Lotto is one of the more popular games offered by Lotto NZ. Winners are chosen twice per week, on Wednesdays at 20:20 and on Saturdays at 20:00 local time. To enter, a minimum purchase of four lines is required. At $0.60 per line, a ticket price entry fee is $2.40.
Playing is simple. All you have to do is choose six numbers between 1 and 40 for each line. Since you need at least four lines to enter, you will choose six numbers between 1 and 40 at least 4 different times.
For each line, you can either choose the six numbers yourself, or with the Lucky Dip option, the six numbers are auto-generated for you. If you choose to use the Lucky Dip option, the numbers are randomly generated in sets of 4, 8, 12, 16 or 20 lines.
Powerball and Strike are two additional games that can be played alongside Lotto, increasing the chances of winning larger prizes. Powerball is an exciting addition that allows players to win bigger payouts by selecting one extra number between 1 and 10 for each Lotto line. While playing Powerball requires an additional cost, the potential reward is significantly higher, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximize their winnings. Strike, on the other hand, is a game that focuses on the order of the drawn numbers.
Players must choose four numbers per line and attempt to match them with the first four Lotto balls drawn, in the exact order. Each Strike line costs an additional $1.00, and players can win secondary prizes by matching two or three numbers in order. Both Powerball and Strike add an extra level of excitement to the Lotto experience, providing more ways to win and increasing the overall potential payouts.
The Lotto jackpot starts at $1 million, but with Powerball and Strike, the potential winnings can be much greater.
If a player participates in all three games, the jackpot can grow to as much as $4 million, with some draws offering prizes that reach up to $50 million. These massive payouts make Lotto one of the most popular games in New Zealand, drawing thousands of participants for every draw. The size of the jackpot depends on ticket sales and rollovers from previous draws, meaning that the prize pool can fluctuate from week to week. The combination of Lotto, Powerball, and Strike allows for a wide range of winning possibilities, from smaller prizes to life-changing amounts.
The excitement of waiting for the winning numbers to be drawn, combined with the possibility of hitting a massive jackpot, makes Lotto a thrilling game that captures the attention of players across New Zealand.
When calculating all of the possible prizes at various tiers and including the supplemental lottery games on top of the basic Lotto, the odds of winning the six-number Lotto game are 1 in 3,838.380.
Prize category | Numbers matched | Winning odds | Winning odds % |
1 | 6, plus Bonus Ball | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
2 | 6 | 1 in 3,838,380 | 0.00003 |
3 | 5, plus Bonus Ball | 1 in 639,730 | 0.0001 |
4 | 5 | 1 in 19,386 | 0.005 |
5 | 4, plus Bonus Ball | 1 in 7,754 | 0.01 |
6 | 4 | 1 in 485 | 0.2 |
7 | 3, plus Bonus Ball | 1 in 363 | 0.27 |
8 | 3 | 1 in 35 | 2.86 |
Winners of Lotto prizes in New Zealand have up to one year to claim their winnings, and all payouts are provided as lump sums. Unlike in some other countries, lottery winnings in New Zealand are completely tax-free, meaning that winners receive the full amount of their prize without deductions. However, international players who enter Lotto through Lottery Agent websites should check their local tax laws, as winnings may be subject to taxation in their home country.
The ability to claim tax-free winnings is one of the major advantages of playing Lotto in New Zealand, as it allows winners to fully enjoy their prize without any additional financial obligations. This makes Lotto an even more appealing option for players, as they can be assured that their winnings will not be reduced by taxes or hidden fees. With clear payout rules and no tax concerns for New Zealand residents, claiming a prize is a straightforward and rewarding process.
To participate in any of the Lotto NZ games, players must be at least 18 years old.
This age requirement ensures that only responsible individuals can take part, aligning with the regulatory guidelines set by the New Zealand Lotteries Commission. Lotto tickets can be purchased from authorized retailers across New Zealand, as well as online through the official Lotto NZ website and mobile app. This provides convenience for players who prefer to enter the lottery from the comfort of their homes.
For international players, various Lottery Agent websites offer the opportunity to participate in Lotto, although specific terms and conditions may apply depending on the country of residence. The accessibility of Lotto through multiple platforms allows for a wide audience to take part, whether they are purchasing tickets in person or online. Ensuring that all participants meet the minimum age requirement is an important part of maintaining a fair and responsible gaming environment.
Tickets are available across New Zealand in authorised lottery retailers. You can also buy a Lotto ticket online at the official Lotto NZ website or by downloading the mobile app.
If you are a player from overseas, you can enter Lotto via Lottery Agent websites.
The first Lotto draw in New Zealand took place on August 1, 1987, marking the beginning of what would become one of the country’s most popular lottery games. Initially, there was only one draw per week, but in 2015, a second weekly draw was introduced on Wednesdays to provide players with more opportunities to win.
Over the years, additional games were added to enhance the lottery experience. Strike was introduced in April 1993, offering players a unique way to win by matching the order of drawn numbers. Powerball was launched in February 2001, bringing even larger jackpots and increasing the excitement of Lotto.
All Lotto games in New Zealand are operated by the New Zealand Lotteries Commission, which ensures that the games are conducted fairly and transparently. The continuous evolution of Lotto NZ has contributed to its widespread popularity, making it a staple of gaming culture in New Zealand. With a rich history and a strong following, Lotto remains one of the most exciting ways to try your luck and potentially win life-changing prizes.
