What Kiwis Actually Spend on Lotto and Gambling Each Week

Our on-going Wealth Map Evaluation quiz has shed light on New Zealanders' weekly spending habits when it comes to lotto and gambling. Out of 5,689 respondents, a striking 67% reported spending less than $10 per week, while another 27% fell into the $10–$30 range. Only a small fraction, 5%, admitted to spending between $30 and $100, with even fewer — just 1% — venturing into the $100–$250 category. Remarkably, almost no one reported spending more than $250 weekly on gambling.

These findings suggest that despite the pervasive presence of gambling options and lotto advertising, most participants exercise a significant degree of financial restraint. With such a large majority keeping their gambling expenses minimal, it could point to a broader cultural awareness around the risks of betting and a commitment to financial wellbeing. However, even a modest weekly spend can add up over the course of a year, and the 6% who spend over $30 per week may still be facing notable financial impacts.

This data also raises important questions about how we view luck, risk, and wealth-building. Are Kiwis opting for more sustainable avenues to grow their wealth, or does the continued popularity of lotto tickets reflect deeper hopes and dreams? And for those who do spend more, what motivates that investment, and what could be gained by reallocating those resources?

Curious about how your own habits stack up? Discover your financial profile and take the Wealth Map Evaluation quiz today.