How to Play SA Lottery Games
Select a game below to access our comprehensive, step-by-step guides. Learn the rules, odds, costs, and prize structures for every National Lottery draw.
SA Lotto
The classic 6/52 game that started it all. Learn the rules, odds, and how to enter the bi-weekly draws.
Lotto Plus 1
The first optional add-on to the main Lotto draw. Get a second chance at a multi-million Rand jackpot.
Lotto Plus 2
The second add-on layer for SA Lotto players. Maximize your entries with a third independent draw.
PowerBall
South Africa's biggest jackpot game. Learn how to pick your 5 main numbers and the crucial PowerBall.
PowerBall Plus
The official add-on to PowerBall. Double your chances of becoming a multi-millionaire every Tuesday and Friday.
Daily Lotto
A fast-paced 5/36 game drawn every single day where the jackpot is guaranteed to be won or roll down.
South African National Lottery Basics
The South African National Lottery is operated by Ithuba Holdings and heavily regulated by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). Whether you are a first-time player or looking to refine your knowledge of specific game rules, it's essential to understand the basics of lottery play in South Africa.
In-Store vs. Online Play
You can purchase entries for all national draws through two primary methods:
- In-Store Retailers: Visit any authorized supermarket, petrol station, or dedicated lottery kiosk. You will fill out a physical playslip using a pen, hand it to the cashier, and receive a printed ticket. Keep this ticket safe—it is a bearer document, meaning whoever holds it can claim the prize.
- Online Platforms: The modern and secure way to play. You can use the official nationallottery.co.za website, the National Lottery app, or participating South African banking apps (such as FNB, Standard Bank, Capitec, and Nedbank). Digital tickets are tied directly to your verified account, meaning you cannot lose them, and smaller winnings are automatically credited to your balance.
Pro Tip: When playing online through your banking app, ensure your contact details are up to date. For major jackpot wins, the bank's specialized lottery division will contact you directly to facilitate the claim process.
The Quick Pick Option
If you prefer not to choose your own numbers based on birthdays or our PowerBall predictions, you can use the Quick Pick feature. Both physical retailer terminals and digital platforms use certified Random Number Generators (RNG) to automatically select a set of numbers for you. Statistically, Quick Pick tickets win jackpots just as frequently as manually selected numbers.
General Lottery FAQ
Common questions regarding rules, claims, and requirements for South African players.