When it comes to the Ithuba National Lottery and LottoStar, the excitement of potentially winning life-changing sums of money draws millions of people to participate. But did you know that not all lotteries are created equal? In South Africa, the Ithuba National Lottery has long been a staple for hopefuls looking to strike it rich. However, in recent years, international lotteries like LottoStar have gained popularity, offering even more options and larger jackpots. Understanding the differences between these two can help you choose where to place your bets and maximize your chances of winning.
What is the Ithuba National Lottery
Well known for their slogan, Phanda, Pusha, Play! Ithuba was recognised in 2015 as the national lottery operator in South Africa by the National Lotteries Commission.
They have the following categories to bet for:
- Lotto – It is made up of Lotto, Lotto Plus 1, and Lotto Plus 2. Players are allowed to select 6 out of 52 numbers to enter into the draw. It is played twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday).
- PowerBall – This happens twice a week (Tuesday and Friday). Players get to select 5 out of 50 numbers and 1 out of 20 numbers to enter the draw.
- SportStake – If you are a football lover then this is for you. You get to predict the scores of matches featured in the pool.
- Daily Lotto – The game runs every day excluding Christmas Day. Participants may select 5 out of 36 numbers to enter into the draw.
- Raffle – A game wherein a player gets a numbered ticket, each ticket has a chance to win a prize.
- Eazi Win – An online instant play-and-win game. You simply play the game and win same time, there is no need to wait for the draw. It consists of a combination of interactive, skills-based, and fun games.
How to Play Ithuba Lottery
You can bet in any of the above-mentioned categories online through the official lottery website, in-store, or via your banking app. Most of the national banks have an option to place your Bet.
The cost of a ticket is R5. 00 for both Lotto and PowerBall games. If the Plus 1 option is selected, an additional R2. 50 is paid per draw.
If you are unsure of the numbers to pick for your Lotto bet, you may check out the Lotto Number Predictions or generate your lucky numbers.
How to Claim Ithuba Lotto Winnings?
Claiming of winnings is dependent on the amount of money won. For prizes up to R2 000, one can claim at any retailer. Prizes between R2 000 and R50 000 need to be claimed at the Post Office while prizes above R50 000 need to be claimed at Ithuba regional office.
Winners have up to 365 days from the day of the draw to claim. If the winning is not claimed, 50% of the money is deposited into the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund which is used for distribution to good causes.
Now that you know what Ithuba National Lottery is and how it works, let us move on to the biggest international online betting site, LottoStar.
What is LottoStar?
Founded in 2014, LottoStar is the world’s biggest international lottery online events and games. It is a licensed fixed-odds betting company that allows people in South Africa to bet on international lotteries and win massive payouts.
Betting is online, allowing players to enjoy their betting experience through their mobiles or desktops in the comfort of their homes.
LottoStar is approved and licensed in South Africa, it is regulated by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator.
Winning is guaranteed, they have about 400,000 winners daily. All you have to do is predict the lucky numbers in your chosen lottery.
As of 10 August 2022: R101 billion has been paid out.
LottoStar Betting Categories
LottoStar has the following betting categories:
Reel Rush – An exciting way to win with a spin of a reel. You will get to experience reel games like Hot Hot Fruit, Lucky Fortune Cat, Fa Cai Shen Deluxe, Egyptian Dreams Deluxe, Knockout Football Rush, Wild Trucks, 5 Lucky Lions, Techno Tumble, Panda Panda, and Wizards Want War. Reel rush games pay up to R2 000 000 instantly.
Live Games – They are available 24/7, allowing players to choose from the All Games, Ezugi, First Person, and Evolution Lobbies. With Live games, one can win R10 Million instantly.
Lotteries – LottoStar caters to major international and instant lotteries that take place at different times. These are Gold Rush Millions, UK Lottery Plus, Oz Monday Lotto, African Million, Mega Millions, and many more.
Quick Games – You can win with just a quick scratch of a card on Ferrari, Golf GTI, Toyota Hilux, Krugerrand, Loads of Dough, and Stash of Cash events. You can also place a quick bet on – SuperCash, MegaCash, MegaCash Plus, and Powerball Mini. Quick Games draw every 2 seconds, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to bet on LottoStar
You can start winning by following 5 easy steps:
1. Register Online
Registering an account on LottoStar is quick and straightforward. On the LottoStar website, https://lottostar.co.za/ click on the “register” tab located at the right-hand corner of the page, a pop-up will appear on your screen, fill in the required details, and proceed to submit and verify your account.
2. Deposit Funds
The second step will be adding funds to your account. LottoStar has different payment options that are secure and easy. To make a quick deposit, click on the deposit button and select the amount you would like to deposit.
You will receive a purchase confirmation email with all the necessary details once your payment has been successfully processed.
Lottostar also accepts depositing of funds by voucher:
- Blu Voucher: Blu-approved outlets including Fresh Stop, Sasol, Total, Shell, Caltex, Global, Glocell, Clicks, Ticket Pro, Boxer, Spar, and Kazang Connect.
- LottoStar Voucher: Nedbank’s Money App, Online Banking, and Avo, Blu approved outlets.
- 1Voucher: FLASH, PEP, Ackermans, Shoprite, Checkers, OK, Usave, House & Home, and Dealz.
- OTT: Boxer Super Stores, Kazang, Builders Warehouse, Cambridge Food, Makro, Game, Rhino, Just Right Communications, Cellair, R&A Cellular, Caltex Fresh Stop, PAV Telecoms, GloCell, and A2pay.
3. Select a Game
Having to decide on the game you would like to bet on is the hardest part. You can search for the game you would like to play from the selection category.
4. Place a Bet
Now it’s time to win! You will find all the information you need to know on how a specific game works within the game.
5. Wait for the Results
You will receive your results via email or SMS shortly after the draw. The notification will detail the winning numbers for the particular event and the prize.
How to Withdraw Your Winnings from LottoStar
If you have won on any of your bets, you will be notified via email or SMS as soon as the draw takes place.
You may withdraw your winnings in 4 different ways; ABSA Cash Send, FNB eWallet, EFT, or Instant Money from Standard Bank.
For FICA compliance, all winners are required to upload the following documents:
- Identity Document
- Proof of Address (not older than 3 months)
- 3 months bank statement or a bank confirmation letter that is not older than 3 months.