South Africa has had more than a few LOTTO jackpot winners over the past few months. But what if you’ve won the National Lottery – and an ex-partner wants to claim part of your winnings?
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National Lottery jackpot winners often choose to be anonymous, because winning can come with associated risks for those who walk away with the cash.
Here’s how the law considers lottery winnings if you are in a relationship, married, or separated.
Winning the LOTTO
A LOTTO win or jackpot can only be claimed by the person who purchased the ticket.
According to the National Lottery’s rules, valid wins must be claimed with a ticket receipt or draw number. If you played with a ticket (and not an app or website), keep your ticket as it must be signed in order to claim your winnings.
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Large lottery wins are paid out as either a bulk sum, or in smaller amounts that make up the total of your LOTTO win.
But who can claim from your assets?
LOTTO jackpots as an asset
According to BDBPitmans.com, unmarried lottery players might be able to keep the jackpot for themselves.
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South African law, however, means that lottery winnings are considered a personal asset.
In any case where personal assets have to be divided (for example, common-law marriages or marriages in community of property), LOTTO wins could make up part of this claim.
Are your finances and assets separate, or together?
Did you win the lottery whilst you were dating, or separating?
All of these questions can impact whether someone might claim from your assets.
ALSO READ: LOTTO: How do I contact the National Lottery?
If you are not sure, contact a lawyer with experience in asset division for help.
Contact the National Lottery
Something you want to know about the National Lottery, a jackpot, or a draw?
Contact Ithuba National Lottery’s Player Helpline here: +27 80 048 4822. Retailers can use the alternative contact number +27 86 045 6886.
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