The National Lottery has explained why some lottery winners decide to reveal their identities shortly after scooping the jackpot. A spokesperson for the firm said that going public can give the winner "peace of mind" and suggested that when winners reveal who they are, they're sometimes better able to enjoy their winnings as they no longer have to keep "such a big secret" from their loved ones.
The comments come just hours after the UK's biggest ever lottery winners were revealed. Joe and Jess Thwaite from Gloucester were the lucky duo to scoop the £184million jackpot when they won the EuroMillions lottery on May 10 with a Lucky Dip ticket they'd quickly purchased on the National Lottery App.
The pair broke the record for the highest amount won in a lottery game in the UK by more than £14 million and attended a press conference at Ellenborough Park hotel in Cheltenham to spill the beans on their incredible win.
Read more: UK's biggest ever lottery winners who scooped £184m jackpot revealed
Jess, who works as a business manager at a hair salon she runs with her sister, said: "The win gives us time to dream which we haven't had before. We’ve had one week to think about this and we now have time to share lots of experiences and go on adventures with our family and friends."
"My dad played the National Lottery all his life and constantly dreamed of winning," she added. "He'd always ask us what we'd do when we won, how we'd spend it, who we'd treat. It was a regular conversation and I feel like he was preparing us!"
Shortly after their identities were revealed, hundreds of people took to social media to share their Congratulations to the couple - or to remark their surprise at the winners going public.
One surprised social media user took to Twitter to say: "I really don’t understand why those who win the lottery choose to publicise themselves especially over social media… cool you won it keep it to yourselves go and live your lives. I don’t think it’s fair on the young children either."
In response, a spokesperson for the National Lottery said: "Taking publicity can give the winner peace of mind and help to manage circulation of the fantastic news. People may find out via social media, and winners may not be able to enjoy the experience if they have to keep such a big secret from their friends and family.
"If a winner does decide to go public, Camelot's [National Lottery operators] PR team will organise a press conference and handle all media interests for them so they can enjoy their win and relax!
"It is completely up to the winners as to whether they go public or not... It also stops their friends and family feeling pressured to keep the win a secret too."
"In all consideration, it is a lot of money to conceal. People can feel more relieved knowing the knowledge of their win has been shared in a managed, controlled manner, allowing the winner to access their funds more freely without fear of raising suspicion," added a further spokesperson.
Social media is full of messages congratulating the winners. Among them, Twitter user Caroline Dennehy said: "John and Jess Thwaite seem like gorgeous lovely people. Many Congratulations to them," whilst Twitter user Lausey B said: "The Euromillions winners seem absolutely lovely. They thought it was £148k not £148mil and were happy with that. Bless them and good luck to them!"
"Amazing news," wrote another. "I always wonder if people actually do win. The power of social media I've never known anyone who's [sic] won big on national lottery. Congratulations to them both."
Some National Lottery players took to social media to suggest changes should be brought in to the game to stop individuals, or pairs, winning such high sums - and suggesting the jackpot should be split up.
"Instead of giving £184,000,000 to a single ticket holder, couldn't the National Lottery give 368 people £500,000 and make more of a difference to society in the UK?" said one lottery player. "Good luck and fair play to the record breaking EuroMillions winners - but £184,000000 is crazy money ! The prize would be better split down to 10 or so winners IMHO [in my honest opinion]," added another.
