How to Play Lotto Plus 1 South Africa
– 2026 Complete Guide (ZA)
If you play the South African Lotto, you may already be missing out on one of the simplest ways to double your chances at a life-changing jackpot. Lotto Plus 1 is a bolt-on draw that runs immediately after the main Lotto draw every Wednesday and Saturday night, using your exact same six numbers for just R2.50 extra per board.
This guide covers everything South African players need to know about Lotto Plus 1 — from how the add-on works and what it costs, to the prize divisions, the odds of winning, and how to claim your prize. Whether you are playing for the first time or just want to understand the rules properly, you will find clear, accurate, ZA-specific information here.
Why does Lotto Plus 1 exist? Ithuba introduced Lotto Plus draws to give players better value on their existing number selections. Rather than buying a completely separate lottery ticket, you can extend your single Lotto entry across two additional independent draws (Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2) at a fraction of the cost of a full second ticket.
Important: Unlike PowerBall or Daily Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 cannot be purchased as a standalone ticket. It is only available as an add-on to an active SA Lotto entry. This is one of the most important rules to understand before heading to the lottery terminal.
What Is Lotto Plus 1 in South Africa?
Understanding the add-on structure before you play your first ZA Lotto Plus 1 draw.
Lotto Plus 1 South Africa – Full Overview
South African Lotto Plus 1 is operated by Ithuba Holdings under licence from the National Lottery Commission (NLC). It is structured identically to the main Lotto draw — 6 balls drawn from a pool of 52, plus 1 bonus ball — but uses a completely separate, independent draw machine and ball set.
Because your number selection is shared across your Lotto ticket and Lotto Plus 1 entry, a single set of numbers effectively competes in two separate jackpots every Wednesday and Saturday. Winning the main Lotto draw does not affect your Lotto Plus 1 result, and vice versa — they are fully independent draws.
Lotto, Lotto Plus 1, and Lotto Plus 2 – What's the Difference?
Many South African players are unsure how these three games relate to each other. Here is a clear breakdown:
| Game | Numbers | Bonus | Draw Days | Ticket Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA Lotto | 6 from 52 | Yes (1) | Wed & Sat | R5/board | Lotto Plus 1 & 2 |
| Lotto Plus 1 | 6 from 52 | Yes (1) | Wed & Sat | +R2.50/board | Same ticket as Lotto |
| Lotto Plus 2 | 6 from 52 | Yes (1) | Wed & Sat | +R2.50/board | Same ticket as Lotto |
| PowerBall | 5 from 50 | PB 1–20 | Tue & Fri | R5/board | PowerBall Plus |
| Daily Lotto | 5 from 36 | No | Daily | R3/board | None |
How to Play Lotto Plus 1 – Step by Step (ZA)
Follow these five steps to enter your first South African Lotto Plus 1 draw.
6 main numbers from 1–52 + 1 bonus ball = One board • Cost: R5.00 (Lotto) + R2.50 (Plus 1) = R7.50 per board
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1
Buy a Standard SA Lotto Ticket
Visit any authorised South African National Lottery retailer (supermarkets, petrol stations, dedicated lottery outlets) or log in to an officially licensed online platform. Select 6 numbers from 1 to 52 per board. You can choose your own numbers or use Quick Pick for a random selection. A standard Lotto board costs R5.00.
💡 You must be 18 years or older to purchase any lottery ticket in South Africa. -
2
Opt In to Lotto Plus 1
At the terminal, request Lotto Plus 1 as an add-on to your ticket. This costs an additional R2.50 per board. Your same six numbers are automatically entered into the Lotto Plus 1 draw — you do not need to choose a second set of numbers.
⚠️ Lotto Plus 1 cannot be added to a ticket after purchase. Always opt in at the point of sale before the ticket is printed. -
3
Optionally Add Lotto Plus 2
If you want a third chance to win with the same numbers, you can also add Lotto Plus 2 for a further R2.50 per board. This is entirely optional and independent. A single board with both Plus games would cost R10.00 total (R5.00 Lotto + R2.50 Plus 1 + R2.50 Plus 2).
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4
Keep Your Ticket Safe
Your printed or digital ticket is the only valid proof of entry for both the Lotto and Lotto Plus 1 draws. Store it safely and photograph it as a backup. If you lose your ticket, you cannot claim any prize — even a jackpot win.
💡 Tip: For online entries, your digital ticket is automatically stored in your account. -
5
Watch the Draw & Check Your Results
The Lotto Plus 1 draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday at approximately 21:05–21:10 SAST, immediately after the main Lotto draw. Results are published on the National Lottery ZA website, this platform, the Ithuba app, and at any authorised lottery retailer.
⚠️ Remember: You have 365 days from the draw date to claim any Lotto Plus 1 prize in South Africa.
Lotto Plus 1 Rules South Africa – 2026
Official Lotto Plus 1 Rules (ZA) – Complete Reference
- Number pool: 6 main numbers from 1–52, plus 1 bonus ball from the same pool (not a separate drum).
- Entry requirement: Must be purchased as an add-on to an active SA Lotto entry. Cannot be bought standalone.
- Draw schedule: Every Wednesday and Saturday at ~21:05 SAST, immediately after the main Lotto draw at 21:00.
- Quick Pick: Available — the terminal automatically selects all 6 numbers for your Lotto ticket (and thereby for Plus 1 as well).
- Minimum age: 18 years or older to play in South Africa.
- Advance entries: Available for up to 10 consecutive draws on a single ticket purchase.
- Prize sharing: If multiple players win the same division, the prize pool is divided equally between all winning tickets in that tier.
- Jackpot rollover: If no Division 1 winner is found, the jackpot rolls over and grows until it is won.
- Claim period: All Lotto Plus 1 prizes expire 365 days after the draw date.
- Draw independence: Lotto Plus 1 uses a completely separate ball machine and draw from the main Lotto. Results are fully independent.
How Much Does Lotto Plus 1 Cost in South Africa?
Lotto Plus 1 Prize Divisions – South Africa
Eight ways to win in every ZA Lotto Plus 1 draw — from the jackpot down to entry-level prizes.
| Division | Numbers Matched | Approx. Prize (ZA) | Odds (per board) | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Div 1 – Jackpot | 6 numbers | Jackpot (min R2 million) | 1 in 20,358,520 | Jackpot |
| Div 2 | 5 + Bonus Ball | R100,000+ | 1 in 3,393,087 | High |
| Div 3 | 5 numbers | R5,000+ | 1 in 75,402 | High |
| Div 4 | 4 + Bonus Ball | R2,000+ | 1 in 30,161 | Mid |
| Div 5 | 4 numbers | R200+ | 1 in 1,371 | Mid |
| Div 6 | 3 + Bonus Ball | R150 | 1 in 1,028 | Low |
| Div 7 | 3 numbers | R50 | 1 in 72 | Low |
| Div 8 | 2 + Bonus Ball | R30 | 1 in 96 | Entry |
ℹ️ Prize amounts are estimates based on typical pool sizes and may vary per draw. Jackpot is shared if multiple Division 1 winners exist in the same draw.
What Are the Odds of Winning Lotto Plus 1?
Understanding Lotto Plus 1 Odds in South Africa
The Lotto Plus 1 jackpot odds of 1 in 20,358,520 are identical to the main SA Lotto, since both games use the same 6-from-52 ball format. The difference is that you are now competing for a completely separate prize pool that is independent of the main Lotto jackpot.
- The most accessible prize tier is Division 7 (match 3 numbers) at approximately 1 in 72 odds per board.
- Your Lotto Plus 1 odds are exactly the same as your main Lotto odds — the draws are structurally identical.
- Buying multiple boards increases your number coverage but does not change the probability of any individual combination winning.
- No number strategy, hot number analysis, or system play can alter the fundamental mathematics of a random draw.
How to Check Lotto Plus 1 Results in South Africa
Where to Find ZA Lotto Plus 1 Results – 2026
Lotto Plus 1 results are published immediately after each Wednesday and Saturday draw at ~21:05 SAST. Official and authorised result channels include:
- This website: Latest Lotto Plus 1 results — updated automatically within minutes of each draw.
- Official National Lottery site: nationallottery.co.za — authoritative source for all ZA lottery results.
- Ithuba mobile app: Available for iOS and Android. Includes push notifications for results and prize claims.
- Authorised retailers: Scan your ticket at any lottery terminal for an instant prize verification.
- SMS service: Text your ticket number to the National Lottery shortcode for automated result checking.
How to Claim Lotto Plus 1 Prizes in ZA
- Under R2,000: Claim at any authorised SA National Lottery retailer. Bring your original ticket.
- R2,000 – R49,999: Claim at a regional Ithuba office with your original winning ticket and valid South African ID.
- R50,000 and above: Claim at Ithuba National Lottery head office, Johannesburg. Requires original ticket + valid ZA ID. Large prizes are paid via bank transfer.
- Online wins: Prizes won via licensed digital platforms are automatically credited to your registered account within the 365-day claim window.
Can You Play Lotto Plus 1 Online in South Africa?
Playing Lotto Plus 1 Online – ZA Digital Options
Yes — South African players can buy Lotto tickets with Lotto Plus 1 added online. Here is what you need to know about digital lottery play in ZA:
- Official Ithuba app: The primary recommended channel. Download the official National Lottery app for iOS or Android. Buy Lotto tickets, add Plus 1 and Plus 2, set up advance draws, and receive draw notifications directly.
- Authorised online platforms: Several NLC-licensed third-party platforms allow South African players to purchase Lotto Plus 1 entries digitally. Always verify the NLC licence number before registering.
- Registration requirements: Must be 18 or older, provide a valid SA ID number, and verify your banking details.
- Your entry is just as valid: Online tickets hold the same legal standing as physical terminal tickets for prize claims.
Common Lotto Plus 1 Mistakes South African Players Make
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Forgetting to add Lotto Plus 1 at purchase
The most common mistake — once your Lotto ticket is printed, Lotto Plus 1 cannot be added retroactively. Always request the add-on explicitly at the terminal before your ticket is confirmed.
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Losing your physical ticket
Without your original ticket, you cannot claim any prize from either the Lotto or Lotto Plus 1 draw. Photograph your ticket immediately after purchase and keep the physical copy safe until well after the draw.
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Missing the 365-day claim deadline
Prizes unclaimed within one year of the draw date are permanently forfeited in South Africa. Check your tickets regularly — small Division 6–8 wins are frequently overlooked and expire unclaimed.
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Using unlicensed online platforms
Several international websites falsely offer SA Lotto Plus 1 entries without holding a valid NLC licence. Entries through these platforms are not legally valid in South Africa and prize claims may go unpaid.
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Playing beyond your entertainment budget
Lotto Plus 1 is a game of chance. Every ticket purchase is a form of entertainment spending — not an investment. Never spend money intended for essential expenses on lottery tickets, regardless of jackpot size.
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Assuming hot numbers predict future draws
Statistical frequency tools like hot and cold numbers are historical observations only. Every Lotto Plus 1 draw in South Africa is independently random — no ball has a higher probability of appearing based on past results.
⚠️ Responsible Gaming — South Africa
Lotto Plus 1 is a game of pure chance. All South African lottery draws are independently random, regulated, and audited. No system, strategy, or statistical analysis guarantees a win. Every rand spent on a lottery ticket carries a real risk of loss. Play only within a personal entertainment budget you are comfortable losing entirely.
For gambling support in South Africa, contact the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) toll-free on 0800 006 008 (24/7), or visit nationallottery.co.za for official Lotto Plus 1 rules and guidelines.
Lotto Plus 1 South Africa FAQ – 2026
Lotto Plus 1 is an add-on game to the main SA Lotto draw. To play, simply buy a standard Lotto ticket (6 numbers from 1–52) and opt in to Lotto Plus 1 for an additional R2.50 per board. Your same six numbers then enter the separate Lotto Plus 1 draw that takes place directly after the main Lotto draw on Wednesday and Saturday nights at 21:00 SAST.
Lotto Plus 1 is an optional add-on draw to the South African National Lotto. It uses the same 6-number selection (from 1–52) as your Lotto ticket and gives players a second chance to win a jackpot in a separate draw immediately following the main Lotto draw. It costs R2.50 extra per board and cannot be purchased without a Lotto ticket.
No. Lotto Plus 1 is an add-on game that requires an active SA Lotto entry. You cannot purchase Lotto Plus 1 independently. You must first buy a Lotto board (R5 per board, 6 numbers from 1–52), then add Lotto Plus 1 for R2.50 extra per board. Both draws use your same number selection.
Lotto Plus 1 costs R2.50 per board on top of your standard Lotto ticket price of R5 per board. A 5-board Lotto ticket with Lotto Plus 1 included would cost R37.50 total (R25 for Lotto + R12.50 for Lotto Plus 1).
The South African Lotto Plus 1 draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday at approximately 21:05–21:10 SAST, directly after the main Lotto draw at 21:00. Results are available immediately on the National Lottery website and authorised results platforms.
Lotto Plus 1 uses exactly the same format as the main SA Lotto: 6 main numbers are drawn from a pool of 52, plus 1 bonus ball. Match all 6 main numbers to win the Division 1 jackpot. The same 6 numbers you selected for your Lotto ticket are automatically used for Lotto Plus 1.
The odds of winning the Lotto Plus 1 Division 1 jackpot (matching all 6 numbers from 52) are 1 in 20,358,520. The overall odds of winning any prize across all 8 divisions are significantly better, with Division 7 (matching 3 numbers) achievable at approximately 1 in 72.
Both are add-on draws to the main SA Lotto that use the same 6 numbers. Lotto Plus 1 runs first (immediately after the main Lotto draw) and costs R2.50 per board. Lotto Plus 2 is an additional second add-on that runs after Lotto Plus 1 and also costs R2.50 per board. Players can enter one or both add-ons on the same ticket.
Prizes under R2,000 can be claimed at any authorised National Lottery retailer. Winnings between R2,000 and R49,999 are claimed at a regional Ithuba office. Prizes of R50,000 or more must be claimed at the Ithuba National Lottery head office in Johannesburg with your original winning ticket and a valid South African ID document.
Yes. South African players can buy Lotto tickets with Lotto Plus 1 added online via the official Ithuba National Lottery app or authorised licensed digital lottery platforms. You must be 18 years or older and registered with a valid South African ID. Always verify that any platform holds a current National Lottery Commission licence.
Yes. Although your numbers are the same, Lotto Plus 1 is a completely separate draw with its own independent ball machine and number selection. The same six numbers you chose for Lotto are entered into Lotto Plus 1, but the two draws are independent of each other — winning one does not affect the other.
If more than one player matches all 6 numbers in the same Lotto Plus 1 draw, the Division 1 jackpot pool is divided equally between all winning tickets. All other prize divisions are also shared proportionally when multiple winners hold matching tickets in that tier.
All Lotto Plus 1 prizes must be claimed within 365 days of the draw date. After this deadline the prize is forfeited and transferred to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund. Always check your tickets promptly after each Wednesday and Saturday draw.
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