Biggest Lotto Winners of 2024
2024 proved to be a transformative year for many South Africans, with several lucky Lotto players turning into millionaires overnight. The Lotto continues to capture the nation’s imagination from banking app convenience to unclaimed prizes. Here’s a breakdown of this year’s biggest lotto winners and how digital platforms played a pivotal role.
R103 Million Winner – October 2024
The highlight of 2024’s Lotto history was a R103.6 million win on October 23. A Capitec app user matched six numbers, claiming the second-largest jackpot since 2018. The win was part of a R123 million jackpot split across Lotto and Lotto Plus.
R100 Million Winner – August 2024
Another milestone occurred on August 3, when a Pretoria resident purchased a winning ticket worth R100 million at Pick n Pay in Hazeldean Square. The winner took nearly three weeks to claim their prize, sparking widespread speculation.
R70 Million PowerBall Winner – May 2024
A Benoni resident scooped R70 million on May 31. The unsuspecting winner discovered his fortune days later, keeping the ticket among other receipts. Upon confirmation from Ithuba, his dream turned into reality.
R59 Million Winner – July 2024
July witnessed a R59 million win via the Standard Bank app. This success further underscored the growing reliance on banking apps for Lotto participation.
Shared R44.7 Million Wins – April 2024
April 6 saw a rare instance of shared winnings, with three players winning R44.7 million each in the PowerBall draw. Two more winners claimed smaller portions from the PowerBall Plus draw, making it a significant evening for multi-millionaire creations.
R42 Million Split – November 2024
In November, two players, leveraging FNB and Standard Bank apps, walked away with R42.5 million each. The pre-Christmas timing added a festive twist to their wins.
Unclaimed Winnings: A Persistent Issue
Despite these landmark victories, unclaimed winnings remain a challenge. Ithuba reported R257 million in unclaimed prizes by October 2023. Winnings unclaimed within 365 days are redirected to community causes via the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF).
Banking and mobile apps have revolutionized the way South Africans play Lotto. Prizes below R249,000 are directly credited to winners’ accounts. Larger amounts trigger immediate notifications and a streamlined claiming process.
Claiming Your Prize
Lotto winners of over R50,000 receive free financial and trauma counseling. Ithuba encourages ticket holders to check their slips regularly at retail stores or online to avoid missing out.
Beyond individual wins, Lotto revenues contribute to various community projects through the NLDTF, ensuring that even forfeited winnings serve a greater purpose.
As 2024 ends, the National Lottery reminds players to play responsibly. With affordable entry costs and tax-free winnings, the Lotto remains a beacon of hope for many South Africans.
Will you be the next millionaire? Stay updated with results and claim your fortune responsibly!
