QUESTION: Can I still play National Lottery games during the COVID-19 lockdown period?
ANSWER:
Yes. National Lottery games will be available to play except for SPORTSTAKE as there are no fixtures due to games being cancelled. We encourage all of our players to make use of our digital platforms to play their favourite National Lottery games. Our Mobile App is easily downloadable on all smartphones. Players can also make use our up-to-date National Lottery website, and on-line platforms of our bank channel partners namely Absa, FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank.
QUESTION: Can I collect my winnings from your offices during this lockdown period?
ANSWER:
In line with the nationwide lockdown, unfortunately no winners will be able to claim their winnings at any of our regional offices or at the ITHUBA Head office. Please remember, all winning tickets have a life-span of 365 days before they expire so keep your tickets safe until you can claim.
Winnings are deposited directly into your on-line account up to R50,000 when you play on the National Lottery website, National lottery Mobile APP.
QUESTION: Can I still validate and claim my winnings at Lottery retailers during the lock down?
ANSWER:
In line with the nationwide lockdown request to remain at home, we advise that you retain your ticket, write your name and ID number at the back and claim it once the lockdown is over.
QUESTION: Will there still be draws for LOTTO, Powerball and DAILY LOTTO during the lockdown?
ANSWER:
Yes Draws will continue and will not be affected during lockdown. LOTTO and Powerball draws will continue to be televised as per norm – LOTTO on Wednesdays and Saturdays on SABC 2 at 20:57; and Powerball on Tuesdays and Fridays on eTV at 21:00. All Draw results are also available on the National Lottery website, National Lottery Mobile App and our social media pages. The integrity of our draws is of outmost importance, therefore, all draws will continue to be independently audited with oversight from our regulator the NLC.
QUESTION: If I play on-line, will I still receive my winnings?
ANSWER:
All on-line winning tickets below R50,000 will be paid as usual, directly into the player’s on-line wallet or bank account if playing via the website, National Lottery APP or banking channels. Claims above R50,000 will have to be postponed until after the lockdown period is over. Winners are encouraged to keep their tickets safe until you can visit an ITHUBA office to claim after the lockdown period.
QUESTION: Will the call centre be available to help customers and retailers during the lockdown?
ANSWER:
Yes our call centre is operating remotely from home. You can contact our Player Helpline on 0800 484 822, Monday – Saturday from 06:00 – 23:00 and Sunday 06:00 – 21:00 for queries or visit our social media pages. The Retailer Helpline will also be operational and retailers can direct queries to 0860 456 886, Monday – Saturday from 06:00 – 23:00 and Sunday 06:00 – 21:00
QUESTION: Will jackpots be affected during the lockdown period?
ANSWER:
The schedule and rules of the games will remain unaffected. Jackpots will continue to roll over until they are won except for DAILY LOTTO jackpots which will roll down if not won.
QUESTION: How is ITHUBA helping South Africans to fight COVID-19?
ANSWER:
ITHUBA is working closely its Regulator, the National Lotteries Commission, and the Department of Health in exploring how ITHUBA can support the well-being and sustainability of South Africans. As a company that values UBUNTU and the upliftment of communities, society’s most vulnerable remains a priority to ITHUBA. Communication on ITHUBA’s activities in this regard will be communicated in due course.
