Lotto outlets in Rotorua have had to add extra staff to deal with the number of people wanting a share of the record $47 million that was up for grabs this week.
Last night's Big Wednesday draw of $20 million and Powerball's jackpot of $27 million was the largest combined prize pool since Lotto started in 1987.
Owhata resident Allan Blazey said he usually only entered the Saturday draw but last night's jackpot enticed him to break with routine.
"I've probably spent about $3000 over the years I've been playing, since it first started, and I haven't really won anything," Mr Blazey said.
"I buy tickets for Saturday every fortnight but I thought I would buy a Big Wednesday ticket to try our luck. We don't really take it seriously, it's not a big deal. If I do win, I would share it among the family."