Rotorua Lotto players are turning to superstitions, strategies and spending up large in an effort to up their chance of winning $35 million this weekend.
Powerball rolled over on Wednesday and jackpotted from $32m to $35m for tonight's draw.
It has yet to reach the $50m threshold for a Must Be Won draw, but City Books and Lotto owner Kirsty Evans said ticket sales had nonetheless been "through the roof".
Mega prizes attracted people who did not play regularly, as well as changing the behaviour of frequent players.
"Since it hit $30m people have been spending quite considerably more money, and it's not just work syndicates - individuals too," she said.