Powerball helps NZ Lotteries hit record jackpot

Photo / Nz Herald

NZ Lotteries says its sales hit a record $478.6 million in the six months to December, beating the previous 2010 record by $32.4 million.

The state-owned entity also reported a record profit of $96.4 million for the first six months - $9 million more than the previous corresponding period.

Sales benefited from a long Powerball jackpot run, which reached $23 million in August, and from increased Instant Kiwi and Big Wednesday sales, NZ Lotteries said.

Operating expenses amounted to $28.5 million, down 2 per cent.

NZ Lotteries said much of its network had had a facelift.

It has transferred a total of $3 billion to the grants board since its establishment in 1987.