How are South African Lotto numbers drawn?

The National Lottery uses a random number generator (RNG) certified by an independent auditor. Draws are conducted under supervision and broadcast live on SABC 2.

How does PowerBall work?

Players pick 5 numbers from 1-50 plus 1 PowerBall from 1-20. Match all 6 to win the jackpot. There are 9 prize divisions based on how many numbers you match.

What is the difference between Lotto and Lotto Plus?

Lotto Plus 1 and Plus 2 are optional add-ons for an extra R2.50 each. They use the same numbers as your main Lotto entry but are entered into separate draws with their own prize pools.

How does Daily Lotto work?

Daily Lotto draws happen every day at 9pm. Pick 5 numbers from 1-36. There is no jackpot rollover — the prize fund must be won each draw.

What time are lottery draws in South Africa?

SA Lotto: Wednesday and Saturday at 9pm. PowerBall: Tuesday and Friday at 9pm. Daily Lotto: Every day at 9pm. UK 49s (Lunchtime): 12:49pm. UK 49s (Teatime): 5:49pm.

How South African Lotto Works

By LottoNow Editorial TeamUpdated 1 September 2026Fact-checked 1 September 20268 min read

The South African National Lottery

The National Lottery has been entertaining South Africans since 2000. Today, Ithuba Holdings operates all lottery games under a licence from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). Games are available at over 3,500 retail outlets nationwide and through digital platforms.

SA Lotto

The flagship game. Players choose 6 numbers from 1 to 52. Draws happen every Wednesday and Saturday at 9pm, broadcast live on SABC 2.

Match all 6 to win the jackpot, which starts at R2 million and rolls over until won. There are 10 prize divisions — even matching just 2 numbers plus the Bonus Ball wins a prize.

Entry cost: R5 per board
Draw days: Wednesday & Saturday
Draw time: 9pm (SABC 2)
Jackpot seed: R2 million

Lotto Plus 1 & Plus 2

When you buy a Lotto ticket, you can add Lotto Plus 1 (R2.50) and/or Lotto Plus 2 (R2.50). Your numbers are entered into separate draws with their own prize funds. If you win on the main Lotto, your Plus entries still stand for their own draws.

PowerBall

South Africa's biggest jackpot game. Pick 5 numbers from 1–50 and 1 PowerBall from 1–20. Draws are held every Tuesday and Friday at 9pm.

Entry cost: R5 per board
Draw days: Tuesday & Friday
Draw time: 9pm (SABC 2)
Jackpot seed: R10 million

The PowerBall jackpot has grown as high as R232 million. PowerBall Plus (R2.50 extra) gives you a second chance at a separate jackpot.

PowerBall Xtra

For R3 extra, PowerBall Xtra multiplies non-jackpot prize winnings by up to 5x. The jackpot itself is not multiplied, but second-tier prizes can be significantly boosted.

Daily Lotto

The newest game, drawing every day at 9pm. Pick 5 numbers from 1–36. There is no rollover — the entire prize fund must be won each draw, giving you a fresh chance to win every single day.

Entry cost: R4 per board
Draw days: Every day
Draw time: 9pm
Key feature: Must be won each draw

Lotto 5 Max

A simpler game: pick 5 numbers from 1–45. Draws are held on Mondays and Thursdays at 9pm. The smaller number pool means better odds of matching numbers, though jackpots tend to be smaller.

UK 49s (Lunchtime & Teatime)

Not an official South African lottery — UK 49s is a UK-based game played through South African bookmakers. Pick up to 6 numbers from 1–49. Two draws daily:

Lunchtime: 12:49pm daily
Teatime: 5:49pm daily (4pm in winter)

The odds and prize amounts depend on the bookmaker, as UK 49s uses a fixed-odds betting model rather than a parimutuel prize pool.

How to Buy Tickets

In-store: Visit any National Lottery retailer. Pay with cash or card.
Online: Use the official Ithuba website, the National Lottery app, or banking apps from FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Absa, or Capitec. You must be 18+ with a South African ID.

How Results Work

All results are published immediately after each draw on the Ithuba website and app. This site mirrors those results for quick reference. Check results at SA Lotto results, PowerBall results, or Daily Lotto results.