In preparation for the renewal of South Africa’s National Lottery license in May 2025, the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) held a briefing session in September for potential bidders. The NLC clarified that attending this session was not compulsory for prospective applicants. Still, it served as an informational opportunity for understanding the Request for Proposal (RFP) and the application process.
After the briefing session, the NLC established a virtual data room (VDR) as the sole channel for communication with interested parties and potential applicants. Access to the VDR is granted upon the purchase of an RFP document and the payment of the required fee.
Detailed Information and Proposals
Prospective bidders are expected to pay R55,000 to access essential documents and data related to the lottery. The VDR provides detailed insights into how funds flow within the lottery system, from ticket vendors to payouts. While the license renewal is scheduled for May 2025, the process has already commenced. After the current operator, Ithuba, concludes its license in May 2025, potential bidders, including South African betting sites, will have five months to formulate proposals on how they would operate the lottery.
Significant Investment
Participating in the lottery license renewal process is a substantial undertaking, with estimated costs of at least R15 million. Historically, many have been attracted to the opportunity due to the potential returns, particularly in the initial bidding stages when investments are lower. In previous adjudication procedures, bidders were required to provide a performance bond of R125 million.