Whether you’re a fan of the physical bet slip or you prefer the convenience of your banking app, the goal is the same: that life-changing jackpot. But as more South Africans move toward digital play, with over 60% of sales now happening online, the question of security has never been more important. If you’re still carrying a paper ticket in your wallet or have gone fully digital, here is what you need to know about keeping your millions safe.

The paper Lotto ticket: The high-stakes physical asset There’s something undeniably exciting about holding a physical Lotto ticket. It feels real. But in the eyes of the law, a paper ticket is a “bearer instrument.” This means that, technically, whoever holds the ticket is the owner.

If you lose that slip and someone else finds it, claiming your prize becomes a legal nightmare. The golden rule is that if you play at a retailer, you must write your name, ID number, and signature on the back of the ticket immediately. Without that, it’s just a piece of paper that anyone can claim.

We’ve also heard the stories of tickets being left in trousers that go through the wash or being chewed by the dog. Once that barcode is unreadable, your win is gone! The banking app: The digital vault Playing via apps like Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Capitec, or Standard Bank has become the “new normal” for a reason.

It’s not just about skipping the queue; it’s about the built-in safety net. Banking apps offer automatic payouts, which means if you win a smaller prize (usually under R50 000), the money is often paid directly into your bank account within a few days: no paperwork, no travel, no fuss. You also can’t “lose” a digital ticket.

Your play is recorded in your bank’s history and linked directly to your ID and bank account. Even if you lose your phone, your ticket is safe in the cloud. Most apps will also send you an SMS or an in-app notification if you’ve won.

You’ll never be that person who has a R20 million winning ticket sitting forgotten in a drawer. What happens for the “big” wins? (over R50 000) Whether you play on paper or on an app, the process for a massive jackpot is the same: you have to go to an Ithuba regional office. If you played on an app, your bank will send you a reference number via SMS.

You’ll take that, along with your South African ID and a month’s bank statement, to Ithuba to claim your millions. The beauty of the digital version? Nobody can “steal” your win, because that reference number is locked to your personal bank profile.

Ultimately, Ithuba ensures that every draw is fair, regardless of how you bought your ticket. Just make sure you’re playing on authorised platforms, stick to the official National Lottery app or the major South African banks to avoid scams.