New Zealand, which experienced almost a complete Covid lockdown, saw online Lottery sales double, achieving record levels to win a $50 million Powerball jackpot.
There was a $50 million Powerball jackpot won in February and another in August. Lotto online sales were up from 19 percent of the total sales to 38 percent by the end of October.
Total online sales through MyLotto were $431 million, 89 percent higher than in 2019. This was driven by the increase of people registering to play MyLotto in March and April when retail outlets were shut.
More than 200,000 sign ups occurred in the lead up for the August “must be won” $50 million jackpot. This is in a country of less than 5 million population.
Andrée Froude, spokeswoman for the Problem Gambling Foundation, is concerned about these numbers. She said, ”Those numbers aren’t really surprising – a lot of people went online because it was the only way they could get their regular ticket. But tough times can certainly be a trigger or a driver for gambling.” She added, “If someone is buying three tickets and then isn’t able to put food on the table, that’s doing harm.”
