Feeling lucky? Lotto punters have a shot at winning $27m

Photo / File / George Novak

Punters feeling lucky this weekend have a shot at winning $27 million as Lotto's Powerball has jackpotted to one of its highest amounts ever.

Tomorrow's draw could see the third largest Powerball prize ever won by an individual player, Lotto New Zealand said.

In 2010, a player from Papakura won $28 million and in April last year Trevor Cooper from Te Kauwhata scooped up $26.5 million.

As this weekend was a potentially life-changing one for somebody, the rush at Lotto counters up and down New Zealand is expected to be busier than usual.

"Typically, we find that our customers will buy their tickets on the day of the draw, often late in the afternoon or early evening, so we recommend people get in early to avoid the rush," Lotto corporate communications manager Emilia Mazur said.

But gamblers were reminded to play responsibly, and only spend what they could afford.

"At all times, we encourage our customers to play responsibly - which means being informed, having fun and only spending within your limits."

If Powerball was not struck this weekend, next week will be a Must-Be-Won draw, because the maximum threshold for the Powerball First Division jackpot is $30 million.