A surge in online players since March means Lotto NZ is expecting its busiest day ever on MyLotto tomorrow and
encourages customers to buy their tickets early to avoid the online peak.
“Our MyLotto website and app has never been so busy as the number of people playing online has increased by 33% since
March,” says Marie Winfield, Head of Communications at Lotto NZ.
“The big increase in people playing online, combined with the high jackpot, means we are seeing an unprecedented number
of people playing online.
“When too many people are on the site at once it can slow down, which we know isn’t great for customers. The best way
for people to avoid this, and guarantee they have a ticket for the big draw, is to buy their tickets early and avoid
peak times,” she says.
Ms Winfield says most people buy their tickets on the day of the draw, with many waiting until after work on a
Wednesday.
“For last Wednesday’s $38 million draw, 57% of all online purchasing occurred on the day of the draw. During the peak
time between 5pm and 7.30pm there were 4,000 transactions per minute on MyLotto, which is more than we’ve ever seen
before,” she says.
Ms Winfield says the increase in online purchases is related to more people registering to play online over the lockdown
period, when retail stores were closed and people could only buy tickets online.
“We have significantly more people buying tickets online now than before the lockdown period. Nearly 200,000 people have
registered to play online since 25 March – to put this into perspective, this is the number of new online players we
would expect over a two-year period, not four months.
“Prior to the lockdown 25% of Lotto NZ’s sales were online and 75% in-store. That’s changed, and we’re now seeing around
38% of all sales being online.”
To support the move to online play, Lotto NZ has work underway to upgrade MyLotto, which is due to be completed by early
2021.
“We’re also expecting long queues in-store on Wednesday – so the earlier people can get into their local store to buy
their ticket the better.
“Lotto kiosks are gearing up for a busy day as we know most people buy their ticket on their way home on Wednesday
afternoon. The best way to avoid the queues is to buy tickets before the 5pm – 7pm rush,” she says.
Lotto games are based on a lot of people, spending a little bit of money in the hope of winning big. At all times Lotto
NZ encourages our customers to play smart – this means being informed, having fun and knowing your limits. For more
information on the tools and resources we offer visitMyLotto.
Every year, 100% of Lotto NZ profits support over 3,000 good causes all around the country and with over $4.6 billion*
returned to Kiwi communities since 1987, it would be hard to find a community that hasn’t felt the positive impact of
Lotto NZ funding.
* From 1 August 1987 to 30 June 2019