A controversial rule change to in-store Instant Kiwi ‘scratch tickets’ means players won’t know if the big prize money is still available unless they ask.

In the past, as soon as all top prizes were won, stores were told to remove the remaining tickets from sale.

But in December, Lotto New Zealand changed the policy and Instant Kiwi players are now required to scan a QR code and check the Lotto app, or ask shop assistants if there is still a chance to win big.

The move has upset some consumers who said they had no idea about the change.

Instant Kiwi players are now required to scan a QR code and check the Lotto app, or ask shop assistants if there is still a chance to win big. Photo / Lotto NZ

“Without telling anyone, they have started selling Instant Kiwi tickets after all the top prizes have been won,” one customer claimed.

“I view it as a potential breach of consumer law, if you buy an Instant Kiwi because you want to win $50k, but without knowing you can’t because all the $50k prizes have already been won.”

Lotto confirmed the move and said it brought in-store Instant Kiwi games in line with how most lotteries around the world operate.

“The new game rules benefit our players by offering more opportunity to win medium and lower-tier prizes in-store,” an online statement read.

“This change means each game may be around for a bit longer for players to enjoy and potentially win on.”

The Lotto NZ website shows how many top prizes are remaining for each game. Photo / Lotto NZ

The overall amount returned to Instant Kiwi players as prize money remained the same.

A spokesman said the changes allowed Lotto New Zealand to run games more efficiently and reduced ticket wastage.

“This enables us to save costs and maximise the amount of money paid to the Lottery Grants Board for distribution back to the community.”

He said retail staff were able to print a report showing top prizes remaining for customers, and stores were also proactively updated about the sale of top prizes through messages to their sales terminals and a newsletter.

- NZ Herald