Lottery operator Ithuba is vehemently denying allegations that its jackpots are rigged, following a recent R124 million PowerBall win that sparked online speculation. Social media users are claiming the lottery is manipulated, with jackpots allegedly being won by individuals connected to the company.
Viral Claims of Lottery Manipulation
A viral message on X (formerly Twitter), purportedly from a former Ithuba employee, alleges that jackpot wins are being manipulated to secure the renewal of Ithuba’s license. The anonymous poster claimed that jackpots are not awarded randomly, but are instead directed to individuals close to the company.
Another viral message, shared by a verified user, echoed these claims, alleging that Ithuba is paying people to create buzz around PowerBall jackpots.
Ithuba's Strong Denial
In response to these allegations, Ithuba has strongly denied any wrongdoing, reaffirming its commitment to fairness, transparency, and integrity. The lottery operator stated that all draws are conducted using a secure, independently audited process that is fully automated and free from human intervention.
- Ithuba insists on fairness and transparency.
- Draws are independently audited.
- Process is fully automated.
Ithuba further stated that the R124 million winner purchased their ticket through the Absa banking app, reinforcing the message that “anyone, anywhere, can win.” The company emphasized that it does not, and cannot, know or influence who the next winner will be.
The controversy highlights the challenges of maintaining public trust in large-scale lottery systems and the rapid spread of misinformation online. Ithuba faces the task of convincing the public that its processes are legitimate and that everyone has a fair chance of winning.