|
|
July 25 - In a move that has been welcomed and opposed on the same level, the national lottery operator, Gidani, has launched a facility that will allow thousands of South Africans to enter the multi million rand draw via their cell phones.
While the service will only be open to First National Bank customers for the time being, Gidani said that by the end of the year, all major banks will be offering the national lottery to their consumers in this way.
This is the first time that a national lottery is available literally at the player's fingertips on the African continent.
The lottery is now accessible to FNB customers through their phones, at ATMs and through their online banking accounts.
The new lottery service has been met by opposition by various anti gambling groups, including the National Consumer Forum.
"It makes no sense for the national lottery to be rolling out easier ways for people to start gambling," noted the chairperson of the Forum, Thami Bolani. "South Africa has one of the lowest saving rates in the world, and government needs to be urgently addressing this problem with imaginative programs and incentives."
Bolani also added that he found it ironic that the new lottery scheme was launched during National Savings Month, just at the time that South Africans should be encouraged to save whatever money they have to spare, instead of spending it on the lottery.
The matter will be taken up with the National Lotteries Board, part of the Department of Trade and Industry.
We have the latest Lotto numbers, so be sure to check with us to see if you can make Bolani eat his words!
Related Gambling Articles:
- SA Steps in to Help Problem Gambling in Botswana
- Tri-Nations Preview - Springboks vs All Blacks Second Test
- Boks are Better Says All Blacks Coach
- Intralot Comments on New SA Lotto System
- Tri Nations Rugby Odds - Boks vs All Blacks First Test
- Jordaan Predicts End of Iconic SA Rugby Stadiums
- UK Casino Group in Charity Drive for South Africa
- SA Tote Betting Goes Live With Betfair
|
|
|
