Frequently asked Questions

The odds of getting 5 numbers plus bonus are 1 in 2.3 million - nearly 6 times easier than getting 6 numbers. To get 5 numbers is 1 in 55 thousand - 40 times easier than getting 5 + bonus, etc. 

Herewith the odds of winning a prize;

2.    A)  How many times can a LOTTO Jackpot roll over to the next draw? 

A jackpot will rollover for as many times as possible until it is won. Rollovers occur when a jackpot is not won. In the event that the jackpot of a specific draw is not won, it is rolled over to the next draw and added to the jackpot amount of that specific draw.

In LOTTO Plus no Jackpot rollovers occur.  If the Jackpot is not won it is divided equally amongst the divisions that produced winners.

      B)  What happens when a rollover coincides with a guaranteed jackpot? 

In the event that a rollover coincides with a guaranteed jackpot, the rollover amount is absorbed in the guaranteed jackpot..

3.      What is the difference between an estimated and guaranteed Jackpot prize? 

Every week the Jackpot is estimated at an amount, according to expected sales.  The total prize pool is calculated at 45% of total sales.  Furthermore, each division is allocated a certain percentage of the prize pool with the Jackpot receiving 18.25% of the total prize pool.  

With special draws, Gidani will offer a guaranteed Jackpot prize that is not affected by sales, unless a higher Jackpot amount is expected because of rollovers.  In cases where the estimated Jackpot amount exceeds a guaranteed Jackpot amount, the guaranteed will fall away to a higher estimated amount.

4.      Are the draws conducted live? 

Yes.  Each draw is conducted live in the presence of an independent auditor, and in accordance with procedures and rules approved by the National Lotteries Board. 

The winning numbers are randomly drawn every Wednesday and Saturday night.  The outcome of the draw is not predetermined by human intervention at all. 

We have had in the past various well-known personalities, including members of the media, inspecting the procedures, the balls, the draw machines and the actual draws, and they would be able to confirm that the draws are transparent and valid, and can in no way be corrupted.

5.      Are the balls and draw machines tested? 

Yes.  Wits University is contracted to test and certify the machines regularly.  The balls are also tested after every five draws to ensure accuracy and consistency with regard to weight, shape, texture, material and size. 

6.      How does the LOTTO presenter know how many times each number has been drawn? 

With every draw an updated script, which includes the number of times each number has been drawn is given to the LOTTO presenters.  The updated script is written on the assumption that each and every number will be drawn during that specific draw, so that the presenter can read the relevant number and times that it has been drawn with ease.

7.      Is there a time period in which to claim prizes? 

With LOTTO and SportStake, players have up to 365 days from the day of the draw to claim. 

Scratch Card winners have one year from the date that ticket sales are announced to claim prizes.  Wina Manje Scratch Card games close with immediate effect once every ticket in a specific game is out in the market. The closing of a game is announced in the media. 

After expiry, 50% of the unclaimed prize money is deposited into the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) for distribution to Good Causes.