Coasties eager for a chance at a record-breaking Strike win can participate in Lotto NZ’s first-ever $1.5 million ‘Must Be Won’ draw tonight.

This event marks the largest Strike jackpot yet, following changes to the Strike game earlier this year.

Strike, an add-on to Lotto that can also be played independently, raised its jackpot threshold in July, requiring a ‘Must Be Won’ draw to be called when the top prize hits $1.5 million.

The previous threshold was $1 million, making this the first draw under the new rules.

“We’re always looking for ways to keep our games exciting,” said Lotto NZ’s Head of Corporate Communications, Will Hine.

“The $1.5 million prize is available to Strike Four players, but if it isn’t won, the jackpot will go to players in the next winning division.”

Hine confirmed that the odds of winning Strike Four remain the same, offering players a chance at a higher prize without adjusting their gameplay.

Although often played alongside Lotto and Powerball, Strike has seen a boost in standalone plays, with some Coast locals likely picking up tickets specifically for this ‘Must Be Won’ draw.

A Strike ticket can be added to any Lotto or Powerball purchase or purchased separately for just $1 per line.

Lotto NZ cautions players to keep expectations realistic, with Hine advising people to play within their entertainment budgets despite the tempting jackpot.

This year has been full of landmark wins for Lotto NZ, including four Powerball jackpots of $30 million and the nation’s highest single-ticket prize of $44.67 million, claimed in August.

The largest Strike win to date was $1.76 million in 2008, before the ‘Must Be Won’ structure was introduced.

Since then, the Strike prize threshold was increased, resulting in two recent $1.1 million winners in Auckland.