Losers let loose in letters to Lotteries

Presenter Kyllee King-Turner, pictured with Winning Wheel spinner Ian Plowman, has her outfits chosen by a stylist. Photo / Mark Coote

A Lotto player's complaint that the presenter of the televised draw looked like a clown is among hundreds sent to the Lotteries Commission.

Information obtained by Herald on Sunday revealed the organisation received at least 1354 complaints since July last year.

Customers were most frustrated with Instant Kiwi, which attracted 113 complaints, followed by Lotto, Strike and Powerball, which attracted 93 complaints.

"Lotto, Keno, Bullseye, Big Wednesday, it's all a big fat lie and you're ripping the public off," one complainant wrote. "No way I can be that unlucky."

Others were "embarrassed" with what Lotto presenters wore during live draws.

"[She] must have been either drugged or p*****," complained another. "What the hell did she think she was wearing? How can you let her go on screen looking like a f****** clown?"

Lotto presenter Kyllee King-Turner had her outfits chosen for her by a stylist.

Lotteries spokeswoman Karen Jones said viewers' reactions varied. "Some say they don't like it, others say 'I love the outfit, where can I find one'?"

Lotto player Mike Poland - who has been buying tickets since 1987 without a big win - said some complaints were ridiculous.

"I think people who have an attitude like that have a sad life and should not buy things like that and just get on with life," said Poland, 66.

The tour bus driver said he wasn't very lucky - his largest win in 24 years was $2200 - but it was all about holding on to hope.

Jones said there was a spike in complaints after the February 22 earthquake hit Christchurch.

More than 600 people thought the Powerball jackpot should have gone to the Christchurch appeal.

CHOICE CUTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE

"I noticed tonight when I logged on to check my numbers that the towns where the winners lived were on the page. to know you havent won before you even get the numbers is not much fun."

"I think lotto is a scam, especially when u have the big promotions and 3/4's of the prizes go to the north island, when r u gonna have one lotto 4 the north island and one lotto 4 the south island, this is the countrys biggest scam apart from the government."

"You take & you keep taking but you never give back to people who need help the most."