improve your chances of winning to tax confusion.
The Lott spokesperson Eliza Wregg has debunked some of these misconceptions, urging Australians not be fooled, particularly in the lead-up to April Fools' Day.
"Calling our major prize winners every day and breaking the winning news, I've certainly heard all sorts of theories," Wregg said.
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"Of course, trying to break the news to someone who's won big on April Fools' Day comes with its own challenges.
"A Hobart couple enjoyed the ultimate April Fools' Day surprise when they received a phone call from us revealing they'd won $775,000 in TattsLotto.
"April Fools' Day is a timely reminder that lotteries are games of chance.
"There are no shortcuts to winning big."
Myth one – Major lottery prizes are taxed
Major lottery prizes in Australia are tax free, which means winners receive the full prize amount.
According to the Australian Taxation Office, Australians must declare certain prizes and awards in their tax return.
This includes the value of any prizes or benefits you receive from a prize draw or lottery run by your bank, building society, credit union and investment body.
However you don't need to declare prizes won in "ordinary lotteries" such as lotto draws and raffles.
Myth two – You're more likely to be struck by lightning
The odds of winning an Australian lotto jackpot are slightly better than people expect.
About 500 Australians won a major jackpot last year, while only a handful were struck by lightning.
Myth three – Lottery winners have to go public
If you win the lottery, you'll be able to keep it a secret.
Personal information about winners is never disclosed without their consent and photos of the winners are rarely shared.
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Myth four – Some lottery numbers are luckier than others
Lotteries are games of chance and each number has an equal chance of being drawn.
Lottery balls are regularly weighed at the Australian government's National Measurement Institute to prevent any number bias.
Myth five – Jackpots are always won by one person
While some people do win the entire prize, many of Australia's biggest jackpots have been shared wins.
Last year 15 Queensland residents shared a $70 million Oz Lotto jackpot, while four Australians split a $60 million Powerball prize.
Myth six – Buying your tickets online gives you a higher chance
Buying your ticket online or in store has no impact on your chance of winning.
According to the Lott, 40 per cent of people buy a ticket online, while 60 per cent purchase a ticket in store, with major prize winners coming from both.
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