Australian Man Discovers $2.2 Million Lottery Win After Two Weeks

An Australian man has become $2.2 million richer after discovering he held the winning lottery ticket for nearly two weeks without realizing it.

The father only learned of his substantial windfall when he visited his usual newsagency and had the ticket checked.

"It hasn't sunk in yet," he stated. "I buy tickets and I don't check them instantly. I put them in a bag and sometimes they sit three for two or three weeks, even a month. I didn't know this ticket had won anything."

The man explained that he was dressed in different attire than usual due to a work meeting, which led to initial confusion with the newsagency owner, Robert. "I said, 'Thank you Robert, it's me,' but he was asking if I was the mystery winner."

Robert Chong, owner of Toongabbie Newsagency, confirmed the confusion and the subsequent discovery. "We checked the tickets and it was the very last ticket that had won! I said, 'What is going on?'"

The winner's wife initially laughed when he told her the news, recalling her frequent questions about why he purchased tickets.

The unexpected win is expected to significantly improve the family's financial situation. "We haven't planned anything specific, but this really takes the pressure off us. It's amazing," he shared. "It will help our family and give us a positive outlook on the future."

The winning ticket was purchased from Toongabbie Newsagency on Aurelia Street in Sydney's west. Chong noted that the staff were delighted to have sold another division one winning entry, adding to the outlet's recent success. The newsagency has now sold seven division one winning tickets in the past six years.

"We were very surprised and excited for the community when we heard the news," Chong said. "We've been celebrating by decorating the counter and sharing the exciting news with our local customers."

The winning numbers for Saturday Lotto draw 4709 on September 5, 2026, were 40, 27, 17, 43, 5, and 38, with supplementary numbers 2 and 39.