South Africans who’ve been holding onto successful Nationwide Lottery or Sports activities Swimming pools tickets bought earlier than 1 June 2026 can lastly begin claiming their prizes.
Sizekhaya Holdings, the brand new operator of the Nationwide Lottery, has confirmed that it has accomplished the verification of historic prize data inherited through the handover from the earlier operator. This implies prize claims and funds linked to older Lotto and PowerBall tickets can now transfer ahead.
The announcement brings much-needed certainty to gamers who’ve been ready for information on whether or not winnings linked to tickets purchased earlier than the transition can be processed.
Why had been claims delayed?
When Sizekhaya took over operation of the Nationwide Lottery, it inherited a considerable amount of historic prize administration knowledge from the earlier operator.
Earlier than any payouts may very well be made, the corporate wanted to confirm and reconcile these data to make sure they had been correct and full. This course of was designed to forestall errors and make sure that prizes are paid to the proper winners.
In line with Sizekhaya, the switch course of itself was outdoors of its management, however as soon as the knowledge was obtained, validating the data turned a precedence.
What this implies for gamers
The completion of the verification course of means gamers holding successful tickets bought earlier than 1 June 2026 can now submit their claims by way of the conventional Nationwide Lottery claims course of and obtain their prize cash if their declare is legitimate.
Nationwide Lotteries Fee Commissioner Jodi Scholtz welcomed the event, saying it supplies certainty for gamers and ensures legit claims could be processed based on regulatory necessities.
The fee stated the transfer helps transparency, accountability and public belief within the administration of the Nationwide Lottery.
Sizekhaya Chief Working Officer Fundi Sithebe additionally stated the completion of the method marks an vital milestone in guaranteeing that gamers aren’t deprived through the transition between lottery operators.
She stated the corporate understands that many South Africans have been ready for readability relating to older tickets and is happy that claims processing and prize funds can now proceed.
In line with Sithebe, the result displays the corporate’s dedication to transparency, accountability and guaranteeing that legit winners obtain the prizes they’re entitled to.
Whereas most claims are anticipated to undergo the usual verification course of, Sizekhaya stated a small variety of tickets might require extra checks earlier than fee could be permitted.
Gamers whose successful Lotto or PowerBall tickets can’t be instantly validated are inspired to contact the Nationwide Lottery Name Centre on 086 102 6000.
Claims that require additional investigation will probably be reviewed by way of the established verification procedures to substantiate their legitimacy.
