Powerball and Instant Kiwi relaunch help NZ Lotteries to record windfall

New Zealand Lotteries' profits climbed to almost $90 million during the six months to December, with New Zealanders spending a record amount on its products.

Sales of Lotto, Keno, Big Wednesday, Instant Kiwi and the new Bullseye game brought in $446 million over the half-year, almost $4 million more than ever before.

The Crown entity attributed the record sales to the increase in GST, changes to its Powerball game and successful marketing.

NZ Lotteries' revenue rose to $428 million, up 11.3 per cent on the year before.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) were up 7 per cent to $117 million.

Profit for the half-year was $87.4 million, up 7 per cent on the same period in 2009 and 14 per cent higher than forecast.

The sale of Lotto, Powerball and Strike tickets all increased, but Big Wednesday sales declined from the year before.

A relaunch of Instant Kiwi, with new games and ticket designs, lifted sales by almost 25 per cent to $66.8 million.

NZ Lotteries chief executive Todd McLeay said the overall result was pleasing, given tough retail conditions.

"Lotto sales have proven to be a bright spot and driven additional foot traffic for many of our retailers over recent months."