Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and 2: What the jackpots look like for Saturday 16 May 2026

R18 million in total for Lotto and Lotto Plus on Saturday 16 May 2026

The combined prize pool for Lotto and Lotto Plus 1 and 2 on Saturday 16 May 2026 stands at R18 million. That total breaks down to R6.5 million for Lotto, R4.5 million for Lotto Plus 1 and R7 million for Lotto Plus 2.

Why the modest jackpots?

The draws are rebuilding after a recent jackpot reset following a previous R100-million win. With the national lottery operator scheduled to change hands at the end of May 2026, there is limited time for larger rollovers to accumulate.

Last draw numbers (Wednesday 13 May 2026)

Wednesday’s draws produced the following numbers:

• Lotto: 01, 22, 37, 40, 51, 58 Bonus ball: 43
• Lotto Plus 1: 18, 22, 32, 35, 46, 50 Bonus ball: 11
• Lotto Plus 2: 02, 11, 13, 14, 42, 56 Bonus ball: 58

How to play and entry costs

Players pick six numbers from 1 to 58. A standard Lotto entry costs R5, while each Lotto Plus option costs an additional R2.50. Playing all three games Lotto plus both Lotto Plus draws therefore costs R10 in total.

Odds and game frequency

Both Lotto and PowerBall are played twice a week. According to the provided information, Lotto offers a slightly better chance of winning than PowerBall with a stated odds figure of 1 in 40 475 358.

How to enter and claim winnings

Tickets can be bought in-store at licensed lotto retailers or online via ITHUBA by creating an account or using the ITHUBA mobile app. Digital entry is also available through banking apps from FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Absa and Capitec. Ticket sales close at 20:30 on draw days.

Key requirements to claim winnings include:

• Possession of the winning ticket with the correct serial number and/or winning SMS/email confirmation.
• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Hold valid proof of identity.
• Have a valid South African bank account (not older than three months).
• Claim winnings within 365 days of the draw date.

Where to claim payouts

• Retail stores pay out winnings up to R2 000.
• Winnings over R10 000 but less than R50 000 must be claimed at an Approved Prize Payment Centre (APPC).
• Participating banks will pay up to a stated amount via EFT, and African Bank has a specified different limit.
• For winnings above R250 000, claimants must report in person to an ITHUBA office.

Timing and transition of operators

The current lottery operator, ITHUBA, is scheduled to close on 31 May 2026 when Sizekhaya Holdings takes over. The article notes there are only five more lotto jackpots to be drawn under ITHUBA’s stewardship.

Quick tip

The piece suggests that, if you want to maximise potential winnings this coming weekend, you might consider PowerBall at R175 million though details about that draw are not expanded on here.