Sizekhaya gears up for South African National Lottery takeover with expanded access and bigger jackpots
Incoming operator says new systems will roll out within 90 days, expanding lottery access through banks, retail outlets and handheld devices ahead of the June 1 licence takeover.
South Africa.- South Africa’s incoming National Lottery operator Sizekhaya Holdings says it is on course to roll out new systems with fewer than 90 days remaining, expanding the lottery’s accessibility footprint through banking, retail and handheld device platforms while paving the way for larger jackpots and more frequent rollovers. The operator is set to take over the five-year, R180bn (€9bn) fourth National Lottery and Sports Pools licence on June 1.
Sizekhaya Chief Operations Officer Fundi Sithebe said, according to IOL: “The 90 days are around the corner, and our guarantee is that we will deliver a seamless and exciting Lotto on June 1.”
Among the changes the company plans to introduce, Sithebe said the most significant would be the widespread availability of retailer terminals. “We are integrating many more terminals across the South African footprint, which means players will have greater and better accessibility through retail outlets. We have also secured expanded access through banks, enabling customers to access lottery offerings via banking apps across a far broader population,” she said.
Expanding access and jackpots
The operator has also teamed with SMEs in townships and rural areas to expand lottery access through stores and handheld B2B devices, alongside bigger jackpots and more frequent rollovers.
Sithebe added: “We have partnered with smaller SMEs in townships and rural areas. The lottery will be accessible in stores and through B2B partners using small handheld devices. We have also adjusted the jackpot structure, allowing jackpots to grow bigger and roll over more frequently, as it currently takes longer to win.”
The rollout of additional terminals and digital access points forms part of Sizekhaya’s plans to broaden the lottery’s reach across South Africa by making tickets and services available through more retail locations, banking platforms and small business partners.
While aiming to enhance visibility and accessibility, Sithebe said the group supports further discussions around strengthening the policy framework to address gambling-related harm.
Sithebe said: “With the backing of partners like Goldrush, which is embedded in governance and client protection, we are confident that, together with our own enhancements, we will safeguard players and ensure integrity against overexposure.”
Sithebe added that a multifaceted discussion is required across various pieces of legislation that may need reform, while illegal betting must also be addressed. She said Sizekhaya has the necessary checks and balances in place, along with a firm commitment to protecting lottery players.
The rollout comes as the award of the five-year, R180bn fourth National Lottery and Sports Pools licence has faced legal challenges, although the operator has said preparations for the planned June 1 launch remain on track.
