Powerball win not enough as lucky sports enthusiast also wins SportStake jackpot

GRANTED, the odds of winning the lottery is staggering, there’s a one in 20-odd million chance of nailing it and walking away with the jackpot.

But seeing as this is 2024, and nothing will surprise us any more, it was reported on the lottery’s website recently that one lucky sports enthusiast from Gauteng has claimed a life-changing Division 1 jackpot of R3,492,083.60 on SportStake 8, list 805, drawn on 18 November 2024.

Now here’s the part that will raise eyebrows and stir the jealousy juices … In addition to this impressive win, he secured payouts across four other prize divisions, collectively bringing his total winnings to a record-breaking R3.5 million.

The Johannesburg resident was thrilled, as one might expect. He said that he placed a R288 wager on the National Lottery website, and then visited Ithuba’s offices to claim his prize on Tuesday, November 19.

But, remember, this is 2024; there’s even more to this story.

Being a regular dabbler in National Lottery games, the winner is on an incredible lucky streak, having previously won just over R100,000 with the National Lottery on PowerBall.

Guess who's having bubbly from the top drawer on New Year's day?

Speaking to Ithuba, the winner said, “I played on Friday, 15 November, and while lying in bed on Monday morning, I decided to check the game results. To my amazement, I realised my selections matched the winning outcomes.

“Shortly after, I received a text message confirming I had won.”

But this was not sheer luck. There is an element of skill and wizardry involved. Unlike the soccer-based SportStake 13 game, where participants predict full match outcomes, SportStake 8 requires a different strategy and deeper game insights.

Players must predict the outcomes of both the first and second halves of the games.

The avid Kaizer Chiefs, Madrid and Manchester City supporter described the challenge of predicting winners for both halves, sharing his exhilaration at being the "top dog of the game" and walking away with the jackpot.

Charmaine Mabuza, CEO of Ithuba, was thrilled for the winner, and offered sincere congratulations: “This is the highest SportStake 8 jackpot in the history of the game, and we are thrilled to celebrate this incredible win with a passionate sports enthusiast.”

So if you were a sports fan, what would you do if you pocketed over R3 million?

The winner revealed that he plans to use part of his winnings to travel to Abu Dhabi for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. “This would not have been possible without my jackpot win. I also plan to invest in my son’s education and save the rest,” said the Johannesburg entrepreneur.

And if you think it’s a walk in the park to haul in such an overnight treasure, think again. It can be quite a shock to the system. That’s why winners of R50,000 and above receive free trauma counselling from professional psychologists and financial advice from accredited advisers, all at no cost.