A record 4.8 million people nearly won the South African National Lottery grand prize of R6.5 million this weekend – the largest number of almost-winners in the Lottery’s history.

The Birth of the South African National Lottery

1. In 1995, the South African Government initiated the process of launching the National Lottery, with the publication of the Main Report on Gambling (RP 85/1995).
2. In 1996, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Alec Erwin, invited companies to bid for the right to operate the National Lottery.
3. In 1997, Parliament passed the National Lotteries Act (No 57 of 1997)
4. On 06 November 1997, President Nelson Mandela assented to the Act.
5. In 1998, Minister Alec Erwin appointed the National Lotteries Board (NLB), the industry regulator, in accordance with the Act.
6. In June 1999, the NLB recommended its choice to Minister Erwin.