First of all, the number of prize tiers in Lotto is set to expand, increasing from six to seven, meaning that there will be more winners in every draw than ever before. The new tier will reward players who match three Lotto numbers on a single line. Secondly, there will be bigger Powerball prizes across all divisions, with the jackpot being allowed to grow to up to $50 million before it has to be won. These alterations will see a small price increase, with Lotto now costing $0.70 per line and Powerball coming in at $0.80 per line.
Strike is also undergoing changes that will allow lottery fans to play the game separately from Lotto and Powerball. To be in with a chance of winning, players need only select how many lines they wish to play, purchase their entry and await the draw. As if all that wasn’t enough, the way in which tickets are bought will receive a makeover too, with all new dip tickets and significant revisions being made to the MyLotto online page.
These are the latest in a number of changes to the game following the introduction of a Wednesday draw in October 2015. “Lotto on Wednesday has been really popular with our players, with more people playing our games more often. Now we’re making these games even better,” explained Wayne Pickup, New Zealand Lotto’s Chief Executive. It is hoped that these latest additions to the game will be greeted warmly by players.
With the new rules coming into play on Wednesday 5th April, this Saturday’s draw will see a specially celebratory Powerball and Strike Must Be Won draw worth a guaranteed $8 million, sales for which close at 7:30pm on the night of the draw. Tickets can be purchased online or through any authorised New Zealand Lotto retailer. Good luck!