For the first time in nearly two decades — Lotto New Zealand is changing up its Powerball format.
Lotto NZ said it was upping the number of Powerballs from 10 to 14, which would "increase the number of prize divisions and the likelihood of winning a prize in each draw".
It was also adding a new Powerball Division 8, raising the starting Powerball jackpot from $4 million to $5 million and increasing the maximum jackpot from $50 million to $60 million.
The Government-owned lottery's chief executive Jason Delamore described the move as a "gamechanger" to keep the format fresh and exciting for players.
"The new Powerball Division 8 is a gamechanger. We expect its introduction will lift the total number of weekly Powerball winners by 30%, from about 47,000 winners to 62,000 winners on average.
However, Delamore said the change also meant the odds of winning the big prize in Powerball Division 1 would go from about 1 in 38.4 million to about 1 in 53.7 million for every line on a ticket.
“While we look forward to sending more prizes back to players every draw, we want to be upfront that Powerball Division 1 will be won less frequently due to the greater number of possible line combinations in each draw."
Delamore said the jackpot will be more likely to roll over to the next draw, which will deliver larger prizes when people win, while prizes in all other divisions will also be increased as part of the changes.
“We’re really happy that we’ve managed to retain what people love about Powerball, while making a few refinements along the way.
"Furthermore, the price to play the game will remain unchanged."
Delamore said evolving the game was a "key part of the organisation’s future strategy as it approaches its 40th birthday next year".
The changes to Powerball would take effect in the second half of 2026.
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