On March 27, Lotto NZ announced that they will offer online sales of tickets to customers during the extended lockdown, but retail sales will be temporarily paused. This statement came just a day before it was announced the New Zealand suffered their first death from the Covid-19 virus.

In their announcement, Lotto NZ CEO Chris Lyman explained, “By operating online during the lockdown period we can continue to provide funding to New Zealand communities, many of which will need it now more than ever.”

While wanting customers to be safe, it is widely recognized that the lotto plays a significant role in generating funding for the government, as well as for charities in local communities. From the total revenue, 100% of the profits go to over 3,000 charities and other good causes.  Lotto NZ also plays a significant role in funding Sport New Zealand, New Zealand Film Commission and Creative New Zealand.

For these reasons, it would have been a major blow to the country if both online and in-store sales to customers would have been suspended. Instead, Lotto NZ opted to only suspend in-store sales until the Alert Level 4 had been lifted.