For this edition of "10 Questions for...", we spoke to one of Austrian Lotteries' jackpot advisors. This unique role offers fascinating insights into the lives of people whose everyday reality can change overnight after a major win in games such as Lotto "6 out of 45" or EuroMillions.

In our interview, the anonymous advisor, who was once given the artistic name "Erhard Glück" by the Austrian magazine Falter and whom we are happy to refer to by the same name here, shared stories about memorable encounters, unusual situations and valuable advice for winners.

What is a Lottery Jackpot Advisor?

A jackpot advisor is a dedicated contact person for players who have won large sums in Austrian Lotteries games. His primary role is to support winners during the exciting but often overwhelming period following a major win.

He helps winners make important first decisions, provides guidance on handling their winnings and assists with practical matters such as prize payouts. His work extends beyond financial considerations, as many winners experience what can best be described as a "positive state of shock." The goal is to help winners enjoy their prize for the long term and to avoid decisions they may later regret.

Erhard Glück answered the following ten questions for us:

1. What was the highest prize you have personally advised on?

The highest prize I have personally looked after was around €57 million. The winner was naturally in a very exceptional emotional state and was extremely grateful to have someone to talk to during that time.

2. What is the most unusual thing that has happened to you in your job?

There are countless stories, although whether they are truly unusual is not for me to decide. I've held conversations in trucks, empty inns and secluded courtyards.

Visits involving dogs are always entertaining as well. I'm well prepared and always carry treats with me to keep them happy. On one occasion, however, I narrowly avoided being bitten by a dog.

3. What do you enjoy most about your work?

Winners are often experiencing a positive state of shock. Being able to share this moment of joy with them is priceless.

Many winners are initially anxious and concerned about the future. I help take away some of those worries and simply be there for them. It's rewarding to see how a win can improve people's lives. For example, someone with a disability may suddenly be able to afford an accessible apartment, a high-quality wheelchair or a bath lift.

Every consultation is different, and that's exactly what makes the job so interesting.

4. What does your day-to-day work look like?

After every draw, I receive information about new major winners in Austria.

The winners then contact the Customer Service Centre, where their prize is verified. They can decide whether they would like to visit Austrian Lotteries headquarters in Vienna or have me visit them personally.

If they prefer a personal visit, I contact them by phone. My role is to help reduce the initial excitement and arrange a meeting, ideally within the four-week claim period.

Lottery Prize Advice: What You Should Know

With the right planning, you can make the most of your good fortune.

Discretion is key. Share the news only with people you trust in order to avoid uncomfortable situations. Take advantage of the free advisory service offered by Austrian Lotteries to make informed decisions and learn more about the prize payout process.

For regular updates and convenient account management, use the Austrian Lotteries app or play online directly at win2day.at.

To check whether you've won, simply use the online results check for Lotto "6 out of 45" and EuroMillions or visit win2day.at.

5. What advice would you give someone who has suddenly won a very large sum of money?

The most important thing is to tell only your closest circle and continue living your life as normally as possible.

It's also a good idea to write down everything you have always wanted to do if you ever won. If necessary, I recommend seeking professional and reputable financial advice, whether through your own bank or another institution.

During my visits, I also provide winners with an information package containing practical tips and guidance.

6. Who should you tell about the win, and what can you expect from the people around you?

As a general rule, I recommend keeping the news private. Only your closest family and friends should know.

Experience has shown that if too many people hear about a major win, requests soon begin to arrive, along with plenty of "new friends" who suddenly have great ideas and plans.

Unfortunately, this happens time and time again. If you're not careful, you may not enjoy your winnings for very long.

7. What are three things you should never do after a major win?

The most important thing is not to tell everyone about it.

Beyond that, every winner is different. Some invest their money, while others pursue lifelong dreams, including one winner who bought the football club in his home village.

8. How should you behave after winning and how does the payout process work?

The first step is to have your ticket checked by the Customer Service Centre and confirm that you have actually won.

After that, stay calm and request a consultation with me. Any remaining questions can be discussed personally. In the meantime, I recommend writing down any questions you'd like answered so you can bring them to the meeting.

Prizes of up to €1,000 can be collected directly from lottery retailers. Amounts up to €79,999 can be paid out by authorised major prize payout locations.

For prizes of €80,000 and above, winners can collect their prize at Austrian Lotteries headquarters, arrange a personal visit from me, or handle the process by post. Personally, I would advise against postal processing, as liability is limited to €2,500.

9. What experiences do winners commonly talk about?

Almost every winner tells me they never expected it to happen.

Of course, they played to win, and many had already spent time imagining what they might do if they ever won. That makes the joy even greater when it actually becomes reality.

I share in their excitement and enjoy listening to their plans. Older winners often think first about their children and grandchildren. Younger winners are frequently focused on paying off loans and making long-held dreams come true.

These success stories constantly remind me why I am so passionate about my work.

10. Finally, what would you personally do with a major win?

That would depend entirely on the amount.

My first thought would be my family and making sure everyone is financially secure. I would also donate a significant portion of the money to people who are less fortunate.

The remaining amount would be invested conservatively and with a focus on long-term security.

We would like to thank Erhard Glück for this insightful interview.

Knowing that future winners will be in the best possible hands, we wish him all the best. Would you like to learn more about lottery winners, game tips or fascinating facts about numbers?

In our Lotteries Stories, you'll find many more behind-the-scenes insights into the world of lotteries and games of chance. You can also discover further interviews and informative articles on topics such as Numbers Lottery 1-90 and the chances of winning with Scratch-Off Tickets.