South Africa Lotto is the national lottery game operated by Ithuba, requiring players to select six numbers from a pool of 1 to 52 to win a jackpot starting at ZAR R2 million. Draws occur every Wednesday and Saturday evening, and players can participate using physical tickets from authorized local retailers or online from any country worldwide.
How South Africa Lotto works
To participate in South Africa Lotto, you must select six numbers from 1 to 52. During the official draw, six main numbers are drawn first, followed by a single Bonus Ball from the remaining 46 numbers. You do not select a separate Bonus Ball number when purchasing your ticket; it is used only to determine prize winners in the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth prize tiers.
To play the game successfully, keep the following rules in mind:
- Select six main numbers from the range of 1 to 52.
- Optionally use the Quick Pick option to generate random numbers automatically.
- Ensure your ticket is purchased before the sales cutoff time on draw days.
| Pick Range | Bonus Ball | Draw Days | Jackpot Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 out of 52 | 1 (drawn from remaining 46 balls) | Wednesday & Saturday | 1 in 20,358,520 |
Prize divisions
South Africa Lotto features eight prize divisions. The overall odds of winning any prize on a single ticket are 1 in 38. The table below outlines the requirements for each tier and the exact mathematical probability of winning.
| Division | Match Required | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| Division 1 (Jackpot) | 6 Main Numbers | 1 in 20,358,520 |
| Division 2 | 5 Main Numbers + Bonus Ball | 1 in 3,393,087 |
| Division 3 | 5 Main Numbers | 1 in 75,402 |
| Division 4 | 4 Main Numbers + Bonus Ball | 1 in 30,161 |
| Division 5 | 4 Main Numbers | 1 in 1,371 |
| Division 6 | 3 Main Numbers + Bonus Ball | 1 in 1,028 |
| Division 7 | 3 Main Numbers | 1 in 72 |
| Division 8 | 2 Main Numbers + Bonus Ball | 1 in 96 |
How to play South Africa Lotto online
International players can legally participate in the South Africa Lotto from outside the country by using a digital concierge service. When you buy South Africa Lotto tickets online via TheLotter, a local agent in South Africa purchases official physical entries on your behalf. These tickets are scanned into your secure personal online account as proof of ownership before the draw begins, and any non-jackpot winnings are paid directly to your balance after verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum jackpot for South Africa Lotto?
The South Africa Lotto starting jackpot is ZAR R2 million, which rolls over if there is no top-prize winner until it reaches the cap of R120 million.
On which days do the South Africa Lotto draws occur?
The draws take place twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
Do I have to pay taxes on South Africa Lotto winnings?
Lottery winnings in South Africa are paid out tax-free to both local and international players, though international players should consult their local tax laws.
Can international players legally buy South Africa Lotto tickets?
Yes, anyone over the age of 18 can legally participate from outside the country by using a verified online ticket messenger service like TheLotter.
Please play responsibly. Lottery games are based entirely on chance, and participation should be treated as a form of entertainment rather than a reliable source of income. If you feel your gaming habits are becoming problematic, seek guidance from a local support service or helpline.