This morning, Kiwis across New Zealand are likely busy dreaming about luxurious vacations, new homes, and early retirement as the Lotto NZ prepares for its much-anticipated $50 million Powerball draw. As excitement mounts, a staggering 2 million tickets are expected to be sold for tonight’s draw, with many potential players advised to brace themselves for long queues and waits at ticket counters.
Prepare for Exceptional Interest in the Draw
Lucy Fullerton, Lotto NZ’s head of corporate communications, expressed gratitude to customers in advance for their patience as they navigate the anticipated surge in ticket sales. This upcoming draw marks only the third time the Powerball jackpot has reached the “Must Be Won” level of $50 million. If a lucky single ticket claims the jackpot, it will set a new record for the largest prize ever won in New Zealand history.
What is a “Must Be Won” Draw?
In a “Must Be Won” draw, if there are no winners in the Powerball First Division—which entails matching all seven numbers—the jackpot rolls down to the next division where winners exist. Should multiple tickets win in any division, the prize will be shared equally among the winners.
The allure of massive jackpots often draws in players who may not typically participate in the lottery, leading to high demand both online at MyLotto and at physical Lotto counters. In the previous draw on Wednesday night, over 1.7 million Powerball tickets were entered, and Lotto NZ anticipates that approximately 2 million will be sold for this weekend’s draw.
Online Buying Experience Enhancements
For Wednesday’s draw, 52% of the tickets were purchased online while the remaining 48% were bought in-store, with over half being purchased on the draw day itself. Given the expected rush, MyLotto users may experience a virtual queue when trying to buy tickets in the final hour before sales close at 6:30 PM. Customers will also be placed in a queue after the 8 PM draw if they want to check ticket outcomes.
“We have prepared extensively and are confident going into this draw,” Fullerton noted. The virtual queue system has proven effective in managing high traffic on the MyLotto platform, ensuring a smoother experience for users. Customer service representatives will be on standby to assist both customers and retailers as the big draw approaches, with even the CEO contributing to answering queries via web chat.
Ticket Sales Post-Draw
Lotto NZ has announced that there will be modifications to the online ticket purchasing and checking processes on the MyLotto site. The platform will close longer than usual and will not reopen until 10 AM on Sunday to facilitate the processing of a potentially unprecedented volume of ticket sales. Furthermore, details regarding the winning ticket locations will be withheld until Sunday morning, a departure from the typical practice of immediate disclosure following the draw.
Advice from Previous Winners
Should a ticket take home the massive $50 million prize, Lotto NZ aims to meet the winner in person shortly after to offer support and guidance. Fullerton explained that this meeting usually occurs before the prize is transferred to the winner’s bank account within a few days of validation.
A couple from the Hibiscus Coast, holders of New Zealand’s largest single prize at $44.06 million in 2016, offered their advice on handling newfound wealth. They stressed the importance of maintaining a clear mind by prioritizing basic needs such as eating well and sleeping adequately, along with securing quality financial advice. “Make sure the professionals you consult understand your vision for the long term,” they advised.
As anticipation builds for the $50 million Powerball draw, Kiwis are gearing up for a thrilling night filled with dreams of what could be. Don’t miss out—make sure to purchase your tickets and join in the excitement!