On New Year’s Eve, someone in the Netherlands wins 30 million euros. Or two people 15 million euros, if the top prize of the State Lottery falls on two half lottery tickets. If you automatically play along, the huge amount will be ‘simply’ deposited into your account. With a paper lottery ticket you first have to stop by the office. And then suddenly you are no longer an ordinary mortal, but an asset manager.
“You won’t get a briefcase with 30 million euros from us,” says Thomas van Vessem of the State Lottery, who has already seen many millionaires pass by. “And it’s not written on your forehead either.” The winner – the one who automatically participates will also receive an invitation – will be received extensively at the office.
If you see on your iPad after midnight on New Year’s Eve, with or without a sip, that it is finally you, it will also immediately say that you are expected.
“You can then call us the next morning for an appointment,” says Van Vessem. The number you can call appears with the astronomical amount.
“Keep fate away from the fireplace and small children”
“If it’s you, I wouldn’t shout that directly from the rooftops and put the lot away safely. In a folder. Away from the dog, fireplace, champagne, donuts and small children.” Because you need that ticket to claim your prize.
At the office of the Dutch Lottery, winners are received in a special room, where they receive at least flowers and champagne. “And an information package from all banks in the Netherlands,” explains Van Vessem. “You are an asset manager in one go.” They therefore recommend that you contact experts.
“We provide everyone with what we call First Aid for Happiness (First Aid).” This is based on four main things. Initially, the winners are advised to transfer the money, which will also be deposited into your account if you have a paper lottery ticket, to a separate account.
“Where it’s safe and you can get used to it. Winners don’t walk the polonaise here either, they’ve been left before. It’s always a bit of a shock.” The second tip to the winners is to buy themselves something nice. “The car you already wanted, a watch or a nice bag.”
“If you win 30 million, you suddenly have a lot of extra friends”
It is then recommended to draw up a financial plan with the help of an expert. “We are not a financial adviser”, emphasizes the State Lottery’s spokesman. The last tip is perhaps the most important. “Tell or don’t tell.” That sounds pretty vague. “You want to talk about it and celebrate it. That makes sense, but keep it small.”
According to Van Vessem, if people ask you where that beautiful car suddenly comes from, it is better to say that you have won 100,000 euros. “At 30 million you suddenly have a lot of extra friends.”
Once a year, the Nederlandse Loterij, which also includes the Staatsloterij, organizes a so-called millionaires’ dinner. “Then you are among fellow sufferers and you can just talk about it.”
