FAQ’S - Lotto
What is LOTTO?
An on-line Game utilising a computerised terminal to record Selections and also to validate prize claims..
How does the LOTTO/ LOTTO PLUS 1/LOTTO PLUS 2 Game work?
Twice a week on Wednesday and Saturday participants may select 6 out of 52 numbers that can be entered into a draw.
A participant may enter the LOTTO or LOTTO PLUS 1 and LOTTO PLUS 2 in the following ways:
- Presenting a completed Bet Slip to a Retailer. On any one Bet Slip a Participant may make a selection from a minimum of one entry and a maximum of the number of entries included on the Bet Slip. Each selection is made by manually marking 6 numbers within one entry or by manually marking the Quick Pick box. The completed Bet Slip is processed through the Terminal, which will issue the Receipt recording each Selection marked on the Bet Slip;
- By indicating in person to a Retailer the requested digits or numbers to be entered manually into the Terminal by the Retailer;
- Requesting a number Selection to be made on a random basis by the Lottery Processing System through a Quick Pick;
- Selecting random set of 6 numbers at an alternative point of sale other than the terminals where a participant can purchase an entry into the LOTTO/LOTTO PLUS 1/LOTTO PLUS 2. These would include ATM’s, Mobile Application, Mobile Phones and any other additional channels.
Where and when may I purchase a LOTTO /LOTTO PLUS1 and LOTTO PLUS2 Game?
Tickets can be purchased at an existing Lottery outlet daily. Tickets sales close at 08:30pm on any given draw day.
What is a Random Number Generator (RNG)?
The RNG is a computer system that is used to randomly choose the winning LOTTO, LOTTO PLUS 1 and LOTTO PLUS 2 numbers.
What are the odds of winning a LOTTO PLUS1 and LOTTO PLUS2 prize?
There are 20,358,520 different combinations that one can play when choosing 6 out of 52 numbers. The order of matching the numbers does not matter in relation to how they are selected.
Herewith the odds of winning a prize on LOTTO, LOTTO Plus1 and LOTTO Plus2:
| Match | Odds (1 in) | Prize per Winner | Pari Mutuel % | Payout% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 20,358,520.00 | 17,498,147.90 | 38.20% | 17.20% |
| 5 + BONUS | 3,393,086.67 | 152,688.90 | 2.0% | 0.90% |
| 5 | 75,401.93 | 4,580.70 | 2.70% | 1.20% |
| 4 + BONUS | 30,160.77 | 3,189.50 | 4.70% | 2.10% |
| 4 | 1,370.94 | 154.2 | 5.00% | 2.30% |
| 3 + BONUS | 1,028.21 | 111.2 | 4.80% | 2.20% |
| 3 | 71.7 | Fixed 50 | 31.00% | 13.90% |
| NEW | ||||
| 2 + BONUS | 95.6 | Fixed 20 | 11.60% | 5.20% |
| Match | Odds (1 in) | Prize per Winner | Pari Mutuel % | Payout% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 20358520 | 8,034.918.00 | 53% | 15.8% |
| 5 + BONUS | 3393086.67 | 203,585.20 | 8.1% | 2.4% |
| 5 | 75401.93 | 3,016.08 | 5.4% | 1.6% |
| 4 + BONUS | 30160.77 | 1,508.04 | 6.7% | 2% |
| 4 | 1370.94 | 137.09 | 13.4% | 4% |
| 3 + BONUS | 1028.21 | 102.82 | 13.4% | 4% |
| 3 | 71.74 | Fixed 25 | n/a | 13.9% |
| NEW | ||||
| 2 + BONUS | 95.65 | Fixed 15 | n/a | 6.3 |
How many times can a LOTTO / LOTTO Plus1 / LOTTO Plus2 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.
What happens when a rollover coincides with a guaranteed jackpot?
In the event that a roll over coincides with a guaranteed jackpot, the roll over amount is included in the guaranteed jackpot.
How do Rollovers of Jackpots work?
Before each draw Ithuba estimates and advertises a jackpot based on expected ticket sales. A guaranteed jackpot is a planned and assured minimum amount offered to players. This means that the prize will never be below the guaranteed amount. A roll-over amount is a jackpot prize that would have been won had the drawn numbers been matched which is carried to the next jackpot.
Every week the Jackpot is estimated at an amount, according to expected sales. A guaranteed Jackpot prize is not affected by sales, unless a higher Jackpot amount is expected because of roll overs. In cases where the estimated Jackpot amount exceeds a guaranteed Jackpot amount, the guaranteed amount will fall away to a higher estimated amount.
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 50% of total sales.
With special draws, Ithuba 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.
How do I claim the LOTTO Plus1 and / or LOTTO Plus 2 Prize?
Prizes up to R2000 can be claimed at any retailers.
Prizes between R2000 and R50000 needs to be claimed at your post office.
Prizes above R50000 needs to be claimed at an ITHUBA regional office.
Are the draws conducted live?
Each draw is conducted live in the presence of an independent auditor, and in accordance with the procedures and rules to conduct such draws using the RNG. The draw procedures and the rules of conducting the LOTTO games have been approved by the National Lotteries Commission.
Are the balls and draw machines tested?
The draw machines and balls will only be used if the RNG is non-operational. Wits University is contracted to test and certify the machines and balls regularly.
Is there a time period in which to claim prizes?
LOTTO and LOTTO Plus1 and LOTTO PLUS 2 players have up to 365 days from the day of the draw to claim.
After expiry, 50% of the unclaimed prize money is deposited into the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) for distribution to Good Causes.
For further questions and Enquiries:
Please refer to the National Lottery website (www.nationallottery.co.za) or contact the Ithuba Player Helpline 0800 484 822
