Lotto NZ is proposing to increase the number of balls in the Powerball draw, a change that could significantly affect the odds of winning.
According to The New Zealand Herald, currently the odds stand at one in 38 million, but with the addition of more numbers, these odds could shift to one in 46 million or even one in 57.5 million, depending on the final configuration.
This proposal is part of Lotto NZ’s broader five-year strategy aimed at keeping the game appealing and financially sustainable for the future.
The last adjustment to the Powerball format occurred in 2007, making this potential change notable. Lotto NZ is responding to growing competition from sports betting and other gambling options, seeking to ensure that the game continues to generate significant revenue for community initiatives.
However, this proposal has raised concerns about gambling addiction, particularly as research indicates that a substantial portion of clients receiving treatment for gambling harm cite Lotto as their primary form of gambling.
