In order to win a prize, players must match the number on their ticket with the numbers which are drawn. The more numbers the player matches, the greater the prize that they win. There are eight SA LOTTO prize divisions with the lowest being fixed amounts of R20.00 and R50.00, respectively, when matching either three numbers or two numbers and the bonus ball. The other prize divisions are as follows along with an average prize amount (calculated for draws in the past 365 days):
- Six numbers matched – R17,869,953.25
- Five numbers and the bonus ball matched – R30,315.24.
- Five numbers matched – R6,080.01.
- Four numbers and the bonus ball matched – R2,160.53.
- Four numbers matched – R161.33.
- Three numbers and the bonus ball matched – R103.81.
The odds of winning the lotto
Each lottery in the world has its own odds where a single, or multiple winners, is concerned. Some lotteries have odds of one in 100 million, and higher. However, when considering the SA LOTTO, the odds of winning not only the jackpot, but also prizes from the other divisions, are as follows:
- Matching all six numbers – 1 in 20,358,520
- Matching five numbers and the bonus ball – 1 in 3,393,087
- Matching five numbers – 1 in 75,402
- Matching four numbers and the bonus ball – 1 in 30,161
- Matching four numbers – 1 in 1,371
- Matching three numbers and the bonus ball – 1 in 1028
- Matching three numbers – 1 in 72, and
- Matching two numbers and the bonus ball – 1 in 96
Despite these odds looking near impossible, it is important to consider that there have been substantial winners who managed to bag the jackpot. There have also been numerous winners of prizes in lower divisions.
The odds of winning the lotto
The odds are substantially high, yet there have been so many winners throughout the years since the SA LOTTO has been in operation. However, most of the record jackpots won have been through PowerBall, with only one specifically from the SA LOTTO. Despite this, it is still a substantial list for comparison when considering that the winners walked away with millions. There have been 11 substantial jackpots in the past few years won in South Africa, namely:
- The largest jackpot to date for PowerBall was won in February 2019 by one winner. The jackpot amounted to R232,131,750.69.
- PowerBall Plus – R153,466,150.30 – one winner claimed it in July 2020.
- PowerBall – R145,469,799.30 – one winner claimed it in August 2018.
- Powerball – R141,343,180.95 – one winner claimed it in August 2019.
- PowerBall – R135,366,753.00 – claimed in April 2020.
- PowerBall – R121,730,295.90 – there is no information regarding this jackpot for September 2020.
- PowerBall – R114,580,902.70 – claimed by a woman who became the first woman to win a jackpot of more than R100 million.
- PowerBall – R114,242,816.50 – one winner claimed in November 2019.
- LOTTO – R110,000,000.00 – claimed by four winners in January 2018. Each winner won R27.5 million each.
- PowerBall – R102,016,595.00 – claimed by one winner in June 2011.
- PowerBall – R91,068,427.00 – claimed in February 2010.
