Everything South African lottery players need in one place, current draw times, game rules, prize tiers, tax facts, and where to check lotto results.
Covers Daily Lotto, Powerball, Powerball Plus, Lotto, and Lotto Plus.
Latest SA Lotto Results
Updated after every draw. Results are published by Sizekhaya Holdings. Check back after 21:00 SAST for the latest numbers.
Daily Lotto
| Draw Date | Winning Numbers (5) |
|---|---|
Powerball
| Draw Date | Main Numbers (5) | Powerball |
|---|---|---|
Powerball Plus
| Draw Date | Main Numbers (5) | Powerball |
|---|---|---|
Lotto
| Draw Date | Winning Numbers (6) | Bonus Ball |
|---|---|---|
Lotto Plus 1
| Draw Date | Winning Numbers (6) | Bonus Ball |
|---|---|---|
Lotto Plus 2
| Draw Date | Winning Numbers (6) | Bonus Ball |
|---|---|---|
SA Lottery Games at a Glance
All games are operated by Sizekhaya Holdings under licence from the National Lotteries Commission.
| Game | Cost / Play | Draw Days & Time | Numbers to Pick | Jackpot Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Lotto | R3 | Daily — 21:00 SAST | Pick 5 from 1–36 | Pari-mutuel (pool-based) |
| Powerball | R5 | Tue & Fri — 21:00 SAST | Pick 5 from 1–50 + Powerball 1–20 | R3 million |
| Powerball Plus | Included with Powerball | Tue & Fri — 21:00 SAST | Pick 5 from 1–50 + Powerball 1–20 | R2 million |
| Lotto | R5 | Wed & Sat — 20:56 SAST | Pick 6 from 1–52 | R3 million |
| Lotto Plus 1 & 2 | R2.50 per Plus | Wed & Sat — 20:56 SAST | Pick 6 from 1–52 | R2 million |
Daily Lotto
Daily Lotto is South Africa’s everyday draw, one ticket, one chance, seven days a week. Sizekhaya Holdings, the licensed operator of the National Lottery, runs the draw every evening at 21:00 SAST.
Each play costs R3. You pick 5 numbers from 1 to 36. If all 5 match the draw, you win the jackpot. The jackpot is pari-mutuel, meaning it is shared equally among all jackpot winners from the prize pool, there is no guaranteed minimum.
Daily Lotto has five prize tiers. Match 5 numbers to win Division 1. Match 4 for Division 2. Match 3 for Division 3. Match 2 numbers and you win a free play for the next draw, no cash, but no cost either. Division 5 (match 1) does not pay a prize.
Powerball & Powerball Plus
One ticket buys you entry into both Powerball and Powerball Plus. Powerball costs R5 per board. Adding Powerball Plus to your ticket costs an additional R2.50.
Both draws happen on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 21:00 SAST. To play, you pick 5 numbers from 1 to 50, then choose one Powerball number from 1 to 20. The two selections are independent, the Powerball pool is separate from the main five numbers.
Powerball jackpots start at R3 million and roll over when unclaimed, which means they can grow to record amounts. Powerball Plus jackpots start at R2 million and follow the same rollover mechanic. Both games offer nine prize divisions based on how many numbers you match, including or excluding the Powerball. Sizekhaya Holdings confirms prize amounts after each draw.
Lotto & Lotto Plus
Lotto is South Africa’s original National Lottery game, launched in 2000. Draws take place on Wednesday and Saturday evenings at approximately 20:56 SAST.
A single Lotto board costs R5. You pick 6 numbers from 1 to 52. Adding Lotto Plus 1 costs an extra R2.50; Lotto Plus 2 costs another R2.50. Each Plus draw uses the same numbers you selected, no separate ticket needed.
Lotto jackpots start at R3 million. Lotto Plus 1 and Plus 2 jackpots start at R2 million each. All three draws are administered by Sizekhaya Holdings and governed by the Lotteries A
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lottery winnings taxed in South Africa?
No. South African lottery prizes are completely tax-free under the Lotteries Act. Whether you win R50 or R50 million, SARS does not classify lottery winnings as income and you are not required to declare the prize. This applies to all Sizekhaya-operated games including Daily Lotto, Powerball, and Lotto.
How long do I have to claim a lottery prize in SA?
You have 365 days from the date of the draw to claim any prize. If you miss that window, your claim is forfeited. Sizekhaya Holdings requires valid proof of identity and your winning ticket — keep it safe and sign the back immediately after purchase.
Where can I buy a lottery ticket in SA?
Lottery tickets are available at any accredited retailer displaying the National Lottery logo — most supermarkets, petrol stations, and convenience stores qualify. You can also play online or via the official National Lottery app if you have a registered account. The minimum age to purchase a lottery ticket in South Africa is 18.
What time does the lotto draw happen?
Daily Lotto draws at 21:00 SAST every night. Powerball and Powerball Plus draw at 21:00 SAST on Tuesday and Friday. Lotto and Lotto Plus draw at approximately 20:56 SAST on Wednesday and Saturday. Results are published on this site immediately after each draw.
What are the odds of winning the Daily Lotto jackpot?
The odds of matching all 5 numbers in Daily Lotto are 1 in 376,992. That is calculated from the possible combinations when picking 5 from 36 numbers. These are substantially better odds than Powerball (1 in approximately 42 million for the jackpot), which is why Daily Lotto jackpots are smaller and pool-based.
What happens to unclaimed lottery prizes in SA?
Unclaimed prizes are returned to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) after the 365-day claim window closes. The NLDTF distributes this money to beneficiaries in arts and culture, charities, sport, and other sectors. Unclaimed funds do not roll over into future jackpots.
Can I play the SA lottery online?
Yes. Sizekhaya Holdings offers an official online platform and mobile app where registered players can buy tickets, check results, and receive prize notifications. You must be 18 or older and a South African resident with a valid ID to register. Third-party lottery betting sites also operate in South Africa, but only the official Sizekhaya Holdings channels sell actual National Lottery tickets.
Hot and Cold Numbers Explained
Hot numbers are those drawn most frequently over a recent period. Cold numbers are those that have appeared least often. Players track these patterns hoping to identify statistical trends in draw outcomes.
The appeal is intuitive: if a number has not appeared in weeks, some players believe it is “due”. Others back numbers that appear frequently on the theory that whatever is hot stays hot.
Important: Every lottery draw is a statistically independent event. Past results have no influence on future outcomes. Hot and cold numbers are a tracking tool, not a prediction system. Use them as one input among many, not as a strategy on their own.
Play Responsibly
The National Lottery is a legal, regulated form of entertainment. Set a budget before you play and treat the cost of a ticket as the full amount you are willing to spend.
If lottery play is affecting your finances, relationships, or mental health, support is available. The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) offers free, confidential counselling.
Helpline: 0800 006 008 — Toll-free, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can also chat online or find a counsellor near you via responsiblegambling.co.za. Gambling is for adults only, the minimum age to play the National Lottery is 18. Winners know when to stop.