How to Play SA Lotto
For players of South Africa’s well-known lottery called SA Lotto, there’s a chance of winning huge jackpots. Once, after over 21 rollovers, the operators offered a guaranteed R110 million!
So, if you were looking for more reasons to place your first bets on this game, it’s clear that it’s high time you join in. We discuss all the guidelines in terms of rules, ticket sales, prizes and more, so you can play Lotto like a pro in no time!
In a Hurry?
A breakdown of the basic facts on this South African lottery game is shown below.
| Numbers to win the jackpot | 6 |
|---|---|
| Jackpot type | Rollover |
| Number range | 1 – 52 |
| Prize categories | 8 |
| Draw days | Wednesdays, Saturdays |
| Draw time (SA Time) | ~9 pm (8:57 pm) |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Claim period | 1 year |
| Biggest Jackpot | ZAR110 million (Update: August 2023) |
Lotto Basics and Rules
When you get to know the basics of this game, you see it’s an easy lottery to play and have fun with. Use the data and tables below to streamline your experience of SA Lotto from the start.
Playing Lotto
The lottery operators in South Africa employ the power of technology to help you have fun with the game in store or online. You can also use lottery sites like theLotter from around the globe to play, but a quick overview will help you stay within the rules and manage your budget.
| Feature | Rules | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age requirement | Minimum age: 18 | Any vendor, including lottery sites, can ask for proof of identity and age. You also need to be above 18 to claim a prize. |
| Ticket price | Standard price: ZAR5.00 | For brick and mortar stores and other online play options related to the National Lottery, the standard price will apply.Additional costs may be charged when using these services:
|
Rules and Structure
For the draws that take place twice a week, you can buy tickets throughout the week. This is an easy-to-understand game that requires 6 correct numbers to win the main prize.
Most vendors allow you the use of a Quick Pick system, or you can choose your own numbers.
Understanding the Lotto Structure
Here are the basic features you’ll need to understand when playing this South African lottery:
- Number range: All the numbers chosen for this game will be from the number range 1-52.
- Number of balls: Every player will pick a total of 6 numbers when they buy a ticket or place a bet on the outcome of the game.
- Bonus ball: During the draw, apart from the six general numbers, the system also picks a bonus ball. This also comes from the number range 1 – 52, but isn’t used to determine winners of the main prize. If you should have this number as part of your number sequence, it will make you eligible for prizes in certain lower prize tiers.
- Draw process: The National Lottery makes use of RNG (random number generator) computer system during their draws. It picks a random set of numbers and this is monitored by auditors and published as the lottery results, instead of having a draw with real physical balls dropping from a bin.
- Prize categories: You’ll have a chance of being in one of 8 prize categories or tiers. You can win even if you only have three correct numbers. See more details below
- Rollover jackpot: The system supports a rollover jackpot, so each time the main prize isn’t won, the money rolls over to the next draw. This results in the jackpot growing over time unless it’s won. There’s no official jackpot cap. At times the operator can establish a guaranteed jackpot. However, if ticket sales would have made the jackpot grow bigger than that guaranteed amount, the larger amount will be paid out as jackpot.
- Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2: The Lotto game has add on features, named Lotto Plus 1 and Plus 2. You can activate these features for additional ZAR2.50 per game. This will make your ticket eligible for additional draws that have smaller but still impressive prizes.
Drawings and Prizes
An attractive feature of this game is the fact that there are two draws a week. More draws mean you have more chances of winning. Your must know details:
- Draw dates are Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- All draws take place just before 21:00 local time.
- You can watch the results on TV, or go online and use lottery results pages or the National Lottery’s YouTube channel to check the outcome of a draw.
For each draw, the ticket sales for that specific draw help create a prize pool. The prize pool is divided between different prize tiers, except for the two lowest categories that have set prizes.
Note that a pari-mutuel prize system is used, which means you share the allocated percentage of the prize pool with others in your tier. Therefore, the number of winners is another factor that determines how much you’ll win. Even if multiple individuals win the jackpot, you’ll share the prize money with the other lucky ticket holders.
This table showcases how this system is used for Lotto.
| Category | General Numbers | Bonus Ball | % of Prize Pool / Fixed Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Division 1 | 6 | 0 | 73% |
| Division 2 | 5 | 1 | 2.3% |
| Division 3 | 5 | 0 | 4% |
| Division 4 | 4 | 1 | 5% |
| Division 5 | 4 | 0 | 8.4% |
| Division 6 | 3 | 1 | 7.3% |
| Division 7 | 3 | 0 | ZAR50 (fixed) |
| Division 8 | 2 | 1 | ZAR20 (fixed) |
For each method of playing Lotto, you need to follow a certain procedure to obtain your winnings. Here’s a table as explanation to help you plan, so you don’t miss out on your prize:
| Method of Play | Claiming a prize |
|---|---|
| Bought at brick and mortar store | Claim small prizes at any retailer, but visit a regional Ithuba office for large prizes. |
| Use an app or National Lottery website | You can expect automated payouts of small prizes, but larger prizes will require an in-person visit to operator offices. |
| Lottery sites | Each platform is different, so review their policies. However, payments often happen automatically. |
How to Buy a Lotto Lottery Ticket
| Method of Playing Lotto | Cost |
|---|---|
| Official retail outlets (Find these at South African fuel stations, restaurants, stores and more) | ZAR5.00 |
| National Lottery website or app | ZAR5.00 |
| Apps hosted by South African banks | Many banks, including Nedbank, FNB and ABSA charge ZAR5.00, but some financial service providers may charge convenience fees. |
| Online lottery sites |
|
| USSD (Bank short codes) | ZAR5.00 |
| Additional cost for Lotto Plus with most service providers (review policies to confirm) | ZAR2.50 |
- When buying in store, ticket sales close at 8:30 pm
- Bank apps often don’t sell between midnight and 6 am, and you can purchase only until 8:25 pm for that night’s Lotto draw.
- With online lottery sites you must review their policies.
- Brick-and-mortar outlets registered with National Lottery
- The National Lottery website
- App offered by the National Lottery
- South African banks’ apps
- Online lottery sites allowing you to bet on the outcome or offering a service to buy real tickets on your behalf
How to Play Lotto Online
With online lottery sites you get access to many international lotteries. Luckily, popular platforms also include South Africa’s Lotto in their portfolio of available games.
Depending on the setup of the online lottery service, you’ll either bet on the outcome of a draw, or the vendor will purchase a real ticket on your behalf. You’ll then receive a scanned copy of this as proof that you’re the real owner and therefore winner of any prizes related to that ticket.
Here are the basic steps that apply to most of these platforms.
1. Pick your platform – Identify the best lottery site to use, based on features such as online security, payment methods and available lotteries.
2. Open your player account – Register an account for free after proving your age and identity. Social media accounts can often help for quick sign ups.
Source: theLotter
3. Transfer to your wallet – Your player’s account (wallet) must have sufficient funds for tickets you’ll buy.
4. Find Lotto – Use menus or filters to navigate to the SA Lotto page.
Source: theLotter
5. Select how many lines you want to play – Certain platforms have minimum lines you need to play.
6. Pick 6 numbers – ‘Quick Pick’/’Easy Pick’ assigns any random numbers to a board. Alternatively, use your mouse to pick your own numbers.
Source: Lotto Agent
7. Pick an entry type – As an optional extra you can register your numbers for upcoming draws. Vendors sometimes offer discounts and free tickets along with these subscriptions.
Source: theLotter
8. Review and add to cart – Make changes until you’re happy with your selection. Confirm your tickets by paying for them.
Source: Lotto Agent
9. Get confirmation – Receive messages via email or text as proof of your purchase. This can include a scanned copy of a ticket from agents who buy official tickets on your behalf.
Source: theLotter
10. View draw or check results – Lotto results are shown on TV or you can use online results pages to compare numbers and see if you’re a winner.
11. Get your cash – Most services will pay out winnings automatically, but you may have to claim jackpots in person when buying authentic tickets.
How to Play Lotto In-Store
You can purchase Lotto tickets at brick and mortar outlets such as (but not limited to):
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Fuel stations
You’ll receive assistance at till points or dedicated National Lottery kiosks. The facility is usually identifiable by its yellow signage.
To buy your Lotto ticket (or for Powerball or Daily Lotto) you’ll follow this process:
1. Take a ticket (betslip) or talk to the retailer – Paper tickets are available for all National Lottery games, but you can also communicate your selection verbally with the kiosk attendant. Each Lotto ticket contains eight boards, but you can submit more than one ticket at a time.
2. Fill in betslip – Using a black or blue pen, or a pencil, mark your 6 numbers for each board. You can also tick the ‘Quick Pick’ box if you want a random set of numbers.
3. Select additional options – Betslips have boxes to tick for Lotto Plus 1 or Plus 2 options and multiple future draws. Or, tell the retailer your preferences in person without using a National Lottery ticket.
4. Show ID – Retailers may ask for proof of identification before registering your Lotto ticket on the system.
5. Submit your ticket – Using the ticket or verbally communicated information, the retailer will electronically enter your numbers on the National Lottery system.
6. Pay for ticket/s – You can only pay for Lotto tickets in cash, not by card.
7. Take your receipt – The attendant will print a receipt containing your number selections. Check that the information is correct.
8. Add details – Flip the ticket over and write your personal details on the back to prove you’re the owner. There are boxes for:
- Name
- ID number
- Address
9. Wait and check results – Put tickets in a safe place until the draw. Compare your numbers with the Lotto results to see if you’ve won.
10. Get your prize – For in-store players, smaller prizes are available for payout at any registered retailer, as long as you can show your ticket. For prizes of ZAR50,000 and higher you must visit a regional office.
How to Play Lotto via Banking Apps & More
Thanks to technology of many forms being utilised for South Africa’s lotteries, you can play Lotto after a few taps on your mobile phone. This is thanks to banking apps and the National Lottery app.
Source: Nedbank
There’s also a robust National Lottery website to make lottery playing very user-friendly.
Source: National Lottery
Some of these convenient services may require you to pay additional fees, or a minimum number of boards will apply. Use this table to identify the best option for you:
- Register for free, using personal information. You must verify your ID by uploading documentation.
- OTP code will be sent to confirm the opening of your account.
- Confirm signup by clicking the link in the email sent to you.
- Answer security questions and provide banking details to complete your profile. This is necessary before you can buy tickets.
- Click on ‘Play Now’ and select Lotto.
- Use Quick Pick or your own numbers to complete your boards.
- Add alternative options, such as Lotto Plus 1, Lotto Plus 2 or entering multiple draws.
- Pay for tickets.
Must know information:
- The National Lottery app and website are connected so you can use one profile to play on both platforms.
- Small prizes are automatically paid to your account.
- Download the app (Android and iOS available)
- If your Android phone blocks the installation, go to ‘Settings’ and allow for installation from unknown sources.
- Log in using your National Lottery account (see above).
- Select ‘Play’.
- Pick the Lotto page.
- Pick numbers using ‘Quick Pick’ or your own set of numbers.
- Add more options such as Lotto Plus 1 or multiple draws.
- Pay for tickets.
Interesting information:
- For Android, it’s compatible with version 4.0 or later.
- On iOS devices you must have version 11.0 or later.
- Additional features include tools to find a nearby lottery kiosk and topping up your wallet.
Steps are unique to each bank, but will be similar to this:
- Dial a short code (USSD code).
- Give authorisation to play, using the funds in a specific bank account.
- Select which lottery you want to play.
- Follow menu options to pick numbers, boards and add on games.
- Complete purchase.
- Use the ‘Results’ menu option to see if you’ve won.
This method doesn’t require mobile phone data. The costs will be deducted straight from your account, so use the USSD code (short code) related to the South African bank where you have an account:
- Nedbank: *120*001#
- ABSA: *120*2272#
- Capitec: *120*3279#
- Standard Bank: *120*2345#
- FNB: *130*321#
- You must have mobile banking activated with the South African bank where you have an account. Processes are unique to each, but will involve steps like these:
- Log in to mobile banking on your phone.
- Select ‘Buy’ on the main menu.
- Pick ‘Lotto’ from the available lottery games.
- Select numbers, using ‘Quick Pick’ or manually entering your numbers.
- Use sliders or tick boxes to confirm whether you want to play Lotto Plus 1/Lotto Plus 2.
- Select multiple draws if you want to.
- Complete the purchase.
Important notes:
- Daily limits may apply.
- Banking apps have helpful extra features, such as ticket histories, results and more.
- Banks pay small prizes automatically, and you only have to do manual claims for large prizes.
- For manual claims you must visit a lottery office with proof of identification and a reference number from the bank to prove you’ve won.
Source: National Lottery
How to Know if You Won the Lotto
| How did you play Lotto? | Finding out if you’ve won |
|---|---|
| Registered brick-and-mortar retailer | You must claim personally, no automated payouts. Confirm if you’ve won by watching the draw or using online results pages. |
| Mobile banking app | Notifications are sent to all winners via SMS or the app. But check the results in case you’ve missed a message. |
| Website of the National Lottery. | The system automatically sends out notifications. There’s a ‘Message’ option on the menu if you want to check if you’ve missed any communication. |
| Online lottery sites | Online vendors usually have automated processes and you’ll get a message via email or on your phone, depending on the site’s setup. |
What Happens If You Win the Lotto?
To make sure you get your money after winning a Lotto prize, you must consider the following:
- How you played: You can expect automated payments for certain prizes when playing via your banking app, a lottery site or the National Lottery website. However, tickets bought at brick-and-mortar retailers will always require a manual, in person claim.
- Size of your prize: You can claim up to ZAR2,000 at retailers, and up to ZAR49,999 at the SA Post Office when playing in store. For prizes of ZAR50,000 and bigger, even when using a banking app or the official website, you must go to a regional office.
- Where you’re playing from: For international players, online lottery sites do automated payments for most winners. However, policies can stipulate that big prize winners claim winnings in person, so you may have to travel to South Africa if you’re not a local resident.
Do note that Lotto jackpot winners only have the option of lump sum payouts – no annuity payments are offered.
A welcome feature of the SA lottery industry is that you can stay anonymous if you’ve won. Also, the operators are willing to provide counselling to winners, which is very helpful in planning how to utilise your prize money in the best possible way.
Final Thoughts
You can see why Lotto is possibly the most popular option on the National Lottery’s list of games. Yes, Powerball has amazing jackpots, but thanks to features like Lotto Plus 1 and the simple game layout, this lottery is a firm favourite worth trying out.
And since there are so many ways to take part, you’re sure to find a method that suits all your personal preferences.
FAQs
South African citizens or anyone in South Africa can buy Lotto tickets at local, affiliated brick-and-mortar outlets. You can also play the Lotto lottery online via apps and various websites, either hosted by the National Lottery, or other vendors hosting lottery sites.
Yes, South Africa’s Lotto lottery game is one of many popular games you can play from almost anywhere in the world. You can use reputable lottery sites where you bet on the outcome or even buy real lottery tickets, which the vendor will buy on your behalf.
SA Lotto players must be 18 years or older. You also need to prove you’re older than 18 when claiming a prize.
In general you can buy tickets for SA Lotto until 30 minutes before the draw. Certain platforms like banking apps may have a different timeline, so confirm the terms and conditions of the method you use to play the game. If you’re too late for the upcoming draw, you do have the option of buying a ticket for the next draw.
The SA Lotto ticket price is ZAR5.00 when using official lottery sellers. You’ll pay a little more when playing via online lottery sites, because you’re paying for the convenience of playing from anywhere in the world.
On all platforms, Lotto players can either use a Quick Pick service or select their own set of 6 numbers. Similar to a Lotto number generator, the Quick Pick feature assigns random numbers to your ticket, and it’s popular since many of the world’s jackpot winners have won using this option.
In the Lotto game you need to pick 6 numbers from the number range 1 to 52. You need to get all 6 numbers correct to win the jackpot. However, thanks to a 7th number – a Bonus number – that’s picked during the draw, the chances of winning lower tier prizes increase.
This lottery game happens on Wednesdays and Saturdays so you have more than one chance each week to win the jackpot. The draw takes place just before 9 pm on each draw day.
In South Africa, tax doesn’t apply to lottery winnings, as long as it’s not your main source of income. You should still declare it as part of your tax returns, in order for the South African Revenue Service to understand where the money is coming from.
The biggest Lotto jackpot was all thanks to a guaranteed jackpot that was assigned to the draw of 27 January 2018, after 21 rollovers. The amount the lottery operator was willing to guarantee was ZAR 110 million. There were 4 Lotto tickets with the correct sequence of numbers, which resulted in four winners each receiving ZAR27.5 million.
The biggest Lotto jackpot that went to a single winner was ZAR86.9 million, which was won on 3 September 2022.
No, game rules don’t stipulate any jackpot cap, so the main prize can keep growing each time it’s not won. The ticket sales will determine how much money is added to the jackpot each draw. The lottery operator has the power to set a guaranteed jackpot. However, if ticket sales result in a bigger calculated jackpot than the operator guaranteed, the National Lottery must pay out the bigger amount.
All claims for prizes related to a certain draw must be claimed within a year. Tickets are no longer valid 365 days after the draw.
DailyLotto is ZAR 300,000 on