For those who don’t know, the South African lotto undergoes major changes on 1 June 2026. ITHUBA is running out its contract, with Friday’s R175-million PowerBall draw the last of five before it hands over the reins to Sizekhaya Holdings. But nobody seems to know what happens to the jackpot if no one wins it in time …
SOUTH AFRICAN LOTTO IN LIMBO
Friday 15 May’s PowerBall currently sits at a tantalising sum of R175 million. However, if it rolls over winless for the next four games, it could still build to approximately R210 million at month end. And ITHUBA has confirmed there will be no carryovers …
As such, all existing online accounts on ITHUBA and its mobile app will be closed strictly on Sunday 31 May 2026. Players must withdraw all remaining funds from their digital wallets before the date or risking losing it all. But as the clock ticks toward the handover, what does that mean for an un-won nine-figure jackpot?
IT’S BEEN A MESSY SWAP
The broader transition from ITHUBA to Sizekhaya was messy from the start. The former initiated proceedings in the Pretoria High Court to stop the latter taking over. It alleged irregularities in how the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) handled the bid process. However, the judge dismissed the interdict in November 2025, ruling that it was in the public interest to keep the lottery running smoothly.
Meanwhile, in an attempt to get on the front foot, Sizekhaya has promised bigger jackpots, more frequent wins and fewer rollovers for players. As ambitious and well-meaning as that sounds, new formats and reset jackpots bring their own transition risks. Will the South African public keep playing?
WHAT’S NEXT FOR SOUTH AFRICAN LOTTO?
Therefore, we ask the question, has this kind of thing happened before? Yes, in fact, taking the form of a cautionary tale from the UK. Back in February 2024, Allwyn replaced Camelot as operator of the UK National Lottery. This was the first time in the game’s 30-year history that it changed hands.
Crucially – unlike the South African lotto scenario – Allwyn handled the transition by acquiring Camelot outright. This ensured continuity of jackpots, games and player accounts. Moreover, the Gambling Commission’s goal was that the average player should not notice anything had changed. So, the opposite of what might happen come Monday 1 June 2026.
But what do you think? Will you continue to play South African lotto when it changes operators? Do our lottery games need a shot in the arm to make them more exciting? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below …
