The short answer surprises a lot of people: Lotto NZ isn’t a private company. It’s owned by the New Zealand public, through the Crown.
There are no private shareholders, no overseas parent company, and no investors taking a cut. Instead, every dollar of profit is returned to the community.
This guide explains who owns Lotto NZ, who runs it day to day, which government bodies keep it honest, and where the money ends up. For the retail side of the network, see our guide on finding Lotto near me.
Who owns it
The organisation’s formal legal name is the New Zealand Lotteries Commission, and it has traded as Lotto New Zealand since a 2013 rebrand.
It’s a Crown entity — a government-owned organisation — established in June 1987, operating under the Gambling Act 2003 and the Crown Entities Act 2004. Being a Crown entity means it runs with commercial independence to design games and generate revenue, but it’s owned by the Crown on behalf of all New Zealanders. There are no shares to buy and no private stake to hold.
Separate bodies handle policy, regulation, finances and draw integrity.Who oversees Lotto NZ
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A bit of history for context: Cabinet approved the creation of Lotto in 1986, the Commission was established in June 1987, and the very first Lotto draw took place on 1 August 1987. Today the top standard Lotto prize is set at $1 million a draw.
Who runs it day to day
While ownership sits with the public, the business is run by a professional executive team and an independent board appointed by the government.
The Chief Executive is Jason Delamore, who leads the internal business — everything from the MyLotto app and network security to the national retail network of around 1,178 outlets. The board is chaired by Mark Todd, appointed by the Minister of Internal Affairs in 2024. The government appoints board members for their experience in areas like finance, audit, law and digital technology, and they’re accountable to the responsible Minister.
Because board membership changes over time, the current line-up is best confirmed on Lotto NZ’s own About us page rather than relied on from any single article.
Who keeps it honest
Several separate bodies oversee different parts of Lotto NZ, which is what keeps the system trustworthy — no single group holds all the levers.
100% of net profit is returned to the community — none to private owners.Where the profit goes
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The Minister of Internal Affairs (currently Brooke van Velden) is the responsible Minister, setting expectations and receiving Lotto NZ’s annual reports for Parliament. The Department of Internal Affairs is Lotto NZ’s primary regulator, handling game compliance and gambling-harm oversight. The Treasury monitors its commercial and financial performance as part of its commercial portfolio and advises on board appointments. And Audit New Zealand independently scrutinises the live draws each Wednesday and Saturday to verify the results.
Where the money goes
This is the part that most sets Lotto NZ apart from a private gambling business. In a commercial model, surplus profit becomes dividends for shareholders. Here, the law requires that 100% of net profit is returned to the community.
Sources used to research and fact-check this article. Last checked 13 August 2026.Reference sources
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Once prizes, taxes, retailer commissions and running costs are covered, the remaining profit is transferred to Te Puna Tahua, the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board. Since 1987 this has channelled more than $5 billion into community life. Major recipients include Sport New Zealand, Creative New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Commission, alongside grants to regional charities, rescue services and heritage projects. Importantly, it’s the Grants Board — not Lotto NZ — that decides how the money is shared out.
This community model is a genuine feature of how the system works. It is not, however, a reason to buy a ticket: a ticket remains a bet with a negative expected return, and there are more direct ways to support a community organisation.
Why it’s state-owned
New Zealand deliberately kept its main lottery inside the Crown rather than opening it to a competitive private market. The reasoning is straightforward: a private operator’s incentive is to maximise gambling volume and profit, whereas a state-owned entity can prioritise a controlled, well-audited product with harm-minimisation built in.
That shows up in practical ways. On MyLotto, spending is capped by a rolling seven-day limit of $150 across all games, odds are published openly, and advertising is regulated to avoid encouraging reckless spending. You can read more about how the online side works on our Lotto online page.
The rules it operates under
Two pieces of legislation set the boundaries. The Crown Entities Act 2004 governs corporate accountability — financial reporting, conflict-of-interest rules, and how board members and executives must operate. The Gambling Act 2003 governs the games themselves: which products can be offered, how prizes are structured, the 7:30 pm sales cut-off, and age restrictions.
On age, it’s worth noting a recent change: as of a 2026 law, you must be 18 or over to buy or claim any lottery product, extending a restriction that previously applied only to Instant Kiwi. Financial statements are public, appearing in an annual report presented to Parliament, and the physical ball sets and machines are regularly tested for randomness.
If you’re curious where the biggest sums have gone over the years, our round-up of the biggest Lotto wins in NZ covers the record prizes and who won them.
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. Lottery games are games of chance with a negative expected return. Ownership details, officeholders, governance arrangements and rules change — always confirm the current details with Lotto New Zealand at mylotto.co.nz before relying 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.
Sources used to research and fact-check this article. Last checked 13 August 2026.Reference sources
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FAQ
Is Lotto NZ owned by a private company?
No. Lotto NZ is owned by the New Zealand public through the Crown. Its formal legal name is the New Zealand Lotteries Commission, and it’s a government-owned Crown entity with no private shareholders.
Who runs Lotto NZ day to day?
An executive team led by Chief Executive Jason Delamore, overseen by a government-appointed board chaired by Mark Todd (appointed in 2024). The board is accountable to the Minister of Internal Affairs.
Who is the Minister responsible for Lotto NZ?
The Minister of Internal Affairs, currently Brooke van Velden, is the responsible Minister. She sets expectations and receives Lotto NZ’s annual reports on behalf of Parliament.
Who regulates and audits the games?
The Department of Internal Affairs is Lotto NZ’s primary regulator, the Treasury monitors its financial performance, and Audit New Zealand independently scrutinises the live draws to verify the results.
What happens to the profits?
By law, 100% of net profit goes to the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board (Te Puna Tahua), which distributes it to sport, arts, film, and community organisations. More than $5 billion has been distributed since 1987.
Are the shops that sell Lotto owned by Lotto NZ?
No. The dairies, supermarkets and bookshops that sell tickets are independent businesses. Lotto NZ provides the terminal and pays them a commission on ticket sales.
What laws govern Lotto NZ?
The Gambling Act 2003 governs the games (products, prizes, sales cut-offs, age rules), and the Crown Entities Act 2004 governs how the organisation is run and held accountable.
