Multi-Million-Dollar Revamp of Instant Kiwi

Media Release 26 May 2010

Multi-Million-Dollar Revamp of Instant Kiwi to Deliver More Prizes,
Better Prizes

Millions more in prizes are waiting just below the surface on attractive new Instant Kiwi games launched today in the biggest revamp of Instant Kiwi in 20 years, says NZ Lotteries’ Chief Executive, Todd McLeay.

“We have completely changed our entire line up of Instant Kiwis, with a fresh and eye-catching new look, and have loaded them up with more prizes.

“More than $33 million is available in prizes to players from the first 12 new games alone,” says Mr McLeay

The increased number of prizes is possible due to NZ Lotteries increasing the average prize payout for the Instant Kiwi product. This change brings NZ Lotteries’ instant product more in line with overseas lotteries.

“There are many loyal Instant Kiwi players around New Zealand, and the one thing they’ve told us that would make them even happier with Instant Kiwi is the chance to win better prizes more often – so that’s what we’re giving them.

“There are an estimated 126,000 Instant Kiwi tickets sold every day – more than 5,000 tickets every hour. This change will mean many thousands more New Zealanders will experience the anticipation and excitement of having their day changed in an instant.

“While players will still have the chance to win a fantastic top prize of between $10,000 and $250,000, there are now more than twice as many $20 prizes on the new 12 games compared to the previous games, which should make our winners very happy,” says Mr McLeay.

“For example, on one of our most popular games, the $5 Crossword, there are four times as many $20 to $50 prizes,” says Mr McLeay.

The first eight new Instant Kiwi games go on sale today, with another four to join the line-up over the next two months.

Instant Kiwi contributes more than $100 million in sales every year to NZ Lotteries, with all profits from the game being transferred to the NZ Lottery Grants Board for distribution to sports, the arts and community causes.

Fast Facts
• Instant Kiwi’s most popular game is the Crossword ticket.
• Instant Kiwi was originally launched on 14 September 1989.
• NZ Lotteries estimates $25 million more in prizes will be up for grabs over the next year.
• The $3 Pick of the Bunch crossword game has more than 90,000 $20 prizes – 55,000 more ($1.1 million worth) than the previous $3 crossword games.
• The $5 Charmed game has over seven times as many prizes over $50 than previous $5 games – now over $1 million in $50+ prizes.

ENDS

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