South Africa Lotto
About This Lottery
South Africa Lotto is the biggest lottery in South Africa, run by Ithuba National Lottery and drawing twice a week — Wednesday and Saturday nights. It's been around since 2000 and is played by millions of South Africans.
Pick 6 numbers from 1 to 52 and if they match the draw, you win the jackpot. A bonus ball is also drawn and helps unlock lower prize divisions. There's no rollover cap, so jackpots can grow very large before someone wins.
The game moved to the bigger 6/52 format in 2017, which made the jackpot harder to win but helped jackpots grow to much more impressive levels. Two draws a week gives you plenty of chances to play.
How to Play
Playing South Africa Lotto is straightforward: pick 6 numbers from 1 to 52. After the draw, a bonus ball is also drawn from the remaining numbers. The bonus ball can help you win prizes in several of the lower divisions even if you don't match all six.
There are eight prize levels in total, from matching just 2 numbers plus the bonus ball (Division 8) all the way up to matching all 6 (Division 1 jackpot). The more numbers you match, the bigger your prize.
Draws happen on Wednesday and Saturday nights at 9 PM South African time. Tickets close about half an hour before the draw. Quick picks are available if you'd rather let the system choose your numbers.
Buy Tickets with Crypto
You can buy South Africa Lotto tickets here using Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. It's a great option if you're outside South Africa — no currency conversion hassle, just instant crypto payment.
Your ticket goes into the official Ithuba draw just like any other entry. If you win, your prize is credited to your account in your chosen cryptocurrency.
Two draws a week means two opportunities to use your crypto for a shot at the jackpot. Buy before 8:30 PM SAST on Wednesday or Saturday and you're in.
Prizes & Odds
South Africa Lotto has eight prize divisions, giving you lots of ways to win. Even matching just two main numbers plus the bonus ball wins a small prize in Division 8.
The jackpot is pari-mutuel — it grows based on ticket sales and rolls over each time there's no Division 1 winner. That means the prize can build into very substantial amounts.
About 1 in every 38 tickets wins something, which is quite decent for a lottery with jackpot odds of 1 in 20 million. The bonus ball really does make a difference to the frequency of prize wins.
When Are the Draws?
South Africa Lotto draws twice a week — Wednesday and Saturday nights at 9:00 PM South African time (SAST). Tickets close about half an hour before each draw.
Results are published right after the draw, so you'll know the same night whether you've won. Check the official Ithuba website or your account dashboard here.
With two draws a week and no rollover cap, the jackpot can keep building for a long time. Some big rollover runs have built truly extraordinary prize pools before someone finally claimed the jackpot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Africa Lotto?
South Africa Lotto is South Africa's main national lottery, operated by Ithuba and drawing on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Pick 6 numbers from 1–52, and a bonus ball adds extra prize divisions. The jackpot rolls over until someone wins — no cap.
What are my chances of winning South Africa Lotto?
Jackpot odds are 1 in about 20 million. With eight prize divisions and the bonus ball, about 1 in every 38 tickets wins something.
How do I play South Africa Lotto online?
Buy tickets online through an authorised platform. Pick your 6 numbers or use a quick pick. Tickets close around 8:30 PM SAST on Wednesday and Saturday draw nights.
Can I buy South Africa Lotto tickets with crypto?
Yes! Pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other supported cryptos. Great option for international players — no fiat currency exchange needed. Prize goes back to your crypto wallet.
When does South Africa Lotto draw?
Draws on Wednesday and Saturday at 9:00 PM South African time (SAST). Tickets close about half an hour before. Results are posted right after the draw.
Where can I see South Africa Lotto results?
Check results on ithuba.co.za after each Wednesday or Saturday draw, or view in your account dashboard on this platform if you purchased tickets here.
