UK winner of EuroMillions scoops 拢177m jackpot

Image source, Getty Images

  • Author, Hafsa Khalil
  • Role, 成人快手 News

A UK ticket-holder has won the 拢177m EuroMillions jackpot, scooping the third biggest prize ever seen in the country.

The winning numbers were 7, 11, 25, 31, 40 with lucky stars 9 and 12.

Andy Carter, senior winners' adviser for lottery operator Allwyn, called it a "wonderful win right before Christmas" - and urged players to check their tickets.

If the winner is an individual - rather than a syndicate splitting the prize - he or she will immediately become richer than musicians Harry Styles and Adele who featured on this year's Sunday Times Rich List with fortunes of 拢175m and 拢170m respectively.

The winner can decide whether to go public or request strict anonymity once their ticket has been validated and paid.

The biggest National Lottery win of all time, 拢195 million, was netted by an anonymous UK ticket-holder on 19 July 2022.

On 10 May 2022, Joe and Jess Thwaite from Gloucester won a then record-breaking 拢184,262,899 with a Lucky Dip ticket.

How do you handle a massive windfall?

The dilemma of what to do with a huge lottery win is the stuff of dreams for most people.

But those lucky enough to have a huge win should plan for the future as well as readjusting to day-to-day life on their new, turbo-charged income.

Here are some top tips from finance experts:

  • Becky O'Connor, head of pensions and savings at interactive investor, said legal support, independent financial advice and an excellent accountant are key
  • Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest, suggested one way to celebrate without blowing too large a sum could be to have a "millionaire experience...whether that's taking a luxury trip, going out for a mega-expensive meal or buying a fancy car"
  • Ian Pickford, partner and head of financial planning at audit and tax firm Mazars, said: "If managed correctly [a big windfall] can offer numerous generations a lifetime of financial security, but it can also cause family rifts and money troubles down the line. It's imperative that people seek the advice of experts and put a long-lasting plan in place"
  • Sarah Coles, senior personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, advised those suddenly coming into a fortune "not to rush to act" and create a financial plan.