New research reveals exactly what Brits would do if they won the lottery.
One in 10 Brits confess they’d snap up the house next door to handpick their neighbours if they struck it lucky on the lottery.
A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 52% would do something frivolous if they won a major jackpot prize. Such acts include paying someone to do all their queuing for them for the rest of their life and hiring a lookalike to attend dull events so they don’t have to.
Some would buy the empty seat beside them on every train journey or permanently book a table at their favourite local pub.
However, the study commissioned by The National Lottery – with its Powerball jackpot currently sitting at a whopping £318 million – discovered that nearly all (97%) would spread their winnings around, sharing their newfound wealth with an average of three people.
Over half (52%) would pass some onto their children, 61% would share with their partner and 16% would even treat their pet. Meanwhile, 35% would donate to charity and 7% would dish out dosh to workmates.
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 survey also shed light on who those polled would like to see win if they weren’t fortunate enough to scoop the jackpot themselves. Almost four in 10 (37%) would prefer their partner to win, followed by their mum (27%) and children (24%).
However, there’s a fair few people that those surveyed wouldn’t want to see hit the jackpot – 35% confessed there’s someone they’d be secretly miffed to see become an overnight millionaire.
Those already rolling in it 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 percent).
For some, the thought of an ex-partner striking it rich was particularly galling – 25% said they’d rather walk on hot coals than see an old flame scoop a life-altering windfall.
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.
“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.”