Lotto has revealed three lucky players from Auckland, Christchurch and Bay of Plenty have split last night’s gargantuan must-win $55m Powerball jackpot.
The winning tickets were sold at New World Kawerau in Bay of Plenty, Pak N Save Moorhouse in Christchurch and on MyLotto to a player from Auckland.
The prizes were made up of $18,333,333 from Powerball First Division and $55,556 from Lotto First Division — totalling $18,388,889 each.
Fifteen lucky Lotto players will also be celebrating after winning a $55,556 share of Lotto First Division, with 62 other lucky Lotto players will also be celebrating after each winning $16,909 with Lotto Second Division.
Lotto NZ chief executive Jason Delamore called it a “fantastic result”.
“It’s great to see the Powerball jackpot being shared among a number of players,” he said.
“A win like this doesn’t just change one life – it can transform families, friends, and even entire communities.
“Our winners often give back in incredible ways, from helping loved ones to supporting charities. The impact of this win will reach far beyond the individual winners.”
The winning numbers were Lotto 02 05 14 19 28 38 Bonus 29 Powerball 06
Winners were urged to phone Lotto NZ’s customer support team on 0800 695 6886 to ensure they received support through this “life-changing experience.”
The latest prize beat the previous biggest of $50m in 2020, split between two.
In 2016, one winner took away the entire $44m jackpot.
How does a must-win draw work?
Under Lotto rules, when a jackpot gets to $50 million, the next draw becomes a must be won. In those circumstances, if nobody gets all six Lotto numbers plus the Powerball number, the prize rolls down divisions until a winner or winners are found.
‘Don’t stretch yourself’
Yesterday, Lotto corporate communications manager Sarah McCormack recommended players get their tickets early because “it’ll be really busy on Saturday”..
She also urged people to “treat this as a bit of fun”.
“Don’t stretch yourself.”
“Big jackpots still have small odds, and one ticket is enough to be in the drawer, so that’s all they need to just join in the fun.”
Hine said players should stay informed on the odds and not spend more than they can afford. “You don’t need to purchase more than one ticket to be in the draw, and a $6 ticket will enable you to do that. It’s all about playing a little and dreaming a lot.
“Even with a jackpot this huge, the odds of winning Powerball remain very small at 1 in 38.3 million per line.”
