How Winners Are Selected: The Random Draw Process

With such large sums of money at stake, transparency and fairness in selecting winners are paramount. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) employs a highly secure digital method to conduct the draws.

Cryptographically Secure Sampling

The IRD does not use manual lottery drums or basic random number generators. Instead, they use a cryptographically secure uniform random sampling algorithm. This mathematical approach ensures that every single valid invoice entered into the system has an exact equal probability of being selected. The process cannot be manipulated or predicted.

The Fortnightly Schedule

Draws are not held every single day. They are conducted on a fortnightly basis (every 15 days). For example, a draw held in early August will cover all eligible transactions made during the second half of July. The results are processed simultaneously for the 15 daily prizes and the single bumper prize.

Transparency and Privacy

Once the algorithm selects the winners, the results are published on the official IRD website and various national media outlets. However, to protect the privacy and security of the winners, sensitive personal information is masked. Usually, only the winning invoice numbers and partial identifying details are displayed. It is up to the consumer to check their bills against the published winning numbers.