Play the New Zealand Lotto

The New Zealand Lotto started in August 1987 and in its first full year over NZ$64.5 million was won in lotto prizes. To date, more than NZ$3.68 billion has been paid out in Lotto prize money to 62.4 million winners.

The largest ever prize was $17,992,975 on 20 May 2006. The ticket was sold in the town of Kaeo in Northland. The main Lotto is a six balls and one bonus ball game numbered from 1 to 40. Top prize is achieved by matching all 6 lottery balls drawn.

With the addition of the Powerball, started in February 2001, the largest combined Lotto and Powerball prize won by a single ticket was $17.9 million in May 2006.

Lotto Powerball is an extra number from 1 to 10 added to your Lotto line. If you win a prize with Lotto, and have the winning Powerball on the same line, you win the Powerball prize in addition to the Lotto prize.

Also, there are two other draws, Big Wednesday and the twice-daily Keno, as well as a whole variety of scratchcards known as Instant Kiwi. The Winning wheel game is free to all ticket purchasers.

How to play New Zealand Powerball
The New Zealand Lotto is 6 out of 40 lotto. Players must pick 6 numbers and match them with the 6 lottery numbers drawn to win the jackpot. The bonus ball, also drawn from the same set of balls, is used raise the lesser prizes. To play Powerball, players must also purchase an extra number, if this number also appears on a line that has already won, the winnings are greatly increased.

When the Powerball jackpot reaches $30 million, the next game is a 'Must be won' game where, if there is still no jackpot winner, the prize fund is divided amongst the winners of the next division.

The Odds of Winning
1st Prize match 6 + PB 1:38,383,800
2nd Prize match 6 1:3,838,380
3rd Prize match 5 + bonus + PB 1:6,397,300
4th Prize match 5 + bonus 1:639,730
5th Prize match 5 + PB 1:193,858
6th Prize match 5 1:19,386
7th Prize match 4 + bonus + PB 1:77,543
8th Prize match 4 + bonus 1:7,754
9th Prize match 4 + PB 1:4,846
10th Prize match 4 1:485
11th Prize match 3 + bonus + PB 1:3,635
12th Prize match 3 + bonus 1:363

Lotto used to be televised on two tv game shows, 'Telebingo' and 'Risk', but has now been discontinued in favor of it's new slot on TV2 at 8:00pm every Saturday night. The Big Wednesday draw is televised on TV1 each Wednesday, at 8:20pm and offers substantial non-cash prizes, such as luxury cars. A significant cash prize with a minimum of NZ$2 million is also on offer as an opportunity to win 'the ultimate lifestyle.'

The New Zealand lottery is run by the New Zealand Lotteries Commission (NZLC) and is New Zealand’s only gaming provider.

Related:
New Zealand Lotto Results

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