As Kiwis all over the country queue for their chance to win a share of tonight's $40 million Powerball Must Be Won jackpot, Lotto New Zealand is experiencing record sales.

Lotto New Zealand chief executive says stores all over the country are packed as Kiwis pick up tickets for tonight's record Powerball draw.

'This is shaping up to be a record-breaking week for Lotto sales, with more than 2,000 tickets currently being bought every single minute.

'Whether customers are playing in-store or online, it's extremely busy. Anyone who wants a ticket for tonight's draw should try to get in early to avoid any disappointment.”

In a Must Be Won draw, if there are no First Division winners the entire jackpot rolls down to the next Division where there are winners – for example, Second or Third Division. If there is more than one winner in that Division, the total jackpot is shared evenly amongst all winners.

While millions of New Zealanders are hoping to win big tonight, community groups and organisations around the country win with Lotto every week.

'Lotto exists to generate money for Kiwi communities – it's why we're here. Lotto funding helps support everything from the New Zealand Film Commission, Creative New Zealand and Sport New Zealand right through to organisations like Surf Lifesaving, Plunket and St John,” says Emilia Mazur, general manager, Corporate Communications.

'Every Lotto ticket bought helps provide essential funds to more than 3,000 groups and organisations all over New Zealand every year.”

Lotto players can buy a ticket for tonight's $40 million Powerball draw in-store at any Lotto retailer or online at MyLotto.co.nz