In a thrilling turn of events following the recent Powerball draw, two of the seven lucky winners of the astounding $50 million jackpot have already stepped forward to claim their prizes, each walking away with over $7.1 million. The anticipation surrounding this record-breaking draw fueled a significant spike in ticket sales across New Zealand, especially at the retail outlets that sold the winning tickets.
Winning Details and Retail Reactions
According to Lotto NZ, the monumental $50 million jackpot was not claimed outright as no single ticket matched the winning Powerball and First Division Lotto numbers. Instead, the prize was shared among seven lucky tickets. The winning tickets were purchased at various locations, including Pak’nSave Wairau Rd in Auckland, Victoria St Woolworths in Auckland, and Royal Oak Mall Lotto. Other winners emerged from stores in Hamilton and Hastings.
A representative from Pak’nSave expressed their surprise and excitement at having sold a winning ticket. “We have never sold a winner like this at Pak’nSave Wairau Park. There was a huge queue last night,” she said, emphasizing the buzz of excitement within the supermarket.
Another staff member at Royal Oak Mall Lotto reported learning of their winning ticket after a customer shared the news. “We’re thrilled! But we don’t yet know the identity of the winner,” he said.
Details on the Winning Numbers and Claims
As for the winning numbers, the combination was 22, 35, 10, 30, 21, and 37, with a bonus ball of 5 and the Powerball at 2. Each of the seven winners will receive $7,180,041, thanks to the jackpot rolling down to Division Two.
In addition to the major jackpot winners, there were several other winners, including 14 players who sharing $71,429 from the First Division draw, which included players from cities such as Wellington, Hamilton, and Gisborne.
“It’s incredible to see the Powerball roll down to Second Division and to witness so many winners sharing in this success,” commented Jason Delamore, Lotto NZ’s chief executive. “This is truly life-changing not just for the winners, but it also creates a wider impact in the community.”
Nationwide Anticipation and Digital Innovations
The excitement around the $50 million draw prompted Lotto fans to flood retail stores, causing lines that extended into the streets. The MyLotto site was overwhelmed due to the high number of users attempting to verify their tickets shortly after the draw.
In light of the rush for the latest results, Lotto enthusiasts were encouraged to take screenshots of their digital tickets, ensuring they were prepared for the potential of winning big. This unprecedented engagement highlights the increasing trend of digital ticketing and the evolving landscape of Lotto in New Zealand.
As the celebrations continue, Lotto NZ promises to share more details about the winners in the coming days, leaving many eager to hear their incredible stories of how winning the Powerball jackpot has changed their lives.