How to Play Lotto Plus 1 South Africa —
Complete 2026 Beginner's Guide
How do you play Lotto Plus 1 in South Africa?
Lotto Plus 1 is an optional add-on to the main SA Lotto ticket. Buy a Lotto board (R 5.00), tick the Lotto Plus 1 option (+R 2.50 per board), and your same 6 numbers automatically enter a second separate draw held every Wednesday and Saturday at approximately 20:54 SAST — giving you an extra jackpot chance with no new number selection needed.
Lotto Plus 1 South Africa is the first add-on layer for the standard SA Lotto ticket. It offers players a second separate jackpot opportunity for an additional R 2.50 per board. This complete guide explains exactly how Lotto Plus 1 works, how it connects to the main Lotto and Lotto Plus 2, what it costs, the prize divisions, and how to check your results.
You can also explore our Lotto Plus 1 hot and cold numbers, check the latest Lotto Plus 1 results, or build a random line with the Lotto Plus 1 number generator to sharpen your strategy.
Lotto Plus 1 uses your original 6 Lotto numbers but enters them into an independent draw with its own prize pool, jackpot, and bonus ball. If no one wins the jackpot, it rolls over independently from the main Lotto.
The key appeal of Lotto Plus 1 is value for money. For just R 2.50 more per board, you receive a full second entry into a draw with an eight-division prize structure. Adding Lotto Plus 1 to your base Lotto ticket brings your total per-board cost to R 7.50.
Importantly, your results on the main Lotto draw have zero influence on your Lotto Plus 1 result — all draws are completely independent events managed by separate certified RNG equipment.
✅ Lotto Plus 1 at a Glance — Key Takeaways
What Is Lotto Plus 1 South Africa?
Lotto Plus 1 is an optional supplementary draw attached to the main South African National Lottery (SA Lotto) game, operated by Ithuba Holdings under licence from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). It is the first add-on layer available to Lotto players, sitting right after the main Lotto draw every Wednesday and Saturday evening.
When you opt into Lotto Plus 1, your existing 6 Lotto numbers are automatically entered into a completely separate draw — using its own drum of 52 balls plus one bonus ball — for an additional R 2.50 per board. You do not choose new numbers; your main Lotto selection acts as your entry.
Understanding the Three-Draw Structure
The SA Lotto system runs three sequential draws each Wednesday and Saturday night. Here's how they layer:
Key point: You must always have a base Lotto ticket to access Lotto Plus 1. You can play Lotto Plus 1 on its own alongside Lotto, or combine it with Lotto Plus 2 for maximum draw entries.
How Lotto Plus 1 Compares to Other SA Lottery Games
| Game | Numbers | Ball Pool | Bonus Ball | Draw Days | Entry Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA Lotto | 6 of 52 | 1–52 | Yes | Wed & Sat | R 5.00 |
| Lotto Plus 1 ★ | Same 6 | 1–52 | Yes | Wed & Sat | +R 2.50 |
| Lotto Plus 2 | Same 6 | 1–52 | Yes | Wed & Sat | +R 2.50 |
| Daily Lotto | 5 of 36 | 1–36 | None | Every Day | R 3.00 |
| PowerBall | 5 + PB | 1–50 + 1–20 | Yes (PB) | Tue & Fri | R 5.00 |
How to Play Lotto Plus 1 South Africa — Step-by-Step
Follow these 7 steps to add Lotto Plus 1 to your SA Lotto entry. The process is identical whether you play at a physical retailer or online through an authorised platform.
The bonus ball is drawn automatically by the lottery — you do not choose it. Example only, not a real entry; every combination has identical odds.
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1
Get a Lotto Playslip From a Retailer
Visit any authorised National Lottery retailer across South Africa and collect a standard SA Lotto playslip. This is the same slip used for main Lotto and Lotto Plus 2 entries.
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2
Choose Your 6 Lotto Numbers (1–52)
Select 6 different numbers from 1 to 52 for your main Lotto board. Or ask for a Quick Pick — the terminal randomly selects 6 numbers for you. These are the same numbers that will be used for your Lotto Plus 1 entry.
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3
Mark the Lotto Plus 1 Add-On Box
On the same playslip, find the Lotto Plus 1 option and mark the checkbox. You do not need to choose new numbers — your existing 6 numbers are automatically entered into the Lotto Plus 1 draw. The additional cost is R 2.50 per board.
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4
Decide How Many Boards to Play
Each board with Lotto Plus 1 costs a total of R 7.50 (R 5.00 for Lotto + R 2.50 for Plus 1). You can enter multiple boards on one ticket — each with different number combinations and each independently entered into both draws.
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5
Hand In Your Slip & Receive Your Ticket
Submit your completed playslip to the retailer. The terminal will print your official lottery ticket confirming your Lotto and Lotto Plus 1 entries. Verify that "LP1" appears on your ticket before leaving the counter. Store your ticket safely.
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6
Watch the Draw — Wednesday & Saturday ~20:54 SAST
The Lotto Plus 1 draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday evening at approximately 20:54 SAST, immediately after the main Lotto draw. Six balls are drawn from a drum of 52, followed by a bonus ball.
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7
Check Your Results & Claim Within 365 Days
Compare your 6 numbers against the Lotto Plus 1 winning numbers. Match 2 main numbers plus the bonus ball or more to win a prize. All prizes must be claimed within 365 days of the draw date or they are forfeited.
Lotto Plus 1 Rules South Africa
These are the official rules governing Lotto Plus 1 as operated by Ithuba under the National Lotteries Act.
6 balls drawn from 1–52 plus 1 bonus ball from the same pool. Automatically uses your Lotto numbers.
Lotto Plus 1 cannot be entered without first buying a main SA Lotto board. It is an add-on, not a standalone game.
Every Wednesday and Saturday at approximately 20:54 SAST — the second draw of the evening after the main Lotto.
Players must be 18 years or older under the National Gambling Act. ID may be requested at the point of purchase.
Quick Pick applies to your main Lotto numbers, which are automatically carried over to your Lotto Plus 1 entry.
All prizes must be claimed within 365 days of the draw date. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited after this period.
Ticket sales close shortly before the draw. If you are buying your ticket on draw day, complete your purchase well before 20:52 SAST to guarantee entry.
How Much Does Lotto Plus 1 Cost in South Africa?
Lotto Plus 1 costs R 2.50 per board as an add-on. You cannot buy Lotto Plus 1 on its own — it must be combined with a main Lotto ticket. Below is the per-board cost breakdown.
Multiple Board Cost Examples
| Boards | Lotto Only | Lotto + Plus 1 | Full Combo (All Three) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 board | R 5.00 | R 7.50 | R 10.00 |
| 3 boards | R 15.00 | R 22.50 | R 30.00 |
| 5 boards | R 25.00 | R 37.50 | R 50.00 |
| 10 boards | R 50.00 | R 75.00 | R 100.00 |
Value perspective: For R 7.50 per board, you receive two independent jackpot entries (Lotto + Lotto Plus 1) using one set of numbers. Always budget your lottery spend before play.
Lotto Plus 1 Prize Divisions South Africa
Lotto Plus 1 has 8 prize divisions, identical in structure to the main SA Lotto. Division 1 (the jackpot) requires matching all 6 main numbers. The lowest division (Division 8) requires matching 2 main numbers plus the bonus ball.
| Division | Numbers Matched | Odds (1 in…) | Estimated Prize | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division 1 | 6 of 6 | 1 in 20,358,520 | Jackpot (rolled-over pool) | Jackpot |
| Division 2 | 5 of 6 + Bonus | 1 in 3,393,087 | ~R 75,000 – R 250,000 | Very High |
| Division 3 | 5 of 6 | 1 in 75,402 | ~R 3,000 – R 10,000 | High |
| Division 4 | 4 of 6 + Bonus | 1 in 30,161 | ~R 1,500 – R 5,000 | High |
| Division 5 | 4 of 6 | 1 in 1,371 | ~R 150 – R 800 | Mid |
| Division 6 | 3 of 6 + Bonus | 1 in 1,028 | ~R 75 – R 250 | Mid |
| Division 7 | 3 of 6 | 1 in 72 | ~R 25 – R 100 | Low |
| Division 8 | 2 of 6 + Bonus | 1 in 96 | Fixed R 20.00 | Low |
* Divisions 1–7 are pari-mutuel — prize amounts depend on ticket sales and winner count. Division 8 pays a fixed R 20.00. Jackpot rolls over when there is no Division 1 winner. Estimated prize ranges are illustrative.
What Are the Odds of Winning Lotto Plus 1 in South Africa?
The odds of winning Lotto Plus 1 are identical to the main SA Lotto because both games draw from the same 52-ball pool using the same structure.
| Division | Match Requirement | Odds of Winning | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Div 1 — Jackpot | All 6 main numbers | 1 in 20,358,520 | Extremely rare — jackpot event |
| Div 2 | 5 + bonus ball | 1 in 3,393,087 | Very rare — major prize |
| Div 3 | 5 of 6 main | 1 in 75,402 | Uncommon — significant prize |
| Div 4 | 4 + bonus ball | 1 in 30,161 | Uncommon — good prize |
| Div 5 | 4 of 6 main | 1 in 1,371 | Occasional — modest prize |
| Div 6 | 3 + bonus ball | 1 in 1,028 | Occasional — small prize |
| Div 7 | 3 of 6 main | 1 in 72 | Relatively common — small prize |
| Div 8 | 2 + bonus ball | 1 in 96 | Reasonably common — R 20 fixed |
| Any Prize (Overall) | ~1 in 38 | Best accessible estimate | |
How to Check Lotto Plus 1 Results in South Africa
Lotto Plus 1 results are published immediately after the ~20:54 SAST Wednesday and Saturday draw. Use any of the following methods to verify your ticket:
- 🌐 This website — Lotto Plus 1 results page, updated automatically after every draw
- 🏪 National Lottery retailer terminal — scan your barcode for an instant win/no-win confirmation printout
- 💻 Official National Lottery website — nationallottery.co.za publishes all draw results
- 📱 National Lottery mobile app — scan your ticket barcode for instant checking
- 📺 DSTV Lottery channel — results broadcast live and displayed on-demand
- 📞 USSD service — dial *120*7529# from any South African mobile network
365-day deadline: Every Lotto Plus 1 prize must be claimed within one year of the specific draw date.
Can You Play Lotto Plus 1 Online in South Africa?
Yes — Lotto Plus 1 can be added to your online Lotto ticket through officially licensed digital lottery platforms in South Africa. The process mirrors the in-store experience but is fully digital.
How to Add Lotto Plus 1 Online
- Register and verify your account on nationallottery.co.za or an authorised digital partner (FICA verification required)
- Navigate to the SA Lotto game section and select your 6 numbers (or Quick Pick)
- Before confirming, toggle the Lotto Plus 1 add-on — it will show the R 2.50 per board addition to your total
- Complete secure payment — debit card, credit card, or linked e-wallet
- Receive your digital entry confirmation; check results in your account dashboard
Common Lotto Plus 1 Mistakes South African Players Make
These are the most frequent avoidable errors — knowing them protects your entries and any potential winnings.
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Forgetting to Tick the Lotto Plus 1 Box
The most common mistake is buying a Lotto ticket but forgetting to mark the Plus 1 option on the playslip. Always double-check your ticket printout shows "LP1" before leaving the retailer counter.
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Losing or Damaging a Physical Ticket
Your printed ticket is your proof of entry and ownership. A lost or damaged ticket may invalidate a prize claim. Store tickets safely and away from water or sunlight immediately after purchase.
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Missing the 365-Day Claim Deadline
Players often forget to check older tickets. The 365-day claim window counts from the exact draw date — not the date you discover you won. Check all tickets promptly after every draw.
⚠️ Responsible Gaming — Play Safely
Lotto Plus 1 is a game of pure chance. No strategy, system, or historical pattern can predict or improve the probability of winning. Treat lottery participation as low-cost entertainment — never as an investment or income source.
- Set a fixed budget before you play and never exceed it
- Never borrow money or use essential household funds to buy lottery tickets
- Do not chase losses across multiple draws in pursuit of a win
- If lottery gambling is affecting your financial wellbeing or relationships, seek support
Free confidential support: Contact the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) toll-free on 0800 006 008 (24/7, South Africa). Online counselling: responsiblegambling.org.za. You must be 18 or older to play.
Lotto Plus 1 South Africa — Frequently Asked Questions
⚠️ This guide is for informational and educational purposes only. Lotto Plus 1 is operated by Ithuba National Lottery under licence from the National Lotteries Commission. All draw outcomes are random and independently audited. No information on this page constitutes gambling advice or guarantees of winning. Ticket prices and rules are subject to change — always confirm current rules at nationallottery.co.za. NextDrawLogic is independent and not affiliated with Ithuba or the National Lottery. Play responsibly. Free support: 0800 006 008.