One in 10 Brits admit they would buy the house next door to handpick their neighbours if they won the lottery, according to new research. The survey of 2,000 adults found that 52% would do something frivolous with a major jackpot prize, such as paying someone to queue for them for life or hiring a lookalike to attend dull events.
Frivolous spending habits revealed
Other whimsical ideas included buying the empty seat beside them on every train journey or permanently booking a table at their favourite local pub. The study, commissioned by The National Lottery with its Powerball jackpot currently at £318 million, also found that 97% would spread their winnings around, sharing with an average of three people.
Over half (52%) would pass some money to their children, 61% would share with their partner, and 16% would treat their pet. Additionally, 35% would donate to charity and 7% would give money to workmates.
Generosity remains a big part of the dream
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." He added: "With most people saying they'd share their winnings with family, friends and the people who matter most to them."
Who Brits would and wouldn't want to win
The survey also asked who people would like to see win if they didn't scoop the jackpot themselves. Almost four in 10 (37%) would prefer their partner to win, followed by their mum (27%) and children (24%). However, 35% confessed there's someone they'd be secretly miffed 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 who've inherited wealth (11%). For 25%, the thought of an ex-partner winning was so galling they'd rather walk on hot coals than see it happen.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's Powerball draw, which closes for entries at 11.55pm on Monday 19 October, Andy Carter commented: "We all do it. Close our eyes and start spending a jackpot win as soon as we've purchased our ticket." He added: "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."
