Eighty fortunate bus drivers have each won a portion of a EuroMillions prize due to the careful planning of one employee. The National Express employees at Yardley Wood Bus Depot in Birmingham will evenly split a sum of £108,510.50. Their plans for the windfall include investing in a new carpet for the upper floor and indulging in various holiday trips.

Dennis Houghton, aged 73, is credited for the successful syndicate that has been running for over 17 years, utilizing a combination of selected numbers and Lucky Dips. Surprisingly, the boss expressed relief that the win was not larger, as it could have caused a shortage of bus drivers in Birmingham. Dennis jokingly mentioned that he has become very popular among his colleagues since the win was announced.

The group secured their win by matching five main numbers and one Lucky Star number in the EuroMillions draw held on May 22, 2026. The syndicate originated in 2009 when a fellow driver proposed that they pool their resources for the EuroMillions Jackpot. Dennis randomly selects numbers each week, a mix of Lucky Dips and their chosen numbers, from a jar containing numbers one to 59.

Despite changes in members over the years, many former employees still contribute to the syndicate even after retiring. Dennis humorously refers to the syndicate’s growth from an informal group to a structured 80-person syndicate with a waiting list, requiring him to devise a management plan.

Recalling the moment of discovery, Dennis shared his surprise at winning a substantial amount after checking the tickets through the National Lottery app. The news quickly spread among the syndicate members, with many expressing disbelief at the sudden windfall.

Dennis purchased the winning EuroMillions ticket for “On the Buses” while on vacation at Geralds Supermarket in Dawlish Warren, Devon. Their winning ticket was one of two in the UK that matched the required numbers.