Retiree claims $40m lotto prize

A teetotalling Melbourne retiree has won a $40 million lottery jackpot, making her one of the richest winners in Australian history.

The Lilydale woman, who asked to remain anonymous, was unaware she was the sole Division 1 winner from last night night's Oz Lotto prize until Tattersalls staff contacted her this morning.

The woman, who described her occasional lotto ticket as her only vice, said the win would change her family's lives.

"We've worked hard and struggled for what we have, and this will make life just so much easier," she said.

"We'll pay off the house, pay off loans and help our children and grandchildren."

The win is the largest lottery prize for 2012, and the fourth largest in Australian history.