New dad who lost job due to coronavirus wins millions of dollars in lottery

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Three brothers won the lottery after playing the same numbers for 40 years
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Emily Lawford14 April 2020

A new father from Australia who lost his job because of the coronavirus outbreak has won millions of dollars on the lottery.

The unnamed man, who is in his twenties with a young baby and wife, became unemployed after the Covid-19 pandemic hit businesses around the world.

But on Sunday the man from Adelaide, Australia, won the top prize of around $4.8 million (£2.5m) in the Lott’s Set for Life game.

The prize means the young family will be given $20,000 a month for the next 20 years, totalling millions over the next two decades.

He had purchased his winning "QuickPick" entry online at thelott.com, and officials have confirmed his win.

The man said he and his wife “didn't sleep a wink” on the night they found out that they had won.

He told Australian Associated Press: "I checked my online account last night and saw I had won. I woke up my wife to tell her and she screamed.

"It's unbelievable. I checked my online account so many times to see if it was real.

"We did not sleep a wink. We stayed up all night watching TV and talking about what we're going to do. It is a wonderful feeling.

"We are a young family and we have a baby, so this will set us up for the rest of our lives."

He said the family had already been discussing what they will do with their new-found wealth.

He added: "I recently lost my job because of COVID-19, and so this just gives me complete relief. I have been so stressed lately, but now I am so happy.

"This gives us complete financial freedom. The possibilities are endless with this prize. This is a great feeling to have. I couldn't be happier."

He added: "She wants to do everything, a new car, holidays, a new house, not just any house but our dream house. Oh and a shopping spree, of course.

"What can't you do with this prize is the question."

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