South Africans who have been holding onto winning National Lottery or Sports Pools tickets purchased before 1 June 2026 can finally start claiming their prizes.
Sizekhaya Holdings, the new operator of the National Lottery, has confirmed that it has completed the verification of historic prize records inherited during the handover from the previous operator. This means prize claims and payments linked to older Lotto and PowerBall tickets can now move forward.
The announcement brings much-needed certainty to players who have been waiting for news on whether winnings linked to tickets bought before the transition would be processed.
Why were claims delayed?
When Sizekhaya took over operation of the National Lottery, it inherited a large amount of historical prize administration data from the previous operator.
Before any payouts could be made, the company needed to verify and reconcile those records to ensure they were accurate and complete. This process was designed to prevent errors and ensure that prizes are paid to the correct winners.
According to Sizekhaya, the transfer process itself was outside of its control, but once the information was received, validating the records became a priority.
What this means for players
The completion of the verification process means players holding winning tickets purchased before 1 June 2026 can now submit their claims through the normal National Lottery claims process and receive their prize money if their claim is valid.
National Lotteries Commission Commissioner Jodi Scholtz welcomed the development, saying it provides certainty for players and ensures legitimate claims can be processed according to regulatory requirements.
The commission said the move supports transparency, accountability and public trust in the administration of the National Lottery.
Sizekhaya Chief Operating Officer Fundi Sithebe also said the completion of the process marks an important milestone in ensuring that players are not disadvantaged during the transition between lottery operators.
She said the company understands that many South Africans have been waiting for clarity regarding older tickets and is pleased that claims processing and prize payments can now proceed.
According to Sithebe, the outcome reflects the company’s commitment to transparency, accountability and ensuring that legitimate winners receive the prizes they are entitled to.
Some tickets may need extra checks
While most claims are expected to go through the standard verification process, Sizekhaya said a small number of tickets may require additional checks before payment can be approved.
Players whose winning Lotto or PowerBall tickets cannot be immediately validated are encouraged to contact the National Lottery Call Centre on 086 102 6000.
Claims that require further investigation will be reviewed through the established verification procedures to confirm their legitimacy.
