Electronic Banking has proven lucrative for FNB customers who have played LOTTO and PowerBall using the bank’s electronic channels, viz, Cellphone Banking, Online and ATM’s have received almost R80 million in winnings from Gidani, the licensed National Lottery Operator (“Gidani”).
“When we introduced LOTTO on our Cellphone Banking channel in 2009, we did not envisage this kind of take up, as LOTTO consumers were accustomed to buying their tickets at traditional retail outlets,” says Ravesh Ramlakan, CEO of FNB Cellphone Banking.
As recent as 25th May 2012, FNB Cellphone Banking had a PowerBall winner of just under R500 000. More than 1.2 million prizes have been paid to customers who woke up to find they were richer, including two who became instant millionaires.
According to FNB, the majority of its customers who buy LOTTO and PowerBall via Cellphone Banking are aged between 36 – 45 years old, with 60% of them preferring the QuickPick option, which can be played on all the electronic channels whilst 40% of its customers select their LOTTO and PowerBall numbers either Online or on FNB.mobi.
“Convenience is and has always been the common denominator when playing any lottery game on FNB’s electronic channels, in fact, safety and ease are key drivers for the uptake of this service,” notes Shadrack Palmer, Chief Commercial Officer of FNB Cellphone Banking.
FNB customers have the opportunity to play the lottery wherever they are, even in the comfort of their homes.
“Our customers do not have to wonder whether they have won or not as any winnings under R50 000 are automatically paid into their transactional banking account. For any winnings over R50 000 the customer receives a call the following day requesting them to contact Gidani to claim their winnings,” adds Palmer
FNB customers are even able to use their eBucks to purchase their LOTTO and PowerBall tickets. Customers can also view a history of their LOTTO number selection, including the option to replay their previously selected LOTTO or PowerBall numbers.
“We will continue providing innovative Cellphone Banking solutions to our customers for 24/7 convenience on the go and are currently enhancing this product offering” concludes Ramlakan.
FNB is the first and currently the only bank on the continent that offers LOTTO and PowerBall tickets through its electronic banking channels.
FNB encourages responsible play and no one under the age of 18 is allowed to purchase LOTTO and/or PowerBall tickets.
