Lotto increases jackpot for Christchurch draw

Half of all the Lotto sales this week will go towards the Government's Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund says NZ Lotteries' chief executive Todd McLeay. Photo / Martin Sykes

Powerball jackpot will be increased to a minimum $17 million for this weekend's special draw to benefit the people of Christchurch, NZ Lotteries says.

"Our retailers are reporting strong sales this week with lots of customers getting in behind the special draw, so we need to increase our advertised jackpot amount to reflect the increased prize pool that will be on offer," chief executive Todd McLeay said today.

The advertised jackpot had been $16 million, following a jackpot last Saturday.

Mr McLeay said half of all the sales from Lotto, Lotto Strike and Lotto Powerball this week would go towards the Government's Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund.

"We expect to raise at least $6 million from this draw, and hopefully a lot more.

"Many customers are telling us in store and on social media that they are buying two tickets, one for them and one for Christchurch."

Customers at some stores have been putting their small prizes into appeal collection jars.

"It will be possible to know the sales total on Saturday evening, and we hope to announce the donation result during the live Lotto draw at 8pm on TV2," Mr McLeay said.

He sympathised with retailers and their families who have had their outlets closed due to damage caused by the Christchurch earthquake last Tuesday.

"Whilst we have 23 Lotto stores currently closed in Christchurch, we have 52 stores that are up and running and are being well supported by customers," he said.

A full list of open stores can be found at mylotto.co.nz.

Christchurch's Hornby Mall Lotto manager Jenny Davis said that its Lotto terminals had been busy.

"Wouldn't it be great if the big one was won this weekend by a player from Christchurch," she said.

Social networks sites last week called for last Saturday's $15 million Powerball to be donated to the victims of the quake but the Lotteries Commission said that was not legally possible.

Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy said that under section 245 of the Gambling Act 2003, Lotteries could promote a 'Special Purpose Lottery' for a community purpose.

That required a written direction to the Lotteries Grants Board from him and he had now signed approval for that, he said.

- NZPA