A new survey has revealed how Brits would really spend a lottery jackpot, and the results are not what you might expect. The research, commissioned by The National Lottery, whose Powerball jackpot currently stands at £318 million, found that one in 10 Brits would buy the house next door to choose their neighbours.
Frivolous Spending and Generosity
The poll of 2,000 adults found that 52% would do something frivolous if they won a major jackpot prize. This includes paying someone to queue for them for life, hiring a lookalike to attend dull events, buying the empty seat next to them on train journeys, or permanently reserving a table at their favourite pub.
Despite the playful spending, almost all respondents (97%) said they would share their winnings with others, spreading their fortune among three people on average. More than half (52%) would give some to their children, 61% would give to their partner, and 16% would even give their pet some. Additionally, 35% would give to charity, and 7% would give money to work colleagues.
Who Brits Want to Win
Andy Carter, senior winners' advisor for Allwyn, which operates the lottery, said: “While people may admit to a little harmless playfulness when imagining life as a millionaire, the research shows generosity remains a huge part of the dream. With most people saying they'd share their winnings with family, friends and the people who matter most to them.”
The study also revealed who those polled would like to see win if they weren't lucky enough themselves. Almost four in 10 (37%) would want their partner to win, followed by their mum (27%) and children (24%). Dads fare less well (14%), ranking above best friends (12%). Siblings come even lower, with 10% wanting their sister to win and just 9% wanting their brother to.
Who Brits Would Exclude
However, 35% admitted there's someone they'd be secretly gutted to see become an overnight millionaire. Those already wealthy topped the 'anyone but them' list (30%), followed by previous lottery winners (16%) and politicians (14%). Other unpopular choices include owners of multiple properties (13%), “social media show-offs” (12%), former school bullies (11%), and those with inherited wealth (11%).
For some, the prospect of an ex-partner winning was particularly painful, with 25% saying they'd rather walk on hot coals than see an old flame land a life-changing jackpot. Speaking ahead of Tuesday's Powerball draw, which closes for entries at 11.55pm on Monday 19 October, Andy Carter added: “We all do it. Close our eyes and start spending a jackpot win as soon as we've purchased our ticket. It's no surprise people are daydreaming about how a truly life-changing sum could transform their lives, who they'd share it with and, according to our research, who they perhaps wouldn't.”
