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Everything You Need to Know About LOTTO, LOTTO Plus 1, and LOTTO Plus 2 Games

Ithuba’s LOTTO, LOTTO Plus 1, and LOTTO Plus 2 games provide participants with the chance to win life-changing jackpots.

These games are held twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, allowing players to select 6 out of 52 numbers.

Buying Tickets

You can purchase your LOTTO, LOTTO Plus 1, and LOTTO Plus 2 tickets at any existing Lottery outlet daily. Do note that ticket sales close at 20:30 on draw days, so ensure you buy your tickets before this cutoff to be eligible for that day’s draw.

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The Drawing Process

Random Number Generator (RNG)

The winning numbers for LOTTO, LOTTO Plus 1, and LOTTO Plus 2 are selected using a Random Number Generator (RNG).  This computer system ensures that the numbers are chosen randomly and fairly.

Live Draws

Each draw is conducted live in the presence of an independent auditor, following strict procedures approved by the National Lotteries Commission. This transparency ensures the integrity of the draw process.

Testing of Draw Machines and Balls

While the RNG is the primary method for selecting numbers, draw machines and balls may be used if the RNG is non-operational. These machines and balls are regularly tested and certified by Wits University to ensure their reliability and fairness.

Jackpot Rollovers

Jackpots for LOTTO, LOTTO Plus 1, and LOTTO Plus 2 can roll over multiple times if they are not won. Here’s how the process works:

  • Rollover Mechanism: If a jackpot is not won in a specific draw, it rolls over to the next draw and is added to that draw’s jackpot amount. This can continue until the jackpot is won.
  • Guaranteed Jackpots: Sometimes, a guaranteed jackpot is offered. If a rollover coincides with a guaranteed jackpot, the rollover amount is included in the guaranteed jackpot, potentially increasing the prize.
  • Estimated vs. Guaranteed Jackpots: Each week, the jackpot is estimated based on expected ticket sales. A guaranteed jackpot is a minimum amount assured to players, regardless of sales. If the estimated jackpot exceeds the guaranteed amount, the higher estimated amount becomes the prize.

Claiming Your Prize

The process for claiming your winnings depends on the amount won:

  • Up to R2,000: Can be claimed at any retailer.
  • R2,001 to R50,000: Must be claimed at your post office.
  • Above R50,000: Needs to be claimed at an ITHUBA regional office.

Players have up to 365 days from the day of the draw to claim their prizes. After this period, 50% of the unclaimed prize money is deposited into the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) for distribution to good causes.


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