South African Lotto — How to Play & Win 2026
The South African National Lottery, operated by ITHUBA Holdings, offers a diverse range of lottery games that give players the opportunity to win life-changing jackpots. From the flagship SA Lotto to the daily draws and sports prediction games, there's something for every type of player. All lottery proceeds contribute to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, which supports good causes across South Africa.
Whether you're a seasoned lottery enthusiast or a first-time player, this guide covers everything you need to know about each game, how to purchase tickets, and strategies that could improve your chances of winning. Tickets are available at authorised retailers nationwide and through the official National Lottery website.
All SA Lottery Games
SA Lotto
Choose 6 numbers from 1-52 plus a bonus ball. Draws every Tuesday and Saturday.
Ticket: R5
Lotto Plus 1
Add-on to the main Lotto draw with a separate set of numbers drawn.
Ticket: +R2.50
Lotto Plus 2
Second add-on draw giving you a third chance to win from the same ticket.
Ticket: +R2.50
Daily Lotto
Pick 5 numbers from 1-36. Draws every single day at 21:00.
Ticket: R3
PowerBall
Choose 5 numbers from 1-50 plus a PowerBall from 1-20. Massive jackpots.
Ticket: R5
PowerBall Plus
Add-on to PowerBall for an additional chance at big prizes.
Ticket: +R2.50
Sportstake 4
Predict the outcome of 4 football matches — Home, Draw, or Away.
Ticket: R1
Sportstake 8
Predict outcomes of 8 football matches for bigger prizes.
Ticket: R1
Sportstake 13
Predict all 13 football match outcomes for the largest Sportstake prizes.
Ticket: R2
Sportstake Cricket
Predict cricket match outcomes during the cricket season.
Ticket: R2
Weekly Draw Schedule
| Day | Games Drawn |
|---|---|
| Monday | Daily Lotto |
| Tuesday | SA Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 & 2, PowerBall, PowerBall Plus, Daily Lotto |
| Wednesday | Daily Lotto |
| Thursday | Daily Lotto |
| Friday | PowerBall, PowerBall Plus, Daily Lotto |
| Saturday | SA Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 & 2, Daily Lotto |
| Sunday | Daily Lotto |
How to Buy Lottery Tickets in South Africa
Purchasing lottery tickets in South Africa is straightforward. You can buy tickets from any authorised National Lottery retailer — look for the Lotto signage at supermarkets, convenience stores, and dedicated lottery outlets. Players must be 18 years or older.
For added convenience, you can also purchase tickets online through the official National Lottery website or mobile application. Simply register an account, verify your identity, fund your wallet, and select your numbers. Online purchases allow you to set up recurring plays so you never miss a draw.
Quick Pick is available for all games — the system randomly generates your numbers, which is popular among players who prefer not to choose manually.
Tips for Playing the Lottery Responsibly
- •Set a weekly or monthly budget for lottery tickets and stick to it.
- •Consider joining a syndicate to increase your chances without increasing your spend.
- •Mix high and low numbers rather than clustering in one range.
- •Play consistently — regular players have more opportunities to win over time.
- •Always check your results promptly — prizes must be claimed within 365 days of the draw.
- •Remember that the lottery is a form of entertainment, not a guaranteed income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy lottery tickets in South Africa?
You can purchase tickets at any authorised National Lottery retailer nationwide, or online through the official National Lottery website and mobile app. You must be 18 years or older to play.
What age do you need to be to play the SA lottery?
You must be at least 18 years old to purchase lottery tickets or claim prizes in South Africa. Retailers are required to verify age before selling tickets.
How are lottery winnings paid out?
Prizes up to R2,000 can be claimed at any retailer. Amounts between R2,001 and R49,999.99 are paid via EFT after visiting a regional office. Prizes of R50,000 and above require a visit to ITHUBA's head office in Johannesburg.
Are lottery winnings taxed in South Africa?
No, lottery winnings in South Africa are completely tax-free. The full amount you win is yours to keep, regardless of the prize size.
What happens if I lose my winning ticket?
Unfortunately, a lottery ticket is a bearer instrument. If you lose a winning ticket, anyone who finds it could potentially claim the prize. Always sign the back of your ticket and keep it in a safe place.
Can I play the SA lottery from outside South Africa?
The official National Lottery tickets are intended for purchase within South Africa. However, some third-party services may offer international play — always ensure you use legitimate, authorised platforms.