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Life

31st May 2018

A surprising number of Irish people would keep a big EuroMillions win secret

Keeley Ryan

More than one in ten Irish EuroMillion players admitted they would keep a big win a secret from family and friends.

Friday’s EuroMillions draw is worth a staggering €75 million, with a guaranteed €1 million prize in the Ireland Only Raffle.

And ahead of the big draw, the National Lottery asked some players what they would do if they won  the €1 million prize – or even the massive jackpot itself.

16 per cent of players said that they would donate the money to the Irish Cancer Society, while 15 per cent said that they would donate it to Pieta House.

6 per cent of the people surveyed said that they would donate the funds to Focus Ireland, while 4 per cent said they would give the money to Breast Cancer Ireland.

The other things people would do with the money include:

  • 31% would purchase a house as a priority
  • 44% would have a round-the-world trip at the top of the list
  • 11% would do a skydive
  • 19% would buy a brand new car
  • 12% would organise a big party for family and friends to celebrate their new found wealth.
  • 8% would emigrate
  • 4% would invest in furthering their own education
  • 4% would invest in starting their own business
  • 2% would write a book

However, plenty of players said that they would be keen to keep a big win quiet.

13 per cent of respondents said they would keep it a total secret,  but 34 per cent said their partner or spouse would be the second to know (but nobody else).

22 per cent of players said their BFF would be in the know if they won big on the EuroMillions, while 20 per cent said they would tell their mum and dad.

But there was 6 per cent of people who said that they would be telling everyone they knew if they won.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s Ireland Only Raffle, Dermot Griffin, CEO of the National Lottery said: 

“This survey is an interesting insight into the hopes and dreams of our players.

“The Irish are widely recognised as a charitable people and that was clear to see in the results, where there were so many good causes and charities mentioned, with the Irish Cancer Society and Pieta House at the top of their minds.

“What makes Friday’s EuroMillions draw so exciting is that, as well as the massive €75 million jackpot up for grabs, one person is guaranteed to win €1 million with the Ireland Only Raffle.”