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Luxury

LottoStar: explore high-end lifestyles and lavish experiences in the Luxury category of our blogs.

Blog: Bet on luxury to live your dream life

Major Lotteries

LottoStar invites you into the exciting world of Lotteries through our dedicated blog where we publish interesting facts from around the world.

Lotteries: Catch up on all the latest lottery news

Winners

LottoStar celebrates the jackpot wins on our thrilling games in the Winners category of our exclusive blog.

Blog: News updates on recent winners 

What would you do if you won one of the biggest payouts in the world? You would probably purchase a mansion or two, a warehouse full of sports cars, take multiple vacations across the globe, or buy an island. Some people daydream above and beyond.

These jackpot winners were creative and thought out of the box with their winnings:

John Kutey, who was one of the seven jackpot winners sharing a whopping $319 Million (over R5 Billion in South Africa), built a water park in his hometown with part of his $19 Million (over R298 Million in South Africa). It was in honour of his and his wife’s parents.

Bob Erb from Canada spent most of his $25 Million winnings (over R393 Million in South Africa) on charitable contributions. Within a year, he had donated an estimated $8 Million (over R125 Million in South Africa). Some of the causes he supported were controversial.

Peter Lavery won a life-changing $17.7 Million (over R2 Billion in South Africa). He decided to invest $5 Million (over R78 Million in South Africa) into his own whiskey company. It turned out to be one of the best decisions he made to this day, the distillery is making a profit. Instead of buying everyone a drink, he wanted to own the drinks they were buying.

The very next day after winning $3.4 Million (over R53 Million in South Africa) Greta and Tony Dodd, went out to seek the best surgeon to replace their kneecaps. Due to joint problems, Gerta couldn’t take part in dancing, her first love. With their new knees, they both can waltz back onto the dance floor.

For David Copeland, the sky is the limit wasn’t enough for him. With his $1 Million (over R15 Million in South Africa) lottery winnings, he decided to purchase pieces of land on the Moon, Mars, and Venus for undisclosed amounts.

Debbie Mather won $6 Million (over R94 Million in South Africa). As a child watching the sky filled with fireworks made her heart happy. Those memories from her childhood inspired her to start up her own fireworks business. She now makes other kids’ faces light up.

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Bizarre ways to spend your jackpot winnings!

The clock strikes midnight on January the 1st. Happy New Year! In most countries, celebrations taking place to usher in a brand-new year couldn’t be more unique.

Here are some bizarre ways different corners of the globe celebrate New Year’s:

Spaniards will eat exactly 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight to honour the tradition that started in the late 19th century. The tradition started in the 1800s by vine growers in the Alicante area. This was a means to sell more grapes towards the end of the year. Today, locals enjoy eating a grape to represent the first 12 bell strikes after midnight in the hope it will bring good fortune and prosperity in the new year.

In Scotland, New Year’s Eve is considered an extremely important day with the official name, Hogmanay. One of the most famous traditions the Scottish observe is first footing. It is believed that a male with dark hair should be the first person to cross through the threshold of your house after midnight to bring you good luck in the coming year.

Traveling to Brazil to celebrate New Year’s? Don’t be surprised when you come across the oceans covered with white flowers. Its common practice in the South American country to go to the shores to make an offering to Yemoja. She is said to control the seas. The flowers are used to elicit her blessings for the new year.

In Russia, it’s considered a Russian holiday tradition for two divers, fondly known as, Father Frost and the Ice Maiden to venture into the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. The divers take a New Year Tree along with them. The temperature is normally well below freezing on New Year’s Eve, but that doesn’t stop travels from all over the world in partaking in the frozen event.

On New Year’s Eve, festive activities in Ecuador are LIT! Literally, they are lit up by bonfires. Effigies are at the center of these bonfires. They represent pop culture icons, politicians, and other figures from the previous year. This burning practice is called, “año Viejo,” or “old year”. Held at the end of every year to cleanse the world and to make room for the good to come.

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Unique New Year’s traditions from around the world!

It’s Christmas time, but not everyone is putting up and decorating their Christmas trees, opening up prezzies in the morning, or placing a plate of cookies and milk for Santa by the fireplace.

Here are some weird and wacky Christmas traditions from around the world:

You will not find any turkeys roasting in the oven in Japan. Their traditional Christmas dinner is KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). Smart marketing campaigns and tiny Japanese ovens have convinced locals that fried chicken is a traditional American Yuletide feast. Reservations have to be made to eat at KFC on Christmas Day. An online service had to be created because of the high demand.

In Norway, it's believed that Christmas Eve coincides with the arrival of evil spirits and witches. So, it’s only logical that Norwegian homeowners hide all their brooms before they go to sleep. Surely no one wants their Christmas spoilt by finding their broom broken into pieces in their garden.

The week leading up to Christmas, Venezuelans attend a daily church service called Misa de Aguinaldo, which translates to Early Morning Mass. It is customary to travel to the church service on roller skates. Due to the popular practice, many roads in the capital city, Caracas, are closed until 8am for service attendees to travel safely.

Spare a thought for the poor tykes next time you find yourself complaining about the same food being prepared for Christmas lunch. Every year on Christmas, they have to tuck into mattak – raw whale skin with a little blubber and kiviak, which is made by wrapping an auk (a small arctic bird) in seal skin then burying it for several months and eating it as decomposed flesh.

Every year on the 5th of December in the evening, children in Germany leave a shoe or boot outside of their bedroom door. The next morning if they have been good, they will wake up to find their shoe filled with sweets. If they have been naughty, they will find a branch. It’s the best option to leave the newest pair of shoes.

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Unusual Christmas Traditions Worldwide!

 has crowned a new millionaire in Gauteng. The five lucky Golden Ticket recipients battled it out on Wednesday, 8 December, in the 947 studio for the ultimate R1 Million grand prize which was won by Maletsatsi Mayema. We interviewed the new lucky millionaire and this is what she had to say:

1. How does it feel to be Jozi's NEWEST Millionaire?


It feels awesome. It’s a great feeling that I can’t really explain.

2. Did you have a feeling that you'd win?


Yes, I did. I woke with this great feeling that something great was about to happen and it did.

3. What was going through your mind when the money wheel was spinning in the final round?

My stomach was turning throughout the whole thing. I couldn’t even look at the spinning wheel but in my mind, I kept on calling out the colour ‘green’.


It will go towards my children’s education, renovating my house and paying off some of my debts.

5. Was this the first time entering any of LottoStar's competitions?


Yes. I always wanted to enter LottoStar’s previous competitions but for some odd reason, I never did. However, this time around I saw that R1 Million grand prize advertised and I knew that I had to enter.

6. Have you ever won anything before with LottoStar?


I love the ScratchCard games because they are very entertaining and within my budget. I was not even obsessed with winning the massive payouts on the major lotteries.


I’m very grateful and would like to say thank you to LottoStar for making my dream of becoming a millionaire possible. I took a leap of faith by entering the Summer of Millions competition and it paid off in the end. I also love how LottoStar always gives back to charity. I’m a giver myself and always give back to the children in my community through my local NGO. LottoStar really put a smile on my face and I will also be doing the same for my local charity.

LottoStar Crowns Joburg's Newest Millionaire!

A fearless female is a woman that is confident, inspirational and always ready to take on challenges head on. Ayanda MVP, from 947, sat down for an interview with LottoStar’s CEO, Tasoulla Hadjigeorgiou, to discuss what makes her a fearless leader in the male dominated gaming industry.

Please tell Joburg a brief overview of your career.

I started out like any typical Greek girl. I was expected to go to varsity then get married. At first, I thought I wanted to study auditing or accounting but down the line I realised that this is not for me even after doing my articles. I wanted to be in the middle of the action. To my amazement, I ended up in jewellery retail. That was an exciting time in my life but it was hard work. At the tender age of 30, I decided that I’m taking a break. I was presented with an opportunity to join a gaming company, during that time that’s when I met my husband and I was bitten by the gaming bug.

How did the gaming industry entice you as a career?

My husband comes up with ideas and I execute them. Gaining trust from different entities amongst the gaming industry such as the gaming boards, competitors etc. was hard work. For the longest time women weren’t welcome in industries that were male dominated especially the gaming industry. I’m proud to say that there are a lot of women on the rise within the gaming industry now.

You once stated in a magazine that 70% of your colleagues are women.

All my departments are headed up by females except my development department. We are consistently working towards staying ahead of the curve and staying current. At LottoStar, we have 1 rule which is 80% passion and 20% work.

How often do you take time out for yourself to rest and switch off?

Once every 3 months, my husband and I disappear for a week. We don’t completely switch off. When we do have an opportunity, we check emails to catch up and see what’s going on. Since Covid hit, we’ve all fallen into a mundane routine. That’s inspired us to try our best to stay active and healthy.

How did you overcome and survive the challenges that you have faced through the years to get to where you are today?

It’s very challenging. We follow the theory of not giving up when circumstances get tough. For example, if at night we have an influx of players, we all jump in to help the call centre.

Surviving and being fair. You’ve got to know when to hold them and when to fold them. Also know when to apologise.

If 10-year-old Tasoulla was listening, what would you tell her?

I would tell her to learn how to be more diplomatic.

Would you need a degree to work in your industry?

There is no specific degree to obtain to enter the gaming industry but education is important.

Is there a quote that you use for inspiration?

In the famous words of Serena Williams, “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous. Be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.”

Meet LottoStar’s ‘Fearless Female’ leader!

LottoStar donated R60,000 to a 2-year-old burn survivor, Willow. Little Willow got severely burnt under horrific conditions and needs to undergo medical care for the injuries she sustained.


In addition to the R60,000 donation, LottoStar will be contributing vouchers towards little Willow and her family, for the next 12 months which will go towards helping the family with basic necessities.


We came across little Willow’s story on #MomLife, a Facebook community group which is ran by Celeste Loubser, the group aims to empower mothers across the country. With over eighty thousand members, they raise funds to cover medical bills to help moms and women in need of everyday essentials.


Furthermore, for the past 10 years, #MomLife has been raising funds for CANSA and a select of children homes across South Africa.


On Sunday, 7 November 2021, an exclusive event to help raise funds for little Willow took place. The funds raised will go towards her outstanding medical bills for past skin grafts, future laser treatments, reconstructive face surgery, hair transplants and skin procedures.


Thanks to LottoStar, little Willow and her family will be able to pay for medical costs and future procedures with the R60,000 donation.

LottoStar donates R60,000 to a burn survivor!

Meet Cape Town’s newest millionaire, Noleen Marais from Kraaifontein. She won the R1 Million grand prize in 

Fate was in favour of Noleen as the colour blue followed her to the final round where she was finally crowned an instant millionaire.

The popular Cape Town music station held a live event during the flagship breakfast show in collaboration with LottoStar.

Marais says the prize money will help her provide for her son.

“I am overwhelmed with joy. This morning I tearily and anxiously made my way to the Kfm 94.5 studios - leaving my baby with a friend for the first time. This has been a tough year as a single mom to my fourteen-month-old boy. Thank you Kfm 94.5 and LottoStar for turning my year around and for helping me create a brighter future for my son”, Noleen Marais, R1 million winner in the LottoStar Y

LottoStar and Kfm 94.5 declared the month of October 

 by offering listeners the opportunity to create goodwill for a chance to win a share of hundreds of thousands of rands.

Kfm 94.5 station manager Stephen Werner says the collaboration reinforced the station's commitment to transforming lives.

This promotion is part of Kfm 94.5's ongoing commitment to making life-changing radio in the communities we serve. Over the past three weeks, we've had so many worthy winners on-air, sharing unbelievable stories of what a difference the money will make in their lives. But it's not just about making millionaires and giving away cash. We are also strong supporters of community outreach which is why the campaign supports the fantastic work done by Gift of the Givers, Stephen Werner, Kfm 94.5 Station Manager.

LottoStar’s Maria Pavli says this morning's competition was the Cape's biggest ever cash prize handed over during one single radio show.

"We’re happy to have partnered with our radio friends, Kfm 94.5 to change and touch people’s lives. A big thank you to the Kfm 94.5 listeners who participated and played their part in raising R1 million for Gift of the Givers which will go towards supporting food security, healthcare, and childcare in the Western Cape", Pavli adds.

LottoStar crowns a new millionaire in Cape Town!

Who wants to be a millionaire this summer? With LottoStar’s 

 competition with 947 you could win a share of R1 Million in cash, daily, for you and charity.

In the spirit of giving back and changing lives, for the next 3 weeks you will be raising funds for Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust which will go towards renovating and upgrading paediatric and neonatal units or facilities across South Africa.

Every child’s life is precious, therefore, they have a right to basic health care. However, in South Africa, there are too many kids without access to proper healthcare.

Children from disadvantaged backgrounds have no choice but to wait long periods before receiving adequate health and life-changing procedures which in turn leads to long-term complications. Due to such, children and their families have no choice but to wait up to one and a half years to receive treatment.

The aim of Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust is to shorten the waiting period of children awaiting life-changing surgeries. In most cases, children wait one and a half years for surgery which results in long-term complications due to lack of facilities or facilities not being in great conditions for use.

Furthermore, Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust uses the donations to refurbish those facilities and provide new equipment.

There are currently two paediatric admissions or trauma units in South Africa. One is in Sebokeng, in the South of Johannesburg, and the other is in Tygerberg Children’s Hospital, in the Western Cape.

The organization has medical training programmes that are linked with medical universities where graduate doctors train and develop their skills.

Carte Blanche, Make A Difference Trust

 Your Month of Millions competition with 

 The past three weeks have been nothing short of amazing. This week’s contributions will go towards childcare through the 

South Africa is a country where children have equal rights under the Constitution, but the situations and life experiences they are born into are very unequal. This remains a continuous challenge in our country.Gift of the Givers has stepped in to help.

With little to no funding, these hospitals or clinics located in rural areas are unable to purchase new supplies that are needed. Upon Gift of the Givers organisation visiting these areas, they established that there is a shortage of crucial medical supplies that are needed such as cots, baby formula, wipes, and diapers.

The first week's contributions were dedicated towards food security. With a focus on interventions across various areas such as establishing vegetable gardens in underprivileged areas, food parcels, and supplying hot meals to different care centres.

The second week's contributions were directed towards medical causes. Gift of the Givers has a dedicated team of highly skilled and diverse medical specialists to lend support and assist in disadvantaged areas. They help aid in the distribution of wheelchairs, walking aids and operates a Hearing Testing and Hearing Loss Programme at schools for needy children.

Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest disaster response organisation in Africa. To unite people, make a real, telling difference by serving mankind for the ‘Greater Good’. Furthermore, they assist the needy, irrespective of race, religion, class, or geographical location.

As the competition comes to a close, LottoStar and Gift of the Givers would like to extend a huge thank you to all our participants. You’ve truly made a massive difference. Stay tuned for more life-changing moments.

To help assist towards these various causes, please visit the Gift of the Givers page to 

PART 3 | LottoStar’s Your Month of Millions Competition Supports Communities

Responsible Betting – LottoStar Leads the Way in Player Wellbeing 

Jacqueline’s Fortune Frenzy: A Sweet Pick That Won Her R1 Million

And the winner is... Liza! 

Our Mega winner is CACHE-ing out in style. 

Golden LottoStar Win for Lucky Player - A.H 

LottoStar’s Mega Winner Bags R28.6 Million on Slot Game 

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In the News

Take Off to R50 Million: LottoStar’s Aviator Just Raised the Stakes!