Lotto NZ changes roll out this weekend

A range of changes are introduced to Lotto from this Sunday. Photo / File

Lotto NZ is running a must-win Strike draw this weekend to mark the rollout of changes it is making to the game.

Game changes include the introduction of a new Lotto division 7 for matching three Lotto numbers on one line, bigger Powerball prizes across all divisions, the ability to play Strike on its own, and new dip tickets.

On Saturday Lotto will hold a special Powerball and Strike Must Be Won draw.

There is a total prize pool of $9.3 million up for grabs this weekend. The Powerball jackpot is $8 million, the Strike jackpot is $300,000, and both must be won on Saturday.

The Lotto jackpot is $1 million for Saturday's draw.

"Lotto on Wednesday has been really popular with our players, with more people playing our games more often. Now we're making these games even better," said chief executive Wayne Pickup.

"We've listened to what players have asked for - more ways to win and bigger prizes."

"Over 770 Kiwis have become millionaires overnight through playing Lotto, and we're looking forward to continuing that winning streak for our players," said Pickup.

The game changes will come into play from this Sunday.

The big wins

A player from Dairy Flat last year won $44m.

A player in West Auckland pocketed $33m in 2013.

In 2010 an Auckland player won a $28.7m Powerball prize.

How does it work?

For the new Lotto Division 7, players just need to match three winning Lotto numbers on a single line to win a Lotto Bonus Ticket.

There will be bigger Powerball prizes in Divisions 2 - 7. The Powerball jackpot will also have the chance to grow bigger than ever before, up to a $50 million Must Be Won.

You'll be able to play Strike on its own. Simply choose how many lines of Strike you'd like to play to be in to win.