If you’ve followed South African gambling news lately, you’ll have seen one name popping up everywhere: Goldrush. While most of us know Goldrush from their sleek gaming lounges, lively LPM floors, and digital casino offerings, there’s now even bigger news on the horizon. Goldrush isn’t just growing—it’s about to play a starring role in South Africa’s National Lottery.
The State of Play
For years, South African players have relied on the National Lottery for their shot at life-changing wins. But behind the scenes, things have been less certain. Ithuba Holdings has run the lottery since 2015, but their extended contract runs out at the end of May 2025, with legal limits on how long they can stay in charge.
With the clock ticking, the government faced a dilemma: who would run the lottery until a new long-term operator could be chosen and take over? In a twist only South African gaming could deliver, a company closely tied to Ithuba—called Ithuba Lottery—was invited to negotiate for a 12-month interim licence. This move raised eyebrows, with some critics claiming it was simply a way for Ithuba Holdings to stay in the game.
Enter Goldrush: SA’s Casino Heavyweight Steps Up
While Ithuba’s temporary role is being ironed out, the real excitement is around what happens next. The National Lotteries Commission is preparing to hand over the reins to a new long-term operator, starting June 2026. And that’s where Goldrush enters the picture.
A consortium known as Sizekhaya—where Goldrush is the main shareholder—has been named the preferred bidder for the next eight-year lottery licence. That means, all going to plan, Goldrush and its partners will take over South Africa’s lottery from mid-2026. For local casino fans and lottery players, this is big news.
What Does Goldrush Bring to the Table?
Goldrush is no stranger to South African players. They’ve built their reputation on solid, accessible gaming—both in bricks-and-mortar venues and, more recently, through digital platforms. With deep roots in the country’s gambling industry and a presence in major provinces, they’re well-placed to take the National Lottery into a new era.
But it’s not just about brand recognition. The Sizekhaya Consortium is a heavyweight team, including major business figures from KwaZulu-Natal and a tech partner, Genlot, with experience running lotteries globally—from China to Brazil and beyond. Genlot brings not only technical muscle, but also a proven record of handling huge lottery operations and integrating modern tech.
In a rapidly evolving market, Goldrush has cemented itself as a pioneer of regulated, diverse gaming experiences. Its network spans five core verticals: Limited Payout Machines, Bingo Retail, Online Gaming, and the technology backbone, BetNova.
Operating under the leadership of Goldrush Holdings, the group prioritizes disciplined growth and operational accountability. This foundation ensures consistency across both legacy venues and digital offerings.
Retail bingo has been reimagined through Goldrush Bingo, where Electronic Bingo Terminals offer a balance of social atmosphere and efficient gameplay. These venues are locally popular gathering spots—engineered for casual fun and tightly managed operations.
Digitally, the group’s official casino portal presents a stable platform for real casino play without the clutter. BetNova supports this backend through its role as the tech infrastructure behind the group’s integrated gaming systems.
Explore the corporate structure at the Goldrush Gaming Group site.
Whether you’re passing through Ballito or dropping into Rustenburg, finding a branch at Scottburgh, browsing Hebron, or exploring Kolonnade, you’ll experience the same Goldrush standards—locally managed, nationally trusted.
What Should South African Players Expect?
For everyday players, what really matters is how this changes their experience. If Goldrush and Sizekhaya get the official go-ahead, we can expect:
- Smoother ticket sales: With a year to prepare, Goldrush will have time to roll out new systems, update equipment in shops, and train staff for a seamless switch.
- Modern digital integration: With Genlot’s backing, it’s likely South Africa’s lottery will see fresh tech, easier digital play, and more ways to buy and check tickets.
- Improved player support and local focus: Goldrush’s roots are here—they know what South African players want and how to run support in a way that works for local needs.
- Community and charity funding: The lottery isn’t just about the jackpots—ticket sales fund thousands of good causes across South Africa. A strong, stable operator is crucial to keeping this pipeline alive.
Why Was There So Much Drama?
Whenever big money’s involved, there’s bound to be controversy. Other bidders—including Wina Njalo, backed by the HCI Foundation—challenged the process in court, arguing that the outgoing operators had an unfair edge in securing the interim licence. There have also been calls for more transparency and political questions about how decisions are being made.
But for players, the main concern is continuity. The government is under pressure to ensure there’s no gap—no disruption to draws, payouts, or retailer support. That’s why a temporary licence is being negotiated while Sizekhaya/Goldrush prepares for the long haul.
Goldrush’s Growing Footprint
It’s no exaggeration to say Goldrush is everywhere these days. From casino floors in Gauteng and the Western Cape to flashy new LPM lounges and now the lottery stage, they’ve shown they can deliver a solid, South African-first gaming experience. Their expansion into the lottery is just the latest step in a bold growth story.
The move also marks a major moment for local business in an industry often dominated by international operators. With a team that spans seasoned local entrepreneurs, global lottery specialists, and deep South African roots, the next phase promises to be uniquely tailored to local players.
What Happens Next?
If the current plan holds, Ithuba Lottery (the interim operator) will keep the lights on until mid-2026. Behind the scenes, Goldrush and the Sizekhaya Consortium will use the next year to get their systems in place, manufacture and distribute ticketing terminals, and build the infrastructure for an updated, modern lottery.
Once they take over, expect big changes: new games, better digital access, and (hopefully) more ways to win. For Goldrush, it’s an eight-year ticket to the top of South African gaming. For players, it’s the start of a new chapter in local lottery history.
Whether you’re a die-hard lotto player or just follow the headlines, Goldrush’s rise from casino floors to lottery powerhouse is a story worth watching. With fresh tech, deep local expertise, and a growing national presence, they’re poised to shape how South Africans play—and win—for years to come.
Watch this space—the Goldrush is only just beginning.
Article source ::
https://groundup.org.za/article/ithuba-poised-to-run-sas-lottery-for-next-12-months/
