All You Need to Know About 'My Lottery Dream Home'

Understanding the Appeal of My Lottery Dream Home

My Lottery Dream Home has become a staple on HGTV, capturing the imagination of a wide audience. The show blends the allure of extravagant mansions with more practical, budget-friendly homes, offering something for everyone. Host David Bromstad plays a central role in guiding lottery winners to their dream homes, which can range from luxurious lakeside estates to cozy Midwestern homes close to family. This variety ensures that each episode resonates with different viewers, making the show accessible and engaging.

Bromstad shared insights with the New York Post in 2018 about how many winners reach out to be on the show after consulting with financial advisers. He emphasized the importance of an outside perspective, noting that it helps winners make informed decisions about their new lives. "It's always nice to have someone who’s not really part of their lives, an outside source, to come in without any great emotions while listening to what they’re looking for in a home," he explained. He also highlighted that some winners are surprisingly cautious, recognizing the need to manage their newfound wealth wisely.

Despite his role in helping others find their dream homes, Bromstad has never bought a lottery ticket himself. "I've already won the lottery," he told The Wrap. "I won Design Star, and that was my lottery. I'm generally not a very lucky person. So I'm good. I've won it, that's my win."

Season 18 and Beyond

Fans of My Lottery Dream Home can look forward to new episodes from Season 18, which began airing on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. The show is still going strong, having avoided the cancellation trend that affected other HGTV programs in 2025. Re-runs of the fan-favorite series are frequently aired, ensuring that longtime fans can enjoy the show regularly.

Where to Watch My Lottery Dream Home

All past episodes and seasons of My Lottery Dream Home are available on HBO Max and Discovery+. New episodes are also available for streaming the day after they air. This accessibility makes it easier for fans to catch up on their favorite episodes or discover the show for the first time.

Real or Staged?

Most of what viewers see on My Lottery Dream Home is genuine. According to lottery winners who have appeared on the show, the homes they tour are real, and the participants have indeed won the lottery or received other large sums of money. However, some background conversations and reactions may be slightly staged to improve lighting, sound, or other technical aspects. Despite this, the bond between Bromstad and the winners is very real, as noted by Anthony Colligan, who appeared in Season 7. "I didn't know he was like that. I just started laughing and couldn't stop."

The Richest Winners

The wealthiest couple to appear on the show so far is Rick and Lorie Knudsen, who won $180 million. Initially planning to spend only $1.5 million to $2.5 million on their dream home, they eventually settled on a massive 50-acre mountainside property in California for $5.8 million. The couple later sold the property to move to a lower elevation to accommodate their son, Ricky, who has a congenital heart defect. They planned to purchase a smaller, more manageable property in the future.

How Much Do Winners Spend?

The budgets for the homes vary widely depending on the winner's preferences and financial situation. For example, Kathy, who did not win the lottery but had a significant investment payout, had a budget of $3 million to $4 million, with the potential to increase it to $5 million to $6 million if she found the perfect property.

Is David Bromstad a Real Estate Agent?

While Bromstad is a well-known designer, he is not a real estate agent or realtor. Therefore, it is unlikely that he receives a commission from sales featured on the show. His role is primarily that of a guide and advisor, helping winners navigate the process of finding their dream homes.

What Episode Features the $180 Million Winner?

The first episode of Season 1 features Rick and Lorie Knudsen, the winners of the $180 million jackpot. This episode sets the tone for the show, highlighting the excitement and challenges of winning such a life-changing amount of money.

Why Is Artwork Blurred Out?

HGTV blurs artwork on the show to avoid copyright issues. This practice is common among reality shows, as it prevents potential legal disputes over the use of copyrighted material. However, if a participant creates the artwork themselves and gives permission, it may not be blurred.

Do Winners Actually Buy the Homes?

Yes, most winners do buy the homes they feature on the show. While not all keep them long-term, the purchases are typically legitimate. One exception involved an anonymous participant who claimed to have purchased her property before being on the show.

Where Is the Show Filmed?

My Lottery Dream Home is filmed wherever the winners choose to settle. This flexibility allows the show to showcase a diverse range of locations and properties across the country.

Who Keeps Their Homes?

Many winners keep their homes, including Rhonda and Joe Meath, who purchased a 38-acre property in Minnesota after winning $11.7 million. Other notable winners include William Polachek, Marva Lawson, Nate Waldrop, Tuk and Brian Kutz, and Nick Rocco, who used his winnings to buy a modest home and several investment properties.

Final Thoughts

My Lottery Dream Home continues to captivate audiences with its blend of luxury, practicality, and personal stories. Whether you're a fan of real estate, design, or simply enjoy watching people achieve their dreams, the show offers something for everyone. With new episodes airing regularly and a rich history of memorable stories, it's no wonder the show remains a beloved part of HGTV's lineup.