The research is in and shows Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish (MDF) underwritten by SportsBet, continues to be a massive catch for the Northern Territory. MDF sees a number of tagged fish released across the Top End’s pristine waterways, and anglers throwing in a line from boats, fishing charters and land-based fishing spots to catch them.
Season 7, which ran from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, saw more than a hundred fish worth $10,000 released, plus the big one worth a million dollars. Sixteen lucky anglers from across Australia landed themselves $10,000.
As well as MDF Season 7 delivering for fishing fans, with the most prize money ever paid out, independent research shows the season also bagged a record-breaking $47.3 million total expenditure stimulus for the Territory. Of that, 32.5 percent ($15.4 million) was new money that would not have entered the Top End region if the competition did not exist.
Million Dollar Fish is delivered by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC). NTMEC CEO Tim Watsford said the competition is unlike any other, and more and more people from across Australia are trying their hand at catching a million dollars.
“Registrations for Season 7 were up from Season 6 (38,556 compared to 29,000), with more than 32,000 people actively fishing in the competition,” he said. “Almost 20 percent registered with an interstate address, and interstate visitors delivered more than 20,000 visitor nights across the Territory. More than 70 per cent of them said they are likely to return to take part next year. This is great news for our economy.” The research shows anglers came from every state and territory, with Queenslanders the
largest group at more than 35.5 percent, followed by visitors from New South Wales at 23.1 percent.
SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said MDF continues to deliver. “SportsBet is thrilled Million Dollar Fish Season 7 was bigger than ever,” he said. “We are constantly striving for this competition to deliver more for the Territory. More people are actively taking part, more people are visiting the NT, and more money is flowing through the economy.
“We are now gearing up for an even bigger Season 8, and can’t wait to give away some cash to as many lucky fishos as possible!” Although Season 7 ended on 31 March 2022, the eight fish carrying tags worth $1 million that remain uncaught stay active year-round if you registered for Season 7. Million Dollar Fish Season 8 begins on 1 October 2022 and will run until 31 March 2023. Registrations will open on 1 September 2022. Visit https://milliondollarfish.com.au/ to find out more.