The Powerball jackpot has cracked the $30 million mark for the fourth time this year in what has been a record-breaking run for the nation's lottery.
Wednesday's draw will see $30 million up for grabs once again, following three earlier big jackpot wins in April, June and August.
"This is a streak we've never seen before in our history," says Lotto NZ Head of Corporate Communications, Will Hine.
"It's unprecedented for the Powerball jackpot to reach $30 million four times in a year. It's previously happened twice in a year but never more than that.
"It means 2024 has been an interesting year for those occasional Powerball players who may not buy a ticket every week but keep their eye out for a big draw."
So far in 2024 Lotto NZ has already made 46 New Zealanders millionaires and has given away the biggest prize ever won on a single ticket with $44.67 million won by a lucky family in August - the prize comprised $44 million from Powerball and $666,670 from Lotto First Division.
Since Lotto first started in 1987, more than $15.6 billion has been won in prizes, and more than 1180 players made millionaires.
"Importantly, all of our $5.9 billion in profit across that period has been passed back to communities across New Zealand," says Hine.
Anyone wanting a ticket in this Wednesday's $30 million draw should get in early by picking up a ticket before draw day or early on the day to avoid the busiest times both instore and online.
Lotto NZ reminds players that big jackpots still have small odds - it's important to remember that your chances of winning remain small, no matter how large the jackpot gets.
The three previous jackpots that moved past $30 million in 2024 were:
Date jackpot won |
Final jackpot amount when won |
Winner description |
|---|---|---|
13 April |
$30 million |
MyLotto, Wellington |
8 June |
$50 million (must be won) |
7 x players nationwide ($7.18 million each) |
10 August |
$44 million |
MyLotto, Auckland |
