A big shake-up might be coming to the National Lottery. As the clock ticks towards 31 May 2025, the expiry date of the current operating licence, there’s growing uncertainty about who will take over—and when. Without a new operator in place, lottery ticket sales may come to a temporary halt starting 1 June.
This unexpected pause could affect everyone from hopeful jackpot players to the small businesses that sell tickets and even the many organisations that benefit from lottery funding.
Why Might Lottery Ticket Sales Be Suspended?
The problem boils down to timing. Ithuba Holdings, the current National Lottery operator, has just two months left on its licence. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) is still finalising who will run the lottery next, but time is quickly running out.
Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau recently told Parliament that a decision on the new operator will be announced “on or before Wednesday, 28 May 2025.” That leaves just a few days before the new term is meant to begin.
“We are mindful of the timelines. The process is being finalised,” Minister Tau said.
The challenge is that switching operators isn’t a plug-and-play affair. Experts say it typically takes several months to hand over systems, train staff, and test infrastructure. A seamless transition in just a few days? Highly unlikely.
Legal Battles Add Fuel to the Fire
As if the tight timeline wasn’t tricky enough, the process has also landed in court. A rival bidder, Wina Njalo, has accused the Minister of stalling the announcement to benefit the current operator, Ithuba.
They’ve taken legal action to force the government’s hand—demanding that the new licence be awarded by 9 May and signed by the end of May to avoid a service gap.
“This isn’t just about us. It’s about making sure the lottery keeps running for the benefit of all South Africans,” a Wina Njalo representative said.
What Would a Suspension Mean for Players and Sellers?
If the handover isn’t sorted in time, lottery ticket sales could be paused across the country. That means no PowerBall, no Lotto draws—at least for a while.
Retailers, especially small businesses that rely on ticket sales, are bracing for the impact.
“People don’t just come in to buy lotto tickets—they grab airtime, snacks, smokes. So if lotto’s down, it hits our whole day’s takings,” said one Johannesburg shop owner.
It’s a ripple effect that could affect communities far beyond the tills.
Will Grant Funding Also Be Delayed?
Fortunately, no. The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has stepped in to reassure the public that even if ticket sales are suspended, grant funding will continue.
A reserve fund of R4.3 billion has been set aside specifically to keep supporting charitable causes, sports development, and community projects.
“There will be no interruption in the disbursement of funds. We’ve made sure of that,” said an NLC spokesperson.
What Happens Next?
Right now, all eyes are on the DTIC. If they can finalise the new licence in time, there’s still a chance to avoid a disruption. But even with an announcement by 28 May, the logistics of launching a new operator by 1 June are daunting.
There’s also the option of a temporary extension for Ithuba to keep things running during the transition—but that would require quick legal and operational coordination.
What Can Players Do?
For now, keep playing as usual. Here are a few tips:
- Buy your tickets early while sales are still active.
- Follow updates from the National Lotteries Commission for official news.
- Watch trusted media sources like GroundUp, Moneyweb, and Gauteng News for the latest.
A Wait-and-See Situation
The future of lottery ticket sales in South Africa is hanging by a thread. A rushed transition could lead to a temporary lottery ticket suspension, impacting players, retailers, and even national morale.
The hope? That the powers that be sort things out before 1 June. The reality? South Africans might need to hold onto their lucky numbers just a little longer.
ALSO READ: Major Update: South Africa’s R8-Billion Cape Winelands Airport Set to Open by 2028
