CANBERRA — Somewhere in Australia's capital territory, a person is going about their day with no idea they just became a multi-millionaire.

A single player in the Australian Capital Territory held the only division one winning entry nationally in Powerball draw 1571 on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The prize: the entire $40 million jackpot. The win marks the third-largest lottery prize ever claimed in the ACT.

The winning entry was purchased from a NSW Lotteries outlet in the territory. But more than a day after the draw, the new multi-millionaire still hasn't come forward — and lottery officials say there's a simple reason why.

Why the winner hasn't been told

The winning ticket is not registered with The Lott Members Club, meaning the operator has no way to contact the player directly. In other words, the phone hasn't rung because there is no number to ring. Had the ticket been registered to a player card or online account, the holder would already have been notified automatically. Instead, officials say they are waiting for the ticket holder to check their own numbers and come forward.

The Lott is now appealing directly to the public for help closing the loop, encouraging all ACT residents and visitors who purchased an entry in Thursday's draw to check their tickets.

Lott spokesperson........

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