/ 14 July 2008

Lotto says R26m unclaimed

Over R26-million in Lotto jackpots and prizes have not been claimed, national lottery operator Gidani said on Monday.

Spokesperson Thembi Tulwana said the two winners of the July 6 R20-million jackpot had not yet come forward to collect their cheques of R10-million each.

”The two lucky players hail from Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.

”These unclaimed winnings brought the total amount of unclaimed prizes to R26 818 058, she said.

According to Gidani, the best way to safeguard a player’s ticket is to have one’s name, contact details and identity number written on the back of the ticket, and ensure that the player is the only person who can claim the prize.

Tulwana said Gauteng led the list with about R14-million in unclaimed tickets.

”Eastern Cape is second with R10-million, North West with over R1,4-million and Limpopo with over R1,2-million trail behind at third and fourth places respectively.”

She said winners had 365 days from the date of the draw to claim their money.

Players can check their tickets at any of the National Lottery outlets countrywide or telephone the toll-free helpline Players Helpline on 0800-77-77-77 to see if they have a winning ticket. – Sapa