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New Zealand has been in worldwide talks to join the "greatest lottery on earth" involving nearly 50 countries and a mega-jackpot of $680 million.
The Lotteries Commission has briefed Internal Affairs Minister Dr Richard Worth on the possibility of the global lottery.
Gambling lobbyists are against the soaring size of the jackpot, which they say would increase the number of problem gamblers in New Zealand.
But Camelot, the British lottery operator, is spearheading plans for the global gambling game, which chief executive Dianne Thompson has called "the greatest lottery on earth".
Numbers would be drawn on six continents to pick 100 millionaires each month, while an annual draw would be held with a potential $680 million jackpot for its global contestants.
Department of Internal Affairs papers say the "essence" of the global game is for individual lotteries to band together to sell an international lottery.
So far, 48 countries have been involved in the discussions.
"Discussions are at a preliminary stage, but next year it may become necessary for us to make some form of commitment to the further development of this game, should we wish to participate rather than attempt to compete with it."
The briefing paper said it was "very likely" that the $30m prize limit would have to be lifted, should New Zealand join. The previous limit of $15m was raised in 2005.
John Goulter, Lotteries Commission chairman, said New Zealand was likely to be invited to join the global game, although Camelot spokesman Rob Dwight said the earliest possible start was 2012.
"A big world lottery would be unreal, if you know what I mean," said Goulter. "But this thing is not even confirmed yet, this recession will slow everything down."
David Coom, spokesman for the Problem Gambling Foundation, said the number of gamblers increases with the size of the jackpot.
"As soon as you do that, you increase the number of problem gamblers. We would expect that to happen here and be dead against it.
"We're already concerned about the size of the jackpot in New Zealand. This would be ridiculous."
The news comes as the Lotteries Commission trials a new gambling game, set to be introduced mid-year, and a possible bid to buy an Australian lottery board.
Lotto sales in the past financial year were $778 million, with a net profit of $157m distributed to charities, increasing significantly since 2003 after several static years.
A new game has not been launched since Big Wednesday in 2005, so the Lotteries Commission will seek Government approval for another game mid-year.
The commission hoped to "attract back our infrequent players and provide some new interest for existing players".
Goulter would not talk about specifics: "We are always looking at new games. It's not going to take the world by storm but it will be another option."
Another international "opportunity" being considered by the Lotteries Commission, is the possible sale of the New South Wales lotteries licence.
