A nervous Orange man endured a sleepless night after he uncovered a $200,000 Lucky Lotteries win on Thursday, discovering the life-changing windfall more than a month after it was drawn.
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The man, whose identity is unknown, purchased the winning ticket ahead of the Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot draw on Monday, March 8, but completely forgot about it after that.
The ticket, purchased from Orange Central Newsagency, was unregistered so left officials with no way to contact him hoping he would come forward to claim his prize.
I had completely forgotten about the ticket. I couldn't believe it when ... I'd won $200,000. I was completely gobsmacked.
- Orange's Lucky Lotteries winner
On Thursday night, the jubilant man checked his ticket on The Lott app and discovered he, unknowingly, had been $200,000 richer for more than a month.
"I had completely forgotten about the ticket. I downloaded the app and checked a few tickets I had, I couldn't believe it when it said I'd won $200,000. I was completely gobsmacked," he said.
"I only got about two hours sleep [that] night. I was up all night thinking about it, tossing and turning. I just wanted the news confirmed, my stomach was filled with nerves.
I am much, much better now. I am just completely stunned, this is amazing."
Orange Central Newsagency co-owner Jennifer Allen said she was thrilled the Orange man had finally claimed his prize, admitting she and her staff were 'eagerly awaiting the mystery winner to come forward'.
"It's great news. We couldn't be happier for him," she said.
"We can imagine it was a great surprise, especially right before the weekend, so it's fantastic he's now discovered the news.
"Hopefully he can spoil himself with the prize."
The winner said he will do just that, to an extent, but explained he'll take a more responsible route with the best part of the prize.
"I want to pay off some bills and put most of it in the bank," he said.
"We will give some to our family as well [but] I wouldn't mind going away for a weekend to celebrate."
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