A resident of New Zealand has won the grand prize in the Powerball Must Be Won draw

A resident of Dunedin, New Zealand, has won a substantial prize in the Powerball Must Be Won lottery, taking home the grand prize of NZD 10.05 million (approximately ₽500.6 million). Details about the winner remain scarce, but it is known that the ticket was purchased through the MyLotto platform. Jason Delamore, CEO of Lotto NZ, expressed that this event is a joyous occasion for the entire organization, emphasizing that the win has the potential to change the winner's life and that of their family.
In addition to the grand prize winner, five other participants from the same draw each received NZD 200,000 (around ₽9.96 million) in the First Division Lotto category. Delamore explained that the Must Be Won draw was planned to reset the Powerball jackpot to a manageable level in preparation for a technological upgrade of the system.
Currently, the lottery in New Zealand is undergoing changes. Lotto, Powerball, and Strike will be consolidated into a single paper ticket, and new terminals with larger screens will be introduced at physical locations. These measures aim to simplify participation and enhance convenience for players.
At the same time, the country plans to introduce regulated online casinos, issuing approximately 15 licenses to potential operators. This proposal has sparked active debate, with opponents of expanded gambling arguing that it could cause more harm than good. Supporters, however, highlight the economic and technological opportunities presented by the new format.
Among the anticipated benefits are improved oversight of legal gaming and increased transparency in payouts. Lotto NZ emphasizes that integrating all games into one ticket and implementing new technologies will help players participate safely in lotteries and receive their prizes without delays.
In related news, a resident of North Carolina recently won a lottery but initially thought it was a mistake.