Unveiling the Thrills of South Africa Lotto

Overview

South Africa has operated its own lotteries since 1984.  Many of these lotteries were competing to be the leading lottery in the country.  The proceeds generated from these lotteries were used on various national projects across South Africa.  The South Africa Lotto was launched in 2000 and owing to the tremendous success of this lottery, the South Africa Lottery Organization decided to create the South Africa Powerball in 2009. 

Lottery Schedule

Drawings for the South Africa Lotto are held bi-weekly, every Saturday and Wednesday. 

How to Play

The South Africa Lotto is very easy to play.  First, players need to choose 6 different numbers from a pool of numbers between1 and 49.  In addition, players can also choose a bonus number.  The bonus number does not count towards the jackpot and only applies to the secondary lottery prizes.  To win the jackpot, players will need to correctly match all 6 numbers that were drawn.  All 6 regular numbers as well as the bonus number are drawn from the same lottery drum during the scheduled drawing. 

Lottery Age Limit

You have to be at least 18 years of age or older to play the South Africa Lotto. 

Participating Countries

The following countries participate in the South Africa Lotto: South Africa

Prize Structure

There are a total of 7 different prize categories in the South Africa Lotto including the jackpot prize.  The prize structure is as follow:

• 1^st place: Match 6 numbers
• 2^nd place: Match 5 numbers plus bonus number
• 3^rd place: Match 5 numbers
• 4^th place: Match 4 numbers plus bonus number
• 5^th place: Match 4 numbers
• 6^th place: Match 3 numbers plus bonus numbers
• 7^th place: Match 3 numbers

Grand Prize

The amount of the grand prize will increase until it is won. 

Jackpots

The South Africa Lotto has a Lotto Plus option.  This essentially gives players another chance to win the lottery for an additional cost. 

Notable Wins

In February of 2003, the largest jackpot in the history of the South Africa Lotto was won.  The prize amount was R44.7 million which is approximately US$5.7 million.  This drawing was won by 4 different ticket holders. 

Distribution of Revenue

Jackpots that are not won will be rolled over to the next drawing.  34% of the funds generated by this lottery are given to a single charitable fund, 6% of the revenue is used for retail commissions, 50% of the revenue is given away in prizes and 10% of the revenue is used for operational costs.