How to Claim a Lottery Prize in South Africa
By LottoNow Editorial TeamUpdated Fact-checked 5 May 20265 min read
Claiming a lottery prize in South Africa depends on how much you've won. Here's the complete process from smallest to largest prizes.
Prizes up to R50,000
- Claim at any licensed retailer
- Bring: original signed ticket + valid SA ID
- Payout: immediate cash or EFT
- No appointment needed
Prizes R50,001 to R250,000
- Claim at an Ithuba regional office or designated large retailers
- Bring: original ticket + SA ID + bank statement (for EFT)
- Processing: 5–10 business days
- Call 0800 484 822 for your nearest office
Prizes over R250,000
- Claim at Ithuba head office only
- By appointment — call 0800 484 822
- Bring: original ticket + SA ID + bank confirmation letter
- Ithuba provides free financial and legal counselling
- Processing: 10–20 business days
The 365-day deadline
All prizes must be claimed within 365 days of the draw date. After that, the prize is forfeited and goes back to the Good Causes fund. There are no extensions. Set a reminder if you play regularly.
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