With jackpots climbing into the eye-watering amount of millions, it’s no surprise Kiwis start dreaming a little bigger on Lotto nights. And while everyone knows the game is pure chance, there are a few quirky stats, patterns, and pieces of advice from past winners that make the whole thing a lot more fun.
So if you’re grabbing a ticket this week, here’s your unofficial, totally-for-fun guide to “boosting” your luck – the Kiwi way.
Yes, every store technically has the same odds … but some places have undeniably impressive track records.
Does choosing a “lucky” store increase your chances? Nope. Does it make buying your ticket feel more magical? Absolutely.
LottoNZ’s data shows a few numbers that have popped up more than others over the years:
For your main line, the most commonly drawn New Zealand numbers include:
19, 15, 1, 35, 22, 2, 5, 7, 6, 4.
It’s not a guarantee – but hey, it’s fun to think about.
Richard Lustig (multiple US lotto wins)
His well-known advice is simple: don’t go for Quick Picks.
“I play my own numbers, I play them regularly, and I never miss a draw, and again that’s what increases your chances,” he said. “Seventy per cent of our players choose randomly.”
Carlo Massetti (five-time Kiwi-born winner)
Massetti became famous for an unbelievable winning streak, including three big wins in 10 days. His approach was… bold.
He often spent $5,000 to $8,000 on a systems entry ticket, choosing 8-9 numbers to cover as many combinations as possible. He also preferred smaller weekly jackpots because fewer people entered, meaning fewer chances of sharing the prize.
Not a strategy for everyone, but it clearly worked for him.
Whether backed by stats or superstition, these are the classic bits of lotto lore:
And yes… LottoNZ reminds everyone that all numbers really do have equal odds. But picking your own still feels more intentional, you know?
The odds of winning Powerball Division 1 are about 1 in 38.4 million – so play for fun, set a limit, and treat it like entertainment. If a win comes your way, amazing. If not, well, it’s still cheaper than a night out.
You actually have much better odds of winning something fun with The Hits (though it might not be a million dollars).
There’s no real secret formula – but picking your own numbers, choosing a “lucky” store for the vibes, and joining a syndicate with your mates adds a little extra sparkle to the dream. And if your ticket does turn into millions… well, don’t forget us.
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