UK 49s: How the Draws Actually Work
UK 49s is the most popular lottery-style game in South Africa, but it's not a traditional lottery. Understanding how the draws work helps you make informed betting decisions.
The four daily draws
- Brunchtime: ~12:50 SAST (11:49 UK time)
- Lunchtime: ~13:50 SAST (12:49 UK time)
- Drivetime: ~17:50 SAST (16:49 UK time)
- Teatime: ~18:50 SAST (17:49 UK time)
The draw format
Six main numbers are drawn from a pool of 1–49. An optional seventh ball — the Booster — is drawn from the same pool. The draw uses a mechanical gravity-pick machine, filmed and audited under UK gambling regulations.
Fixed odds vs parimutuel
Unlike SA Lotto and PowerBall (parimutuel), UK 49s pays fixed odds. Your payout is set before you bet — it doesn't depend on how many other players win. Each SA bookmaker sets its own odds, so shop around.
SA players: how betting works
South Africans don't buy UK lottery tickets. You place a bet on the outcome through licensed SA bookmakers (YesPlay, Hollywoodbets, Betway). You're betting on which numbers will be drawn — a legal fixed-odds bet under SA gambling law.
More from the blog
- UK 49s Teatime vs Lunchtime: Which Draw Is Better for SA Players?
Teatime gets more bets, Lunchtime ends earlier — but which is right for you? We compare the two on schedule, payouts and player experience.
- A South African Player's Guide to Responsible UK 49s Betting
Five proven rules to keep UK 49s fun — plus the National Responsible Gambling Programme number every SA player should save.
- How UK 49s Numbers Are Actually Drawn (And Why It Matters)
Behind every UK 49s result is a regulated mechanical draw. Here's how it works and why integrity audits keep the game fair.