It could be the last big draw where winning is so “easy”, with odds set to increase – along with the maximum jackpot.
As it stands, Lotto’s maximum Powerball jackpot must be won when it passes $50m, but with the addition of four new Powerballs, that maximum jackpot will increase to $60m.
So too will the already astronomical odds. Tonight’s draw carries odds of 1 in 38.4 million per line on a Powerball ticket. From September 13 it’ll increase to 1 in 53.7 million.
The final draw under the 10-ball Powerball format will take place on Saturday, September 12 and must be won – regardless of the jackpot amount.
The $28m prize on offer tonight mirrors that of a $28.6m jackpot won by an Ashburton family in June, from a ticket bought at Four Square Netherby. That remains the biggest single winning prize this year.
Powerball odds will increase to 1 in 53.7 million per line of each Lotto ticket.
At least 11 Powerball millionaires have been crowned this year, with the biggest jackpot – a whopping $40m – split between two Aucklanders.
Each winner ultimately took home $20.1m, both having nabbed $111,111 in Lotto First Division.
The changes that come into effect on Sunday, September 13, will also create more winners, with the inclusion of an 8th division with a winning prize of $12.
What to do if you win
Ticket holders can immediately see if they have won if they bought a ticket through the MyLotto app. Prizes of $1000 or less are automatically credited to the winner’s account.
For prizes exceeding $1000, winners must complete an online prize claim form.
Winners with physical tickets must still visit a Lotto retailer to claim their prize.
For the Powerball jackpot to be claimed, a ticket holder must get all six Lotto numbers correct as well as the Powerball number.