Lotto Increases Jackpot for Chch Draw Due to Public Support

NZ Lotteries Chief Executive Todd McLeay today announced that the Powerball jackpot would be increased to a minimum $17 million for this weekend’s special draw which will benefit the people of Christchurch.

“Our retailers are reporting strong sales this week with lots of customers getting in behind the special draw, so we need to increase our advertised jackpot amount to reflect the increased prize pool that will be on offer,” he said.

The advertised jackpot had been $16 million, following a jackpot last Saturday.

Half of all the sales from Lotto, Lotto Strike and Lotto Powerball this week will go towards to the Government’s Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund. “We expect to raise at least $6 million from this draw, and hopefully a lot more.

“Many customers are telling us in store and on social media that they are buying two tickets, one for them and one for Christchurch.

“Many of our stores are also helping in other ways. In one store, Ahradsen’s Paper Plus in Johnsonville in Wellington, customers have been getting small prizes paid out and putting the cash straight into a collection jar.

“It will be possible to know the sales total on Saturday evening, and we hope to announce the donation result during the live Lotto draw at 8 pm on TV2.

“NZ Lotteries has a number of Lotto stores that are closed in the Christchurch area due to damage. Our sympathies are with these retailers and their families.

“Whilst we have 23 Lotto stores currently closed in Christchurch, we have 52 stores that are up and running and are being well supported by customers,” he said. A full list of open stores can be found at mylotto.co.nz.

NZ Lotteries’ top selling Christchurch store, Hornby Mall Lotto, is based in the only mall that has been open since the day of the earthquake, and staff report a very positive response to the special draw from their customers.

Hornby Mall Lotto Manager, Jenny Davis, says that their Lotto terminals have been very busy, with many customers thankful that Lotto is able to contribute to the Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund. “Wouldn’t it be great if the big one was won this weekend by a player from Christchurch,” she said.

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