How to Play South African Lotto
Game Overview
The South African National Lottery Lotto is the country's most popular lottery game, drawing millions of players every week with its massive jackpots and easy-to-understand format.
Step 1: Select Six Numbers
To play the South African Lotto, you need to select six numbers from a pool of 1 to 52. You can choose your numbers in two ways:
- Manual Selection: Pick your own six lucky numbers based on whatever method you prefer - birthdays, anniversary dates, lucky numbers, or any numbers that feel significant to you.
- Quick Pick: Let the lottery terminal randomly select six numbers for you. Many jackpot winners have won using Quick Pick selections.
Pro Tip:
While many players use birthdays (numbers 1-31), including some higher numbers (32-52) in your selection can help ensure that if you win, you're less likely to share the jackpot with others who used similar number patterns.
Step 2: Choose Additional Boards
You can play multiple boards on a single ticket to increase your chances of winning. Each board costs R5.00 and allows you to select another set of six numbers. Most retailers offer tickets with up to 10 boards, but online platforms may offer more options.
Playing multiple boards is a popular strategy because:
- It increases your chances of matching winning numbers
- You can try different number combinations in a single draw
- It's more convenient than buying multiple single tickets
Step 3: Select LOTTO PLUS Options
For additional chances to win, you can add LOTTO PLUS 1 and LOTTO PLUS 2 to your ticket. These are supplementary draws using the same numbers you selected for the main Lotto draw.
- LOTTO PLUS 1: Costs an additional R2.50 per board
- LOTTO PLUS 2: Costs an additional R2.50 per board
If you choose to play all three games (Lotto, LOTTO PLUS 1, and LOTTO PLUS 2), the total cost per board would be R10.00 (R5.00 + R2.50 + R2.50).
Step 4: Purchase Your Ticket
Once you've decided on your numbers and which games to play, you can purchase your ticket through several channels:
- Retail Outlets: Visit any authorized National Lottery retailer across South Africa. These include supermarkets, petrol stations, and dedicated lottery kiosks.
- Online: Purchase tickets through the official National Lottery website or mobile app.
- Banking Apps: Some South African banks allow lottery ticket purchases through their banking apps.
Make sure to keep your ticket safe - you'll need it to claim any prizes.
Step 5: Watch the Draw
Lotto draws are conducted twice weekly:
- Wednesdays: 20:56 on SABC 2
- Saturdays: 20:56 on SABC 2
During each draw, six main numbers and one bonus ball are randomly selected. The LOTTO PLUS 1 and LOTTO PLUS 2 draws follow immediately after the main Lotto draw.
Did You Know?
The bonus ball is not selected separately - it's the 7th ball drawn during the regular drawing process. It only comes into play for the second prize division.
Can't watch the live draw? No problem! You can check the results on our Lotto Results page shortly after each draw.
Step 6: Check Your Results
After the draw, check your ticket to see if you've won by comparing your numbers with the drawn numbers. You can:
- Use South Africa's ONLY Lottery Ticket Scanner for instant verification
- Check our Lotto Results page
- Visit any National Lottery retailer to validate your ticket
- Use the National Lottery mobile app
The prize you win depends on how many numbers you match, according to the prize division structure below.
Lotto Prize Divisions
| Division | Match | Odds | Typical Prize Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Division 1 | Match 6 numbers | 1 in 20,358,520 | R2,000,000 - R50,000,000+ |
| Division 2 | Match 5 numbers + Bonus Ball | 1 in 3,393,087 | R100,000 - R500,000 |
| Division 3 | Match 5 numbers | 1 in 75,402 | R5,000 - R20,000 |
| Division 4 | Match 4 numbers + Bonus Ball | 1 in 12,567 | R2,000 - R5,000 |
| Division 5 | Match 4 numbers | 1 in 1,601 | R100 - R500 |
| Division 6 | Match 3 numbers + Bonus Ball | 1 in 384 | R50 - R150 |
| Division 7 | Match 3 numbers | 1 in 73 | R25 - R50 |
| Division 8 | Match 2 numbers + Bonus Ball | 1 in 31 | R15 - R20 |
* Prize amounts vary based on ticket sales and number of winners in each division.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Prizes up to R2,000: Can be claimed at any National Lottery retailer
- Prizes from R2,000.01 to R50,000: Can be claimed at any Post Office
- Prizes above R50,000: Must be claimed at a National Lottery Regional Office
- Your original winning ticket
- Your original ID document or passport
- Proof of banking details in your name
- Completed claim form (available at Post Offices and Regional Offices)
Expert Tips for Playing Lotto
Use Statistical Balance
Include a mix of low (1-26) and high (27-52) numbers. Statistically balanced tickets have a better chance of matching winning number patterns.
Join a Syndicate
Pool resources with friends, family, or colleagues to buy more tickets. While you'll share any winnings, you significantly increase your chances.
Play Consistently
Regular players who stick with the same numbers often have better success than occasional players. Consider setting up a budget for regular plays.
Set a Budget
Only play with money you can afford to lose. Lottery games should be entertaining, not a financial strain or substitute for financial planning.
Ready to Try Your Luck?
Now that you understand how to play the South African Lotto, you're ready to try your luck! Remember to play responsibly and within your budget. The excitement of the game comes from the possibility, not the guarantee, of winning.
For the latest Lotto results, check our Lotto Results page after each draw. Good luck!
Latest Lotto Results
Lotto Quick Navigation
Other South African Games
Play Responsibly
Remember that lottery games are a form of gambling and should be played responsibly. Set a budget and never spend more than you can afford to lose. If you're worried about your gambling habits, contact the National Responsible Gambling Programme at 0800 006 008.