Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards and Its Prize Pool

Michaela Scott
Written by: Michaela Scott | Last updated: 27 March 2026
Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards and its Prize Pool
Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards and its Prize Pool

These easily accessible scratch cards can be bought online via the Lotto App or at an online lotto website.

Alternatively, if you enjoy physically scratching the card to reveal the numbers, you can purchase your Instant Kiwi ticket from local retailers.

Let’s find out about Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards and its prize pool.

This “scratch-to-win” ticket-based game was first introduced in September 1989. You will find 12 ticket steams on sale at any given time. Up to 60 new games are also released within a year.

Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards ticket prices start at $1 and go up to $6 per card. The prizes range from $2 to a maximum of $50,000 annually, depending on which game is being played. Strict security is enforced when the tickets are being printed.

Prizes are distributed randomly. This ensures no one can detect where the prizes are until a ticket has been purchased and the latex has been scratched off the prize area.

What Are Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards?

Instant Kiwi Tickets are a popular form of in-store Lottery in New Zealand that allows players to win instant cash easily and quickly.

Introduced in September 1989, Instant Kiwi revolutionized the gaming landscape with its ticket-based format. It offered players a chance to win instant prizes through scratch-to-win cards.

There are multiple outlets in NZ where you can purchase scratch cards. But remember, multiple cards are available, so you must choose your card wisely.

With 12 different ticket streams available for sale at any given time and approximately 60 new games launched each year, players have various options.

With ticket prices ranging from $1 to $6, Instant Kiwi caters to players of all budgets, ensuring that everyone can participate and potentially win.

The prizes vary depending on the game, ranging from $2 to a maximum of $50,000 per year for 10 years.

Notably, on average, 2 to 3 players secure wins of $10,000 or more weekly.

You may also like – How Do You Play Online Scratchies in NZ With Mobile?

Instant Kiwi Scratch Card Tickets

Instant Kiwi Tickets - Instant Kiwi
Instant Kiwi Tickets

If you buy your Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards ticket online, you must open an account with a lotto website. You may then use your credit card or Internet banking to make a deposit and top up your account.

Decide which Kiwi game you would like to play and select your ticket. You must confirm your game choice to purchase the ticket using your account.

Purchasing a ticket through the Lotto app is the same process regardless of your device. Each ticket you buy is a separate entry into the draw.

Your ticket is the only valid basis for claiming a prize. The minimum you can expect to pay for a ticket is $1. When buying your ticket, you are responsible for ensuring that the covering on each play panel is intact.

Remove the covering from each play panel to discover whether your ticket is prize-bearing. This will expose the play symbol or combination of play symbols.

You can buy your ticket online and watch your draws online. If you’re one of the winners, you will receive a message in your MyLotto account.

Your MyLotto account will automatically be credited if you win prizes under $1,000. To claim a prize larger than $1,000, you must complete a prize claim form. The amount will then be paid into your bank account.

Buy Scratch off tickets in Auckland

How to Try Your Luck at Kiwi Scratchies?

Playing and trying your luck with Instant Scratchies in New Zealand is not hard. Follow these steps.

  1. Purchase a Scratch Card: Visit a local retailer, such as a supermarket, convenience store, or Lotto outlet, that sells Instant Kiwi Tickets.
  2. Choose Your Game: Select from various scratch card games, each with different themes and potential winnings.
  3. Scratch to Reveal: Use a coin or a similar object to scratch off the coating and reveal if you’ve won a prize.
  4. Check for Prizes: Match the symbols or numbers under the scratch-off area to the winning combinations detailed on the card.
  5. Claim Your Prize: If you’ve won, follow the instructions on the back of the scratch card to claim your prize.

How Will I Know That I Won?

When playing Instant Kiwi scratchies offline in New Zealand, determining if you’ve won a prize is detailed with clear instructions on the ticket.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Identify the Scratch-Off Areas: Each Instant Kiwi game ticket will feature designated areas marked for scratching. These areas are covered with a shimmering, opaque layer, concealing symbols or numbers beneath.
  2. Gently Scratch the Designated Areas: Use a coin or another suitable tool to gently scratch off the designated areas. Don’t damage the ticket; this could impact your ability to claim prizes.
  3. Match Symbols or Numbers: Refer to the game instructions printed on the front of the ticket. These instructions provide clear guidelines on how to win, typically involving matching the revealed symbols or numbers to winning combinations displayed on the ticket.

PokiesMobile Suggestion – Sometimes after scratching, you need to match three symbols to win.

You may also like – The 5 Best Scratch Card Apps To Play Free Scratchies On Your Mobile

How Do I Claim My Scratchies Prize?

Claiming your prize at In-Store Scratchie is easy, but winning must be considered. There are different steps to claim different winnings.

From different meanings, I mean Major and Small winnings.

Small winnings can be claimed at the Retail Outlet where you bought that scratch-off card, but larger winnings may require you to visit the headquarters.

If you want to learn the details of how you can claim your instant scratchies prize is mentioned below

  1. Check Your Ticket: Verify if you’ve won a prize after scratching off the designated areas on your Instant Kiwi scratchie and revealing potential winning combinations.
  2. Determine the Prize Amount: Depending on the amount won, different rules and limits apply for claiming prizes.
  3. Visit a Retail Outlet: If you’ve won a prize up to the specified limit for your state or territory, visit any authorized retailer that sells Instant Kiwi tickets.
  4. Present Your Winning Ticket: Take your winning scratchie ticket to a friendly local retailer. They will verify the prize amount and process your claim accordingly.
  5. Receive Your Prize: Once your winning ticket is verified, you’ll receive your prize payout directly from the retailer. Prizes up to the specified limit can typically be claimed on the spot.
  6. For Major Prizes: You must follow specific procedures if you’ve won a major prize exceeding the specified limit, such as Division 1 or a Lucky Lotteries Jackpot Prize. This usually involves visiting one of the lottery’s head offices or submitting a Prize Claim Form by post.
  7. Consider Registering Your Ticket: Registering your ticket to a player card offers added security for your prizes. If your winning ticket is registered, it must be presented to claim the prize in-store, ensuring your prizes are secure.
  8. Automatic Prize Payment: If you forget to claim a prize on your ticket (excluding major lottery wins), don’t worry! The lottery operator will automatically pay the prize to you by cheque, into your online account, or directly into your bank account, depending on your membership settings.

Prize Pool

Several separate prize pools make up each game. These pools are structured following a defined multiple-prize construction.

This gives a specified number of winning tickets and chances for each prize value. If all tickets in a given prize pool are sold, the structure proves at the design stage whether or not the payout percentage will be achieved.

The game design specification determines the odds of winning a prize at the game’s outset.

Theoretically, if the game is closed before all the ticket stock is sold, it would not affect your chances of winning.

Due to the predetermined prize pool and Instant Kiwi being a game of chance, the opportunity to win future prizes is influenced by the pattern of prizes already won.

Depending on which stage of the top prizes are claimed and when the game is closed, this could be either an advantage or a disadvantage to the player.

Payout Percentages

The expected prize total for the sales is indicated by applying the design payout prize percentage for each game to the actual sales. The expected prize total can be compared to the actual cash prize payout.

We compared the gross sales turnover and prizes paid between 2003 and 2005. The exact prize payout percentages range from 42% to 72%. Over the three years, the prizes paid as a percentage of sales were remarkably consistent.

However, in almost every case, the actual prize percentages were below the payout percentage specified in the game design.

It should be noted that prizes may be claimed for up to 12 months after the game has closed. Additional claims on the 2005 games would reduce the margin of difference.

Editor’s Verdict

Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards offer a convenient and exciting way to try your luck and potentially win cash prizes.

Whether you prefer online purchases through the Lotto App or physically scratching the cards, you have various options to enjoy this “scratch-to-win” game.

In my view, you will love to play with scratch-off cards with minor cash prizes to claim your winnings easily.

The prizes vary from $2 to $50,000, and up to 60 new games are introduced annually, keeping the excitement alive.

Remember, the game is of chance, and uncovering potential prizes adds excitement.

Whether you play online or at local retailers, Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards offer an opportunity for both fun and possible rewards.

Learn more – How to Play Second Chance Scratch Cards?

How can I buy Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards?

You can buy Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards online through the Lotto App or visit your local retailers to purchase physical cards.

What is the price range for Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards?

The ticket prices for Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards start at $1 and go up to $6 per card, depending on your chosen game.

How do I check if my Instant Kiwi Scratch Card is a winner?

To check if your Scratch Card is a winner, you must scratch off the latex covering the play symbols or combinations on the card. You can also check online through your MyLotto account.

Can I claim Instant Kiwi Scratch Card prizes online?

Yes, prizes under $1,000 will be automatically credited to your MyLotto account if you win.

For prizes over $1,000, you must complete a prize claim form, and the money will be deposited into your bank account.

Are the odds of winning Instant Kiwi Scratch Card prizes consistent?

The odds of winning are determined at the beginning of each game. While the game design specifies a certain payout percentage, actual prize percentages may vary based on the specific game and when it is closed.

Can I claim a prize on someone’s behalf?

To claim a prize on behalf of a registered customer with a player card, you’ll need the following:
Your identification for verification
The original winning lottery ticket
A completed and signed Prize Claim Form by the registered customer
A Letter of Authorization, signed by the registered customer, including:

1. Full name of the authorized person
2. Ticket number
3. Contact phone number

The prize will be paid by direct deposit into the bank account using the Prize Claim Form.