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- Lost Your Winning Lotto Ticket? What New Zealanders Need to Know
Research guide first prepared: August 2026. Lotto NZ rules and claim details checked in October 2026.
Played on MyLotto? Your Tickets Are in Your Account
If you purchased your ticket through MyLotto, check your account before assuming it’s lost. Tickets purchased through MyLotto are stored in your account; therefore, there is no paper ticket that can be lost, and cash prizes are deposited into the account holder’s account. If you want to eliminate the risk of losing your paper ticket and don’t want to worry about losing it, you can play through MyLotto.
Don't Panic, but Report It Quickly
Losing a physical ticket is serious, because under Lotto NZ's rules a printed ticket is the only valid basis for claiming a prize. However, it's still worth reporting. All Lotto NZ stores have Ticket Report forms for lost, stolen or damaged tickets, and staff can help you fill one in. Include as many details as you can, such as the date, time and place of purchase.
"If you think you've lost a winning lottery ticket, the most important thing is not to panic," says Mert. "Contact Lotto NZ as soon as possible and give them as much information as you can about the ticket and purchase.
"Don't assume that losing the physical ticket automatically means there is nothing you can do, but make sure you understand the rules that apply to your ticket."
Where to Look for a Missing Paper Ticket
Start from the last place you remember seeing the ticket, then work your way back to the store where you bought it. Making a note of the date, time, and location of the purchase now will also help you if you need to fill out a Ticket Report form.
"If you've lost a physical ticket, think back to exactly where and when you bought it," says Mert. "If you still can't find it, contact Lotto NZ and report what has happened, providing as much information as you can about the ticket."
What to Do With a Damaged Ticket
If your ticket is damaged, never throw it away or try to fix it. All printed tickets must meet these conditions to be considered winning tickets. According to the 2025 Lotto Rules, tickets must be in good condition, free of any alterations, and legible. All numbers on your ticket must be clearly visible.
Mert says, "Keep hold of the original ticket and contact Lotto NZ to find out what options are available."
Why Reporting a Stolen Ticket May Not Protect the Prize
In the New Zealand Lotto, a printed ticket is considered to belong to the person who physically possesses it; therefore, a stolen ticket must be reported immediately.
"If you believe your ticket has been stolen, report it to Lotto NZ as soon as possible and give them as much information as you can. If you believe a crime has taken place, it's also worth reporting the theft to the police and keeping hold of any evidence.
"However, don't assume that reporting a stolen ticket automatically protects the prize. Lotto NZ's current rules state that it isn't liable for payment to the bearer of a lost or stolen ticket, even if the loss has already been reported."
Think a Lost Ticket Is a Winner? Don't Wait
If you've checked the results and think a lost ticket might be a winner, act immediately rather than waiting to see if it turns up. Lotto prizes must be claimed within 12 months of the draw, after which they are forfeited.
"If you've checked the results and think a ticket you've lost could be a winner, act straight away," says Mert. "Report the situation to Lotto NZ and find out what options are available rather than assuming the ticket is simply gone.
"It's particularly important not to assume that reporting a lost or stolen ticket automatically protects the prize, so get advice from Lotto NZ as quickly as possible."
How to Keep Your Lotto Ticket Safe
- Store physical tickets somewhere secure the moment you buy them
- Check your numbers promptly
- Keep a note of where and when you bought the ticket
- Keep the original ticket intact and avoid writing on or altering it
- Consider using MyLotto if you're worried about losing physical tickets
"A lottery ticket might just look like a small piece of paper," Mert concludes, "but if it turns out to be a winner, it could be worth a life changing amount of money. Keeping it somewhere safe and checking your numbers promptly can save you a huge amount of stress later."
