Can Non-Australian Residents Enter Deaf Lottery or Yourtown Prize Drawings in 2026?
By Win A Home Editorial Team · 3 May 2026
Australian expats, permanent residents & visa holders: here's who can legally enter Deaf Lottery and Yourtown prize draws in 2026, plus tax tips.
Quick Answer: It depends on the rules. Australian citizens abroad can usually enter. Permanent residents can usually enter. Temporary visa holders should check first. Ask the lottery operator directly.
The Short Answer — Why It's Tricky
Expats ask this question often. Can I enter if I don't live in Australia?
The answer is not simple. Different states have different rules. Each lottery operator has its own terms. These rules can catch you off guard. You could lose a winning ticket if you enter when ineligible.
How Australian Charity Lotteries Work — Why It Matters
Deaf Lottery and Yourtown are registered charities. They hold gaming licences from states. Deaf Lottery is licensed in Victoria. Yourtown is licensed in Queensland.
Each state sets its own eligibility rules. Queensland and Victoria don't ban overseas purchases. But both require operators to follow money-laundering laws.
The operator's rules are legally binding. If you enter when ineligible, you lose any prize. Different operators have different eligibility rules. A Queensland draw may differ from a Victoria draw.
Australian Citizens Living Overseas — Usually OK
Are you an Australian citizen living abroad? You can usually enter both draws. Australian citizenship doesn't expire. Neither operator stops you based on where you live.
Payment can be tricky. Both operators take credit and debit cards. Some international cards get blocked. Use an Australian bank account if you can. Or ask a family member in Australia to buy tickets for you.
Winning a prize brings tax issues. But entering itself is straightforward for Australian citizens.
Permanent Residents — Usually Eligible
Do you hold a permanent residency visa? Subclass 100, 101, 186, 187, 189, 190, or 191 visas work. Both operators accept "Australian residents." Permanent residents count as residents.
Where you are when you enter doesn't matter. The operators care about your residency status. You're almost certainly still eligible to enter.
Temporary Visa Holders — Check First
Temporary visa holders are in a grey zone. This includes 482, 500, 408, 600, and 417/462 visas.
Yourtown says entrants must be "Australian residents." This usually includes temporary residents in Australia. A 482 visa holder in Brisbane would likely be eligible. A tourist on a 600 visa for three weeks? That's unclear.
Deaf Lottery's rules are sometimes stricter. They may exclude some temporary visa holders. Ask the operator before you buy tickets. Both have customer service teams. They can confirm if you're eligible.
Which visa types work best? Here's what the rules say:
- Almost certainly eligible: Australian citizens. Permanent residents (subclass 100, 186, 189, 190, 191).
- Likely eligible if in Australia: Temporary Skill Shortage (482). Employer-Sponsored (186/187 bridging). Student (500). Graduate (485).
- Uncertain — call the operator: Working Holiday (417/462). Temporary Activity (408). Partner (820 bridging).
- Generally not eligible: Visitor (600). Electronic Travel Authority (601). eVisitor (651). Transit (771).
This list is not complete. Visa rules change often. Always call the operator before you buy.
New Zealanders — A Special Case
New Zealand citizens on a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) are different. The 444 visa is temporary. But it lets New Zealanders live and work in Australia forever.
Both Deaf Lottery and Yourtown say 444 holders can enter. The visa works like permanent residency for most things. If you've lived in Australia for years, you're fine. If you just arrived, call to confirm.
If You Win — Tax and Prize Collection
Winning a prize home or big cash means tax obligations. This applies even if you live overseas. You need to know this before you enter.
Australian residents who win must tell the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Prize home values get assessed for capital gains tax. You pay tax if you sell the property later. Big cash prizes may also need tax reporting.
For overseas residents, it's more complex. Australian citizens living abroad may still owe Australian tax. Many countries have tax treaties with Australia. These affect how prizes get taxed.
You need to talk to an accountant. Get one who knows Australian tax law. Get one who knows your country's tax law too. Do this before you claim a big prize.