In an exhilarating Lotto draw last night, seven fortunate ticket holders shared a remarkable $50 million Powerball jackpot. However, no single ticket clinched the coveted prize outright, as each winner successfully matched five Lotto numbers along with the bonus ball and the Powerball. This has resulted in each of the lucky individuals banking an impressive $7,180,041.
Winning Numbers and Prize Distribution
The numbers drawn were 22, 35, 10, 30, 21, 37, with a bonus ball of 5 and the Powerball number being 2. Additionally, 14 other players secured a share of the First Division prize, each taking home $71,429. Notably, one player also triumphed in the Strike Four, walking away with a hefty $600,000.
Commenting on the exciting outcome, Lotto NZ CEO Jason Delamore expressed his delight, stating, “It’s fantastic to see more of our lucky players get to experience what it’s like to win. This win is life-changing, and we know that most winners share their fortune with family, friends, and charities, thereby creating a positive ripple effect in their communities.”
High Demand and Virtual Queues
As anticipated, yesterday saw an unprecedented surge in ticket purchases, with arrivals at Lotto outlets stretching into the streets and malls. An estimated 2 million tickets were sold by hopeful Kiwis eager to strike it rich in the year’s biggest jackpot. To manage the expected traffic, Lotto customers were encouraged to take screenshots of their digital tickets, as high demand could lead to delays in checking results.
A notification on the MyLotto website warned customers of potential delays, stating, “High demand after the must-win draw could delay you checking your ticket.” The draw occurred at 8 PM, with ticket sales closing at 7:30 PM, leading many to enter virtual queues on MyLotto.
Preparing for an Unprecedented Volume of Tickets
In preparation for the draw, Lotto NZ emphasized its readiness, explaining that over half of the tickets were purchased online. Lucy Fullerton, Lotto NZ’s head of corporate communications, noted that the use of virtual queues had significantly enhanced user experience during peak periods.
With only a few hours left for ticket purchases, reports indicated that while stores were busy, the digital landscape was taking over, as many players opted for online transactions. Some customers shared their plans for newfound wealth, including donating part of their winnings to charity and ensuring the happiness of their families and friends.
Looking Ahead
Lotto NZ has confirmed that details regarding the locations of the winning tickets will not be disclosed until later today, in a break from the traditional immediate updates following the draw. Fullerton thanked customers for their patience as the organization navigates the exceptional interest surrounding this monumental event.
In a ‘Must Be Won’ draw, the rules stipulate that if no ticket wins the Powerball First Division (matching all seven numbers), the entire jackpot rolls down to subsequent divisions, and winners are determined based on the highest matches. This creates exciting opportunities for players across the board.