New Zealand Lotteries Commission (NZLC) is New Zealand's only gaming provider with a pure community-benefit funding model. Lotto, its flagship game, has become a national icon.
Lotto was introduced as a result of the 1985 report Sport on the Move, which saw the new game as a source of extra revenue for recreation, arts, sport and community projects. The Labour government of the day agreed that the income from the existing Golden Kiwi had peaked. And so NZLC was established in 1987, with Lotto's first draw being held on 1 August that year.
Alongside Lotto, NZLC's other current products are Lotto Powerball, Lotto Strike, Keno and Instant Kiwi.
NZLC's retail network of more than 640 "Lotto Shops" employs more than 3,600 people, the largest single retail network in New Zealand.

Lotteries Commission Censured for Misleading Ad
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (December 15, 2008) -- A complaint about a Lotteries Commission promotion advertising the chance to win a Harley Davidson motorcycle has been upheld................Subscribers

NZ May Join Multi-Million Dollar Global Lottery
AUCKLAND, NZ (December 15, 2008) -- The NZ Lotteries Commission is reported to have briefed new Internal Affairs minister Richard Worth on British lottery organizer Camelot's plan to create a global lottery with a potential jackpot of 250 million (NZ$681 million)................Subscribers

Lotteries Commission Record Sales Up 4.4 Percent on Previous Year
NEW ZEALAND (November 7, 2008) -- The year's record sales were 4.4 per cent up on the previous year, mainly through strong Powerball sales thanks to................Subscribers

DDB New Zealand Picks Up Top Prize at WLA Conference
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (November 4, 2008) -- DDB New Zealand has picked up the top prize at the World Lotteries Association Advertising Awards held in Greece. The winning ad, which is an endearing story of an old digger searching for his lost love, beat 53 entries from across the globe to win gold in the ‘Numbers Games’ category.
The ad also took out the Grand Global Advertising Award recognising best ad in any category.

2pc of Lotto Sales Now Made Online
NEW ZEALAND (August 28, 2008) -- Two per cent of Lotto tickets are now sold over the Internet, NZ Lotteries says.............Subscribers

Lotto Celebrates 21st by Giving Away Largest-Ever Number of Prizes!
NEW ZEALAND (July 19, 2008) -- Lotto is turning twenty-one and we’re celebrating by giving away the largest number of prizes ever – over 2100 cash prizes worth more than $5.4 million....................Subscribers

NZ Lotteries Survey Finds Travel and Houses are Favourite Dreams
NEW ZEALAND (July 21, 2008) -- In order to mark Lotto's 21st Birthday, NZ Lotteries commissioned a survey to find out today's 21 year olds' hopes and dreams and to find out how much money would make them feel rich. The survey confirms that...................Subscribers

GTECH Successfully Launches the Company’s Enterprise Series™ (ES) Interactive Solution with New Zealand Lotteries Commission
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (July 02, 2008) - Lottomatica S.p.A.’s wholly-owned subsidiary, GTECH Global Services Corporation, announced that it has successfully launched its Enterprise Series™ (ES) interactive solution for New Zealand Lotteries Commission (NZ Lotteries), allowing the sale of select online lottery games to players via the Internet............Subscribers

Online Lotto Player Gets Massive Shock
NEW ZEALAND (June 26, 2008) -- A MyLotto player from Hawkes Bay got a massive shock when they went online to check their ticket last night and found they had won more than $2.8 million on Big Wednesday................Subscribers

Lotteries Reassures Retailers After Going Online
NEW ZEALAND (June 6, 2008) -- The New Zealand Lotteries Commission is reassuring retailers after opening a direct online channel to its customers, that..................Subscribers

First Day Sees 2000 Sign Up to Play Lotto on the Web
NEW ZEALAND (May 27, 2008) – Around 2000 customers registered to play Lotto online yesterday, the NZPA reported today........Subscribers

NZ Lotteries Launch Online Sales Through mylotto.co.nz
NEW ZEALAND (May 26, 2008) -- NZ Lotteries has today launched its new online sales channel, www.mylotto.co.nz, that will enable lottery players to purchase tickets through the Internet.............Subscribers

Online Sales Success Will Depend on Lottery Being Able to Offer "More Exciting" Games
NEW ZEALAND (May 12, 2008) -- NZ Lotteries online sales channel will be branded MyLotto and was originally expected to launch in March this year, according to documents released under the Official Information Act..................Subscribers

Lottery Refused Access to License Database
NEW ZEALAND (April 21, 2008) -- NZ Lotteries proposed restricting the online sale of Lotto tickets to people aged over 18 by matching players' registration details to the driver licence database, according to a briefing paper released under the Official Information Act, but it was knocked back by Land Transport New Zealand.................Subscribers

Credit Card Use at Lotteries Commission Questioned
NEW ZEALAND (April 14, 2008) – According to local media report concerns are being raised about the use of credit cards by staff at the Lotteries Commission...................Subscribers

Lotto Online – Safety First
NEW ZEALAND (April 4, 2008) -- Internal Affairs Minister, Rick Barker has responded to Green MP, Sue Bradford's concerns over moves to offer Lotto online with the assurance that the safety features in place are robust and in fact offer greater protection than traditional play..............Subscribers

Opposition Grows to New Zealand's Online Lottery Plans; Gambling Foundation Vows to Stop Online Lotto
NEW ZEALAND (March 29, 2008) -- The Problem Gambling Foundation says it will take any steps necessary to stop online lottery sales from going ahead.................Subscribers

Government Gives Green Light to Online Sales
NEW ZEALAND (March 28 2008) -- NZ Lotteries is delighted that the Government has given the green light today to the online sales of Lotto, Strike, Big Wednesday, and Keno games..............Subscribers

Green Light For Online Lotto Sales; Opportunity For More Safeguards And Collecting Better Information
NEW ZEALAND (March 28, 2008) -- Internal Affairs Minister, Rick Barker announced today that changes have been gazetted enabling the online sale of Lotto, Powerball, Strike, Big Wednesday and Keno tickets. While NZ Lotteries are yet to set a date for the launch of any online products............Read the full story at: Vol.43 No.1

Online Lotto First Of Two Stage Plan, Says Chairman
NEW ZEALAND (March 24, 2008) – NZ Lotteries has revealed that selling Lottery tickets online is the first of a two-stage plan that could see it offer "more adventurous games" over the internet within two years...............Subscribers

Check Your Own Lotto Tickets In-store
NEW ZEALAND (March 17, 2008) -- New Zealand Lotteries is rolling out new self-service ticket checker units to all of its Lotto outlets around the country..................Read the full story at: Vol.42 No.12

Lotto Tickets to be Available Online
NEW ZEALAND (March 17, 2008) -- NZ Lotteries may begin selling Lotto tickets online as early as next month, according to a report. The newspaper reported spokeswoman Karen Jones says NZ Lotteries is now at the final stages of completing plans to let people buy tickets to its Saturday Lotto and Big Wednesday draws over the Web................Subscribers

Big Shoes to be Filled by New Lotto Presenter
NEW ZEALAND (March 10, 2008) -- Following the departure of Lotto draw favourite Hilary Timmins, the new presenter has big shoes to fill but is putting his best foot forward, says NZ Lotteries' Chief Executive...........Read the full story at: Vol.42 No.11

NZ Gaming Expo Highlights
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (March 7, 2008) -- Gaming machine manufacturers this week saw a series of highlights during the New Zealand Gaming Expo, held at SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre.............Read the full story at: Vol.42 No.11

NZ Lotteries Report Steady Half Year Result
NEW ZEALAND (March 6, 2008) -- NZ Lotteries has reported a steady result for the six months ended 31 December 2007 with the release of its Half Year Report today................Subscribers

Lotto's Giant Nest Eggs Set to Break
NEW ZEALAND (March 5, 2008) -- Adding a Triple Dip to your chocolate purchase this Easter could net you a share of a massive $2 million in extra prizes with Lotto's 100 Giant Nest Eggs promotion................Read the full story at: Vol.42 No.10

Study Shows Lotto and Scratchies Are the Most Popular Gaming Activities
NEW ZEALAND (March 1, 2008) -- Lotto and Instant Kiwi scratchies are the most popular gambling activity according to a study...............Subscribers

New Zealand Gaming Expo 2008 in Early March Focuses on Industry and Leadership Issues
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (January 30, 2008) -- The organisers of the New Zealand Gaming Expo (www.NZgamingexpo.com) are pleased to announce that bookings for both the trade exhibition and conference program at the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre March 4-5, 2008, have been extremely popular and are 90% booked to capacity..................Read the full story at: Vol.42 No.5

Appointments Made to New Lottery Committee
NEW ZEALAND (November 12, 2007) -- Internal Affairs Minister, Rick Barker today announced five appointments to the Lottery Significant Projects Distribution Committee............Subscribers

NZ Lotteries Marks 20th Birthday With Record Performance
NEW ZEALAND (November 5, 2007) -- Twenty years since its inception, NZ Lotteries has marked the milestone by recording its best-ever sales result of..............Read the full story at: Vol.41 No.7

Powerball Changes Announced
NEW ZEALAND (October 28, 2007) -- New Zealand’s biggest jackpot game has just gotten bigger, with the minimum Powerball First Division prize now $3 million, says NZ Lotteries’ Chief Executive.................Subscribers

Royalty, Rockstars and Now You Could Experience Sir Richard Branson’s Luxurious Necker Island
NEW ZEALAND (October 6, 2007) -- It’s the location for royalty and rockstars to holiday but this spring Lotto is offering 12 trips for two to Sir Richard Branson’s luxurious Necker Island plus $100,000 cash each in a two week...............Subscribers

NZ Lottery Confirms Talks on Global Lottery Game; NZ Lotto Punters Could Play For Massive Pay-Out
NEW ZEALAND (August 10, 2007) – According to local media reports the NZ Lotteries Commission has confirmed it is in talks with 39 operators around the world for a global monthly lottery, which would offer jackpots of up to NZ$670 million...........Subscribers

New Zealanders Dream of Property, Helping Family and Financial Freedom with Lotto Win - Full Survey Results
NEW ZEALAND (August 8, 2007) - NZ Lotteries today published the results of a major study into New Zealanders’ Lotto dreams, which found that most people do not dream of fame or celebrity, but of helping their family, financial freedom, and buying a nice house...........Read the full story at: Vol.40 No.7

Auckland Retailer Takes Out Lotto Retail Champion Title
NEW ZEALAND (August 1, 2007) -- NZ Lotteries’ Chief Executive Todd McLeay today announced that 'Westcity Lotto' in Auckland has been awarded the title of overall national Lotto Retail Champion.........Subscribers

NZ Lotto’s July Winter Promotion
NEW ZEALAND (July 8, 2007) -- It won’t be the cold that 75 lucky Triple Dip players remember when they look back on Winter 2007, after they win a share of $1.4 million in prizes in Lotto’s July Winter promotion........Read the full Story at: Vol.40 No.3

New Zealand Gaming Expo Slated for March 2008
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (May 18, 2007) -- The New Zealand Gaming Expo will return to SKY CITY’s Auckland Convention Centre on March 4-5, 2008, showcasing the latest gaming equipment and featuring a comprehensive conference............Subscribers

New Zealand’s Gaming Future Vibrant and Relevant
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (April 10, 2007) -- Despite a number of “challenges and onslaughts”, New Zealand’s gaming industry has a vibrant and harmonious future, according to industry leaders presenting at the New Zealand Gaming Expo www.nzgamingexpo.com, held March 21, 2007................Read the full story at: Vol.39 No.3

100 Nest Eggs For Easter, With Love From Lotto
NEW ZEALAND (March 25, 2007) - The Easter Bunny has tough competition this Easter, with this year’s celebrations set to be huge for 100 Lotto Triple Dip players who will win a share of $1.85 million in cash prizes..........Subscribers

Ad Agency Not Concerned At Potential Conflict Of Interest
NEW ZEALAND (March 8, 2007) – Lowe’s decision not to contest the NZ Lotteries pitch, an account it has held for 3 years, reportedly leaves the way clear for the ad industry giants - Colenso BBDO, Saatchi & Saatchi and DDB. Saatchi & Saatchi held the account for 16 years.........Subscribers

NZ Lotteries Half Year Results Up On Previous Year
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (February 28, 2007) -- NZ Lotteries has again posted a strong result for the six months ended 31 December 2006, NZ Lotteries’ Chair John Goulter announced today.............Read the full story at: Vol.38 No.10

Big Wednesday Jackpots – AMEX Platinum Card Added
NEW ZEALAND (January 31, 2007) -- Big Wednesday has jackpotted tonight, with an American Express Platinum card loaded with $250,000 added to the prizes on offer next week........Read the full story at: Vol.38 No.6

Stellar Line Up for New Zealand Gaming Expo in March
SYDNEY, Australia (January 12, 2007) -- The Australasian Gaming Machine Manufacturers Association (AGMMA), is pleased to announce that the New Zealand Gaming Expo will cover in-depth perspectives of the latest technology from around the region and topical issues in New Zealand........Subscribers

Lotto's Biggest Christmas Holiday Promotion Ever
NEW ZEALAND (December 11, 2006) -- In this year's colossal Lotto Christmas Holiday promotion 1028 prizes worth a total of more than $4 million are up for grabs, including a massive $1 million house, says NZ Lotteries' Chief Executive, Todd McLeay.............................Subscribers

N.Z. Gambling Expenditure Narrowed in 2006 on Tighter Rules
NEW ZEALAND (December 8, 2006) -- New Zealanders' gaming expenditure, the net amount lost, or, in other words, the amount wagered less the amount won, by people who gamble, fell to NZ$1.98 billion in the 12 months ended June 30.......................Subscribers

New Executive Appointments at NZ Lotteries
NEW ZEALAND (October 30, 2006) -- Two new executive appointments have been made at NZ Lotteries with Evan Lawrey appointed as General Manager – Interactive and Wendy Rayner appointed as Head of Marketing, says NZ Lotteries Chief Executive, Todd McLeay............................Subscribers

Lotteries Chief Gets 44% Pay Rise Over 2 Years
NEW ZEALAND (October 20, 2006) – According to local media reports the NZ Lotteries Commission’s annual report shows its chief executive received a 44% pay hike over two years....................Subscribers

NZ Lotteries Marks Stellar Year
NEW ZEALAND (October 20, 2006) -- NZ communities are on a winning streak with a record-breaking year for NZ Lotteries. Its Annual Report shows an increase of $15.1 million transferred to the Lottery Grants Board a record total of................................Read the full story at: Vol.37 No.3

New Appointments at NZ Lotteries
NEW ZEALAND (October 11, 2006) -- Two new executive appointments have been made at NZ Lotteries, says NZ Lotteries Chief Executive Todd McLeay...............................Read the full story at: Vol.37 No.2

Lottery Committee Appointments Named
NEW ZEALAND (October 2, 2006) -- Minister of Internal Affairs Rick Barker today announced 32 appointments to Lottery distribution committees..............................Read the full story at: Vol.36 No.14

Win Your Dream Year with Lotto
NEW ZEALAND (September 25, 2006) -- Have you ever stopped to imagine how great it would feel to live the life you've always dreamt of, asks NZ Lotteries Chief Executive Todd McLeay. This October, 10 lucky Lotto players won't have to imagine any longer when their 'dream year' becomes a reality..............................Subscribers

NZ Lotteries Deliveries Millions More For Communities
NEW ZEALAND (September 20, 2006) -- The record $138.5 million transferred to the Lottery Grants Board by New Zealand Lotteries in 2005/2006 will help strengthen communities from Kaitaia to Bluff, Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker said.......................Subscribers

NZ Lotteries’ Big Wednesday Campaign Wins Prestigious Marketing Award
NEW ZEALAND (August 11, 2006) -- NZ Lotteries has won New Zealand’s most prestigious marketing award, The Fairfax New Zealand Supreme Award at the 2006 Marketing Magazine Marketing Awards for the campaign behind its new mid-week lottery game Big Wednesday..........................Read the full story at: Vol.36 No.7

One Thousand Extra Prizes to Celebrate 1,000th Draw
Lotto Offers All Players More Than 1,000 Extra Prizes to Celebrate 1,000th Draw
NEW ZEALAND (July 23, 2006) -- Lotto players across New Zealand will be in to win an amazing 1,100 extra prizes as NZ Lotteries celebrates the game's 1,000th draw on Saturday 5 August, says NZ Lotteries Chief Executive Todd McLeay................................Read the full story at: Vol.36 No.4

Lotto Payout Just Bad Luck
NEW ZEALAND (June 20, 2006) -- It was unusual, but it has happened before. Players who won division 5 in Saturday's Lotto draw ended up worse off than those who won division 6...............................Subscribers

Biggest New Zealand Lottery Prize Ever
NEW ZEALAND (May 21, 2006) -- A lucky Lotto player who purchased their ticket at Kaeo in Northland has won $18 million in Lotto Powerball First Division in tonight's draw, says NZ Lotteries Deputy Chief Executive .............................Read the full story at: Vol .35 No .8

Lotteries Commission Appoints New Chief Executive
NEW ZEALAND (May 17, 2006) -- The New Zealand Lotteries Commission has appointed Auckland businessman Todd McLeay as its new Chief Executive, Chairman John Goulter announced............................Read the full story at: Vol.35 No.7

Lotteries Commission Reappointments Announced
NEW ZEALAND (May 8, 2006) -- Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker today announced two reappointments to the New Zealand Lotteries Commission. ........................Subscribers

Thank Mum with A Mercedes This Mother’s Day
NEW ZEALAND (April 30, 2006) -- Lotto is giving New Zealand mums the chance to win one of 10 super stylish Mercedes-Benz SLK 280’s this Mother’s Day.....................Read the full story at: Vol.35 No.5

New Lotto Tickets Receive Mixed Reception
NEW ZEALAND (April 5, 2006) – New Zealand Lotteries’ new Lotto tickets have reportedly met with a mixed reception from consumers...............................Subscribers

Escape With Lotto
NEW ZEALAND (April 4, 2006) -- Lotto’s Easter promotion gives players the chance to escape to some land far, far away....................Subscribers

Big Wednesday $4.1 Million Ultimate Lifestyle Remains Unclaimed
NEW ZEALAND (March 27, 2006) -- The second Big Wednesday First Division winning ticket, worth a whopping $4.1 million, is still to be claimed nearly a week after the winning draw..............................Subscribers

Big Wednesday Celebrates Its Second Big Winner
NEW ZEALAND (March 22, 2006) -- A Big Wednesday ticket has won $2.5 million plus two luxury cars, $50,000 of luxury travel every year for five years, an American Express Credit Card loaded up with $250,000, a Mustang 3200 luxury launch, and a $500,000 holiday home, NZ Lotteries ...............................Subscribers

Lottery Criticized for Not Purchasing Local Thermal Paper for Online Tickets
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (March 21, 2006) -- The Green Party is critical of a decision by the Lotteries Commission to source its Lotto tickets from Australia instead of a local manufacturer.................................Subscribers

NZ Lotteries Half Year Results Well Up on Previous Year
NEW ZEALAND (March 7, 2006) -- NZ Lotteries has posted a strong result for the six months ended 31 December 2005, NZ Lotteries Chair John Goulter announced.............................Read the full story at: Vol.34 No.10

New Lottery Selling Terminals and New-Look Ticket
NEW ZEALAND (March 6, 2006) – The NZ Lotteries Commission is installing 1150 new terminals at its more than 830 retailers. It is the second upgrade for the centralised computer system and ...............................Subscribers

Ten Lotto Players Zip Away with Holden Astras Stuffed with $50,000
NEW ZEALAND (February 18, 2006) -- Ten Lotto Triple Dip players will be celebrating after each winning a dynamic Holden Astra car and $50,000 cash in tonight’s draw. ........................Subscribers

Big Wednesday Player Wins Third Largest Prize Ever Given Out By NZ Lotteries
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (February 9, 2006) -- A Big Wednesday ticket sold has picked up the third largest individual prize ever given out by NZ Lotteries............................Read the full story at: Vol.34 No.6

Historical Day for Keno
NEW ZEALAND (February 8, 2006) -- Ten players won $20,000 or more in a record breaking day for Keno yesterday...............................Subscribers

New Zealand Lotteries Commission Chief Executive Resigns
NEW ZEALAND (January 25, 2006) -- The Chief Executive of New Zealand Lotteries Commission (NZ Lotteries), Trevor Hall has resigned from his position to take up a new role at ................................Read the full story at: Vol.34 No.4

Lotteries Commission CEO to Head-Up Tourism Company
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (January 25, 2006) -- Tourism Holdings today announced the appointment of Trevor Hall as its new chief executive.........................Subscribers