Instant Kiwi is New Zealand’s range of instant-win games from Lotto NZ — the ones where you find out straight away whether you’ve won, with no draw to wait for. They come in two forms: online games you play on MyLotto, and physical scratch tickets (“scratchies”) you buy in-store. Here’s how they work, who can play, and how prizes are paid.
What Instant Kiwi is
Unlike Lotto, where you wait for a Wednesday or Saturday draw, Instant Kiwi games reveal the result immediately.
A common mix-up — they share a name only.“Instant Lotto” is not the Lotto draw
“Instant Lotto” (Instant Kiwi) Lotto (the draw) Top prize $20,000 $1 million (Division 1) When Any day, instant result Wed & Sat live draws How Pick 6 or Auto Pick, result on the spot Pick 6 from 1–40, wait for the draw Where MyLotto Instant Kiwi lobby In-store or MyLotto
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The online games are played on the MyLotto website or app, available daily between 6:30am and 10:10pm. The in-store version is the familiar scratch ticket, sold at Lotto outlets from a few dollars each. Both are pure games of chance — there’s no skill involved, and for the online games the outcome is set randomly by the system the moment you buy.
Online games vs in-store scratchies
It’s easy to assume the online and in-store games are the same because some share names and artwork. They’re not.
New Zealand’s instant-win games from Lotto NZ.Instant Kiwi at a glance
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They’re run as separate games with separate prize pools, and they’re claimed independently. You can’t redeem an online win at a store, and you can’t redeem an in-store scratchie prize online, so treat them as two distinct things.
Who can play, and how
To play Instant Kiwi Online you must be a fully registered MyLotto player, 18 or over, and have completed a one-time age confirmation. That confirmation currently accepts a valid New Zealand driver licence or passport — log in, go to Settings, and enter your details; a confirmed account shows “Aged 18 or over: Confirmed.” This 18+ rule applies to every Instant Kiwi game, online and in-store, under the Gambling Act and the Digital Instant Game Rules. You can read more about playing on MyLotto on our Lotto online page.
A couple of things worth knowing before you buy: most online games have a ‘Try’ demo so you can see how a game works without spending anything (though demo prizes aren’t real), and once you buy, all sales are final — the outcome is already determined, so there are no refunds for a purchase made in error.
Prizes and claiming
For online games, any prize under $1,000 is automatically credited to your MyLotto wallet, and you can withdraw it via Settings. Larger amounts follow the usual claim process. For in-store scratchies, you take a winning ticket to a Lotto outlet to claim. All Instant Kiwi Online prizes are always available at the time of purchase, no matter how many times a prize has already been won. If you need help checking a win, our guide on claiming Lotto winnings covers the wider process, and results for the draw games are on our Lotto results page.
“Instant Lotto” is not the Lotto draw
One Instant Kiwi Online game, “Instant Lotto,” causes regular confusion because of its name.
Sources used to research and fact-check this article. Last checked 14 August 2026.Reference sources
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Despite the similar name and look, “Instant Lotto” is an instant game with its own prize pool and a top prize of $20,000, playable any day of the week — you pick six numbers (or use Auto Pick) and see the result on the spot. The real Lotto game is a different thing entirely: a top prize of $1 million, drawn live on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If a big jackpot is what you’re after, that’s the Lotto draw (and its Powerball add-on), not the instant game.
Playing responsibly
Because instant games give an immediate result and can be played one after another, they’re worth approaching with a little care. Set a budget before you start, use the spending tools on MyLotto if that helps, and remember these are games of chance meant for entertainment — not a way to make money. If it ever stops being fun, that’s the time to step away, and free support is always available.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information only. It does not encourage anyone to gamble, buy lottery tickets, or spend money on any product, and it is not financial, legal or professional advice. Instant Kiwi games are games of chance with a negative expected return, and no skill or method improves your outcome. Games, prices, hours and prizes change — always confirm the current details with Lotto New Zealand at mylotto.co.nz before acting on anything here.
You must be 18 or over to buy or claim lottery products in New Zealand. If gambling is causing harm to you or someone you know, free 24/7 support is available from the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or by texting 8006, from Safer Gambling Aotearoa, and from PGF Services on 0800 664 262. Gambling in New Zealand is regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs.
Similar names, but separate games.Online games vs in-store scratchies
Online (MyLotto) In-store scratchies How you play On the MyLotto site or app Scratch a physical ticket Prize pools Own separate pool Own separate pool Claiming Under $1,000 credited to wallet Redeemed at a Lotto store Where valid Can’t be redeemed in-store Can’t be redeemed online
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FAQ
What are Instant Kiwi games?
They’re Lotto NZ’s instant-win games — online games played on MyLotto, and physical scratch tickets bought in-store — where you find out straight away if you’ve won, with no draw to wait for.
Who can play Instant Kiwi Online?
Registered MyLotto players who are 18 or over and have completed a one-time age confirmation using a valid NZ driver licence or passport.
When can I play Instant Kiwi Online?
Every day between 6:30am and 10:10pm on the MyLotto website or app.
How are Instant Kiwi prizes paid?
Online prizes under $1,000 are credited to your MyLotto wallet (larger ones follow the standard claim process). In-store scratchie prizes are claimed at a Lotto outlet. The two can’t be redeemed across each other.
Is “Instant Lotto” the same as the Lotto draw?
No. “Instant Lotto” is an instant game with a $20,000 top prize you can play any day. The Lotto draw is separate, with a $1 million top prize drawn on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Can I get a refund on an Instant Kiwi purchase?
No. Once you buy, the outcome is already determined, so all sales are final and there are no refunds for mistaken purchases.
Does Instant Kiwi involve any skill?
No. Instant Kiwi is purely a game of chance — for online games the result is set randomly by the system when you buy.