2000 Lotto tickets sell each minute, Strike now 'must be won'

(File)
(File)

As New Zealand readies itself for the drawing of the biggest Powerball jackpot ever, Lotto has revealed that more than 33 tickets are being sold every second in the lead-up.

Lotto New Zealand chief executive Wayne Pickup says it's shaping up to be "a record-breaking week" for sales, with over 2000 tickets bought by punters throughout the country each minute.

"Stores all over the country are packed as Kiwis pick up tickets for tonight's record Powerball draw," he said.

"Whether customers are playing in-store or online, it's extremely busy."

The draw must be won and if there's no First Division winners the entire jackpot rolls down to the next Division where there are winners. If there is more than one winner in that Division, the total jackpot is shared evenly amongst all winners.

"This is the biggest jackpot New Zealand has ever seen and it looks like we're breaking all of our previous sales records," Mr Pickup said.

"More people are playing than normally would. We're selling five times as many tickets than we would on a normal Saturday."

It has also now been revealed that Strike now must be won after "unprecedented ticket sales".

"Anyone who has purchased Strike will now be in the chance to win an $800,000 jackpot that must also be given away tonight," Mr Pickup said.

"There are now two Must Be Won draws taking place tonight - Powerball and Strike."

Newshub.