Powerball NZ
Table of Contents

With Lotto NZ, New Zealand offers a wide range of exciting lottery and keno games, giving players plenty of options to choose from. Popular games include Lotto, Keno, Powerball, and Strike, each with its own unique way of playing and winning. These games cater to different preferences, whether you’re looking for a quick Keno draw or the chance to win big with the national Lotto draws. Among these options, Powerball NZ stands out as a thrilling addition to the traditional Lotto game.
Powerball NZ was first introduced to the New Zealand Lottery in February 2001, providing a new layer of excitement for players. Initially, the game featured only eight Powerball numbers, which made for a simpler but still captivating game. As the popularity of Powerball grew, so did its potential for larger jackpots and prizes. In October 2007, the number choices for the Powerball NZ game were expanded from just eight options to a full range of numbers between 1 and 10. This change created even more possibilities for players, making the game even more dynamic and increasing the chances of winning big.
By supplementing or adding Powerball to the traditional Lotto game, players can enhance their chances of winning larger prizes. This combination of games allows you to play the familiar Lotto numbers while also selecting a Powerball NZ number for a shot at an even bigger jackpot. The evolution of Powerball in New Zealand has made it an integral part of the country’s lottery offerings, continuing to provide excitement and life-changing prizes for players across the nation.
How to Play Powerball NZ
Powerball costs NZD $0.80 per line, and to participate in the game, you must enter a minimum of four Lotto lines. This ensures that you have multiple chances to win and increases your potential rewards. Each line you enter corresponds to one set of numbers on your ticket, giving you more opportunities to hit the winning combination.
When you enter Powerball, you’ll need to choose a number between 1 and 10 for each line on your Lotto ticket. This number represents your Powerball, which is crucial in determining your prize. If you’d prefer not to pick the Powerball number yourself, you can use the Power Dip option, where the system randomly generates your numbers for you. The Power Dip option is available for 8, 10, 12, or 16 lines, offering a convenient way to play without having to select numbers manually.
By using the Power Dip, you can let fate decide your Powerball numbers, or you can carefully select them yourself—either way, you’re in with a chance to win big!

How to Win Powerball NZ
owerball draws take place twice a week, giving players regular opportunities to win big. The first draw happens every Wednesday at 20:20 local time, followed by the second draw on Saturdays at 20:00 local time. These scheduled times make it easy for players to keep track of when the draws occur, and each draw offers the chance for life-changing prizes.
If the winning Lotto line also includes the correct Powerball number, the prize is significantly larger than just winning the Lotto game alone. The Powerball NZ number is a key factor in determining the size of the jackpot. When a player matches both the regular Lotto numbers and the Powerball, they win the Powerball prize, which can result in an even bigger payout. This combination of the Lotto numbers and the Powerball number boosts the jackpot and makes Powerball a truly exciting game to play, with the potential for much higher rewards.
The added thrill of matching the Powerball number is what sets the game apart, offering players the possibility of securing even greater prizes and making every draw even more exciting!
Jackpot
The guaranteed minimum jackpot for Powerball NZ is NZD $4 million.
There is no rollover cap, but the jackpot is currently capped at NZD $50 million. According to Lotto NZ, when the jackpot reaches NZD $50 million, there is a ‘Must Be Won’ draw. If no one matches six numbers plus the Powerball in the draw, then the prize rolls down the tiers.
By playing Powerball, the possible jackpot is much larger than the Lotto. Lotto has a fixed jackpot of NZD $1 million, but Powerball offers winners the chance to win 50 times that amount!
Some of the largest jackpots in Powerball history have been:
- NZ $44 million on November 9, 2016.
- NZ $36 million on June 24, 2009.
- NZ $35.2 million on April 9, 2011.
Odds and Prizes
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 38,383,800.
However, players can win Powerball prizes at seven different tiers, as shown below.
Prize category | Numbers Matched | Winning Odds | Winning Odds % |
1 | 6, plus Powerball | 1 in 38,383,800 | 0.000003 |
2 | 5, plus Bonus Ball, plus Powerball | 1 in 6,397,300 | 0.00002 |
3 | 5, plus Powerball | 1 in 193,858 | 0.0005 |
4 | 4, plus Bonus Ball, plus Powerball | 1 in 77,543 | 0.001 |
5 | 4, plus Powerball | 1 in 4,846 | 0.02 |
6 | 3, plus Bonus Ball, plus Powerball | 1 in 3,635 | 0.03 |
7 | 3, plus Powerball | 1 in 352 | 0.3 |
Payout & Taxes
Players have up to one year from the date of the draw to claim their Powerball NZ prize. It’s important to note that prizes are paid out as lump sums only, meaning there are no installment options available. Once you claim your prize, you will receive the full amount in one payment, which can be a significant sum depending on the jackpot.
In New Zealand, lottery prizes, including Powerball NZ, are tax-free. This is a major benefit for players, as it means the amount you win is the amount you take home. There are no deductions for income tax, so you can enjoy your winnings without any worries about taxes reducing the prize.
However, if you are a player from overseas, it’s crucial to check your local tax laws. While New Zealand does not impose taxes on lottery winnings, some countries may require you to declare the prize and pay additional taxes. Always consult with a tax professional or local authorities in your home country to ensure you comply with any tax obligations that may apply to your winnings.
Who Can Play Powerball NZ?
To play Powerball in the New Zealand Lotto, you must be at least 18 years old. This age requirement is strictly enforced to ensure responsible gambling and to comply with local laws. If you are underage, you will not be able to purchase a ticket, either in person or online.
Tickets for Powerball are available across New Zealand at authorized lottery retailers, which can be found in many convenience stores, supermarkets, and dedicated Lotto outlets. If you prefer to play from the comfort of your home, you can easily purchase tickets online via the official Lotto NZ website or through the official Lotto NZ app. These platforms provide a convenient and secure way to select your numbers and participate in the draw.
For those outside of New Zealand, you can still join in on the excitement of Powerball by playing through selected online Lottery Agent websites. These agents act as intermediaries, allowing international players to legally purchase tickets for the New Zealand Lotto and have a chance at winning big.
So, whether you’re in New Zealand or abroad, playing Powerball is easy and accessible. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to win life-changing prizes. Play Powerball today, and remember—good luck!