New Zealand Lottery
The New Zealand Lottery is a popular game among people of all ages. It may not be as popular of an event as it is in other countries like the United States. However, there are many Kiwis who enjoy playing and catch success.
The NZ Lottery is widely regarded as one of the more reliable forms of gambling in the country since it is run by the government and not by a private company. This means that its operations – from how the numbers are drawn to the distribution of prize money – are subject to strict regulations.
If you are interested in playing in the New Zealand Lottery, then this article will explore everything you need to know about it.
A Brief Overview of the New Zealand Lottery
The New Zealand Lottery traces its origins back to 1877 when the Otago Art Society in Dunedin created a fundraising arm called the “Art Union.” This became the basis of the 1933 national lottery, which initially only gave out small prizes.
Given how unappealing these prizes were, Kiwis began to participate in lotteries abroad, illegally purchasing tickets in events like the Australian Tatersall Lottery. These illicit activities grew so out of hand that in the late 1950s, the Second Labour Government decided to create the Golden Kiwi Lottery to replace the Art Union.
The New Zealand Lotteries Commission was established in 1987 to manage and conduct lotteries throughout the country. It now functions according to the Gambling Act of 2003, with its headquarters located in Auckland.
The New Zealand Lotto has proven to be incredibly popular with Kiwis. In 2012 alone, 56% of the country’s adult population – or 1.8 million individuals – purchased a Lotto ticket within a three-month period. It is also regarded as the largest form of gambling in the country, ranking way above games like scratch cards and pokies.
Its popularity is undoubtedly the result of the astronomical sums that winners can receive. The New Zealand Lotto currently has a $1 million jackpot, while the Powerball boasts of a $4 million prize. With a single Lotto ticket only carrying a minimum $2.80 price tag, it is no wonder why millions of Kiwis are participating in these games!
It is important to note, though, that the ticket price depends on which game you will participate in. A Lotto ticket NZ requires people to buy at least four lines, with each line costing $0.70. On the other hand, the New Zealand Powerball adds $0.80 to the price of each line. It also enforces its own set of extra prize tiers.
What are the Rules of the NZ Lottery?
To participate in the New Zealand Lottery, keep in mind the next rules:
- Six numbers (from 1 to 40) are required to form a line on your ticket. To enter a draw, you will need a minimum of four lines.
- You can opt to either choose your own numbers or enter a Dip. This means that the NZ Lottery system will choose a random set of numbers for you.
- Six winning numbers, as well as one bonus ball, will be drawn.
Here is a quick breakdown of the seven different divisions and what NZ Lotto results to expect if you want to take home the jackpot:
| Matching Numbers | |
| Division 1 | 6 numbers |
| Division 2 | 5 numbers + bonus ball |
| Division 3 | 5 numbers |
| Division 4 | 4 numbers + bonus ball |
| Division 5 | 4 numbers |
| Division 6 | 3 numbers + bonus ball |
| Division 7 | 3 numbers |
The NZ Lotto results are drawn at around 8:20 p.m. every Wednesday and at 8:00 p.m. sharp every Saturday. This is broadcasted live on the TV1 channel, although it will also be posted on the MyLotto official website.
What are the New Zealand Lottery Prizes?
When the NZ Lotto results were announced in September 2018, 40 Kiwis ended up taking home the Division 1 prize after picking the same set of winning numbers: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. At the time, the jackpot had gone up to $1 million, which meant that each received approximately $25,000.
In the game’s entire thirty-year history, this was the leading number of Division 1 winners drawn in a single night. Shockingly enough, two of these 40 individuals were also lucky in the New Zealand Powerball Lotto, winning a whopping $2.5 million on top of their first prize.
So, what are your odds of becoming just like one of these lucky winners?
According to the New Zealand Lottery Exposed website:
| Odds of Winning | Average Prize | |
| Division 1 | 1 in 3,838,380 | $1 million |
| Division 2 | 1 in 639,730 | $20,159 |
| Division 3 | 1 in 19,386 | $635 |
| Division 4 | 1 in 7,754 | $60 |
| Division 5 | 1 in 485 | $33 |
| Division 6 | 1 in 363 | $24 |
| Division 7 | 1 in 35 | $15 |
As you can see, the odds to win the jackpot are much higher than in US Mega Millions Lottery. The latest New Zealand Lotto results may be seen on the MyLotto official website.
Are there any different games in the New Zealand Lottery?
Lotto may be the most famous game in the NZ Lottery, but people are also free to participate in others.
Here is a quick breakdown of the other games that you can participate in:
- Keno involves picking ten numbers from 1 to 80 and placing a wager. Draws are made four times daily, with a record prize of $1 million. Your odds at winning this massive jackpot will be determined by your bet and the numbers you picked.
- Bullseye is a lottery game drawn daily at 6:00 p.m. To join, a player must pick a 6-digit number from000 to 999.999, with the purpose of landing closer to a specific number that has been designated as the “Bullseye.” There are also different divisions in this game, with the first one carrying an average cash prize that can go up to $180,000.
- Instant Kiwi involves scratch cards and a series of online games. It has 5 levels of pricing, and the highest tier having tickets cost $10 and a maximum cash price of around $250,000. This is subject to strict regulations; for instance, selling tickets to people under 18 y.o. is.
Besides the main draw, there are also other games within the New Zealand Lotto. Here is a quick run-through of each of them:
- Lotto Strike involves adding 4 numbers to the main Lotto ticket. If the exact order of these matches the first four numbers are drawn, then the person can take home an average cash prize of over $300,000. It also has other divisions, with Strike 1 earning winners a fixed amount.
- The NZ Powerball Lotto involves purchasing a number that is added to the mainline. If the successful number lies on the line as the winning one in the main Lotto draw, then the person wins a share in the game’s prize pool. Coming out on top of its 1 division is challenging, though; the player should not only win Division 1 in the Lotto, but should also have the drawn Powerball number on the same line.
What are the Biggest Jackpots in the New Zealand Lottery?
The New Zealand Lottery has been going on for so long that it has seen its fair share of extremely lucky winners.
To date, the largest ever New Zealand Powerball Lotto prize was $44 000 000, which was taken home in 2016 by a couple from the Hibiscus Coast. They have opted to remain anonymous, although the man shared with media outlets that he had left work in the middle of his shift upon seeing the NZ Lotto results.
In January 2019, a ticket holder from the South Island won $17.1 million in the New Zealand Powerball Lotto. A few months later, in October of that same year, two people split a $38 million jackpot, with each taking home around $19,100.
Can the New Zealand Lottery be Played from India?
Yes, players currently in India can join the New Zealand Lottery. To do so, simply follow these steps:
- Head to the official website of a Lotto ticket NZ seller or use the resellers like Lotto247.
- Choose your desired quantity of tickets, along with the numbers that you wish to play.
- Input your personal information, such as your legal name, age, place of residence, and the like.
- Pay for your ticket/s using the available methods.
- Wait for the NZ Lotto results to be drawn. If your chosen numbers win, then claim your cash prize.
Purchasing tickets from a website means that the order will be placed on your behalf. They will still be under your legal name, though, so you will be the only one who can claim your cash prize, in the event that your numbers are drawn.
How are Winnings from the New Zealand Lottery Claimed?
If the NZ Lotto results include your numbers, then you may claim your prize at any official outlet. You may also choose to do so at the Auckland headquarters of the New Zealand Lottery. Note that all prizes must be claimed within 12 months of the ticket’s draw date.
When receiving the cash prize, you will be required to fill up a Prize Claim Form, which will then be handed over, along with your ticket. A copy of your bank account details and a valid ID are also needed.
The cash prize will be deposited directly into your nominated bank account within 3 working days of the New Zealand Lottery headquarters receiving your Prize Claim Form.
If your ticket was purchased from an online platform, then you will have to reach out to them to claim your prize.
How Much in Taxes do New Zealand Lottery Winners Pay?
No taxes are imposed on cash prizes from the New Zealand Lotto. However, if the winner decides to invest this money, then they will be held liable for taxes on the interest earned.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to join the ranks of New Zealand Lottery winners, then now is your chance. The odds are pretty low, and it may take a few tries before you win big, but there is always the thrill that comes with not knowing what could happen if you play this game. Moreover, who knows? You might just be one lucky Kiwi.
Good luck with your numbers – may they be lucky ones today!
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