In the wake of the quietly announced shake-up in South Africa’s National Lottery — with Sizekhaya Holdings set to take over from Ithuba in 2026 — we decided to dig deeper into one of the key players behind the scenes: Goldrush Gaming Group. Far from being just another name in the gambling industry, Goldrush has quietly built one of the most expansive, diversified, and politically significant gaming empires in the country. What we found was a web of influence, infrastructure, and innovation that goes far beyond bingo halls and online slots. Here are the cold facts.
Goldrush Is About to Run South Africa’s National Lottery
In 2026, Goldrush becomes a national household name. Through its 50% stake in Sizekhaya Holdings, Goldrush will oversee the entire National Lottery system for an eight-year term starting 1 June 2026. Sizekhaya beat out several high-profile contenders and replaces Ithuba as the operator after a highly publicized bidding war. Sunday World, 28 May 2025
The Group’s Lottery Tech Partner Runs Lotteries in Five Countries
Sizekhaya’s tech partner, Genlot, is a major Chinese lottery system provider with operations in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Brazil, and Jamaica, claiming a 19% global market share. This means the infrastructure behind South Africa’s lottery will now align with systems used by millions globally. GroundUp, 28 May 2025
The Group’s Parent Company Is JSE-Listed
Goldrush Gaming Group is majority owned by Goldrush Holdings Ltd, a company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange under the ticker GRSP. Formerly known as RECM and Calibre (RAC), it rebranded in 2024 to reflect its flagship asset. Moneyweb Company Data: GRSP
Goldrush Is One of the Oldest Bingo Operators in South Africa
Goldrush received its first bingo licences in Gauteng in 1998, and officially launched South Africa’s first licensed bingo hall on 1 October of that year—well before the advent of online casinos or modern slot regulation. Goldrush Corporate Profile
It Operates Bingo Venues Across 6 Provinces
Today, Goldrush runs licensed bingo halls in Gauteng (7), Mpumalanga (3), KwaZulu-Natal (2), North-West (3), Eastern Cape (9), and Limpopo (3). That’s 27 live venues—more than any other bingo operator in the country. Goldrush Group Location Breakdown
They Run South Africa’s Most Diverse Gambling Operation
Goldrush’s footprint spans almost every form of legal gambling: bingo, LPMs (slots), online casino, sportsbooks, crash games, esports, lottery, and route operations in taverns and pubs. This makes it one of the most diversified operators on the continent.
Licensed in All Nine Provinces
Very few operators hold licences in all 9 of South Africa’s provinces. Goldrush does – covering online, bingo, LPMs, and betting. It’s a regulatory feat that speaks to two decades of local compliance.
Goldrush Employs Over 2,000 People
As of 2025, Goldrush directly employs around 2,000 staff across its various divisions—from call center agents to bingo floor managers, game designers, and regional sportsbook traders.
Goldrush Online Casino Supports 7 Provincial Licences
Goldrush.co.za is regulated by seven provincial gambling boards, including the Northern Cape Gambling and Racing Board. This multilayered oversight ensures secure gameplay across all products—slots, live games, and sports bets.
Their Online Platform Offers 20-Minute Payouts
Most casino withdrawals in South Africa take 24–48 hours. Goldrush has optimized its payment system for 20-minute average withdrawals, with full ZAR support and zero currency conversion required.
The Site Features Games from 10+ Global Providers
Goldrush Online isn’t just local. It partners with Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil, NETENT, Red Tiger, Booming Games, EGT, and more—offering a tier-one international experience to South African players.
They Offer Crash and Skill-Based Games Like Aviator and Skyward
Beyond typical slots, Goldrush hosts real-time crash games like Aviator and Skyward, offering rising multipliers where timing your exit means the difference between profit and bust. Skyward is exclusive to Goldrush.
The New Lottery Deal Faces Legal Hurdles
Despite the 2026 contract win, Sizekhaya Holdings’ upcoming takeover is clouded by litigation. Wina Njalo, a rival bidder, and political groups like EFF and BOSA have raised transparency concerns, pushing for court reviews.
Goldrush’s Route Operation Licences Extend Beyond SA
Goldrush operates LPMs (limited payout machines) across venues in Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, and Northern Cape, plus it holds national licensing rights in Lesotho—marking its regional reach.
Goldrush Is Already Operating in Lesotho
Lesotho is not just on the radar—Goldrush already has an active LPM operation there. This marks one of the few cross-border LPM operations licensed by a South African group.
African Expansion Plans Include 7 Countries
Goldrush is preparing entry into Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Botswana, with Canada and Latin America also flagged for exploration. If these plans materialize, Goldrush will become one of Africa’s few truly multi-national gambling operators.
Goldrush Is the Power Behind Sizekhaya Holdings
Though Sizekhaya Holdings won the lottery licence, it’s Goldrush that provides both the operational muscle and financial backbone. With a 50% stake, Goldrush controls half the consortium, positioning itself as the de facto force shaping the lottery’s future.
Goldrush Backed Its Bid with Private Sector Giants
The remaining half of Sizekhaya is held by politically and commercially influential South Africans — Moses Tembe and Sandile Zungu — both well-established figures in KZN’s business community, and directors of Bellamont Gaming.
Goldrush Casino Offers More Than Just Slots
Unlike typical online casinos focused solely on slot machines, Goldrush Online also features live game shows, table games, crash games, virtual sports, and BetGames. Their real-money catalogue includes Crazy Time, Dream Catcher, Lucky 7, and Dice Duel.
They Operate a Fully Integrated Affiliate Network
Goldrush runs a dedicated affiliate portal via goldrush.partnersaff.com, offering commission models and high-converting campaigns across its online properties. This expands its reach through SEO, content marketing, and influencer tie-ins. Goldrush Affiliate Programme
Goldrush Offers Betting on Politics, Pop Culture, and Even Space Missions
Through its “Special Bets” category, Goldrush lets players wager on presidential elections, TV award shows, international events, and even space launch outcomes—mirroring the novelty betting seen on global platforms. Goldrush Sportsbook Specials
Their Sportsbook Features Advanced Betting Tools
The sportsbook includes Cash Out, Bet Builder, Multi Bet Boost, and Boosted Odds. These tools aren’t just gimmicks — they let players hedge bets, increase payouts on combos, and create custom wagers with higher potential returns.
Goldrush Offers Instant Lucky Number Bets on 50+ Global Lotto Draws
With fixed-odds betting on lotteries like UK49s, Gosloto, SA Powerball, and Mega Millions, Goldrush allows users to bet on international lotto results without buying a ticket — just pick the outcome and stake. Goldrush Lucky Numbers
They Publish Monthly Zodiac Betting Horoscopes
Goldrush is one of the only South African casinos to issue monthly betting horoscopes via its blog and newsletter. These editorial pieces suggest lucky numbers and gaming moods based on star signs — blending astrology with entertainment betting. Goldrush Blog
Most Withdrawals Happen in Under 20 Minutes
Goldrush’s instant EFT and voucher-based withdrawal methods (via Ozow, SnapScan, 1Voucher, OTT) mean players often get paid in under half an hour, making it one of the fastest-paying legal platforms in the country.
Goldrush Accepts American Express—A Rare Option in SA Gambling
While Visa and Mastercard are industry standard, few SA gambling sites accept American Express due to risk protocols. Goldrush is one of the few to support Amex, opening the door for premium cardholders.
The Platform Was Built with Local Currency in Mind
Unlike many offshore casinos that require USD or crypto, Goldrush’s platform was engineered from the start to run on South African Rands (ZAR), eliminating the need for exchange fees or international transfer delays.
Goldrush Operates 24/7 Support Across Multiple Channels
Customer service is available via phone, live chat, email, and social media. The support team is locally based and fully trained to deal with everything from password resets to bonus disputes and deposit tracing.
Their Website Acts as a Scam Filter for Impostor Brands
Goldrush launched GoldrushLogin.co.za and GoldrushRegister.co.za as official portals to protect South African players from phishing scams, fake bonus offers, and illegally operated casino clones. Each site also features a tongue-in-cheek “Whack-a-Scammer” game — poking fun at the frustrating reality that international crime syndicates behind many illegal gambling sites are nearly impossible to track or prosecute. These consumer-facing platforms serve as both a security tool and a public awareness campaign against the rising wave of gambling-related digital fraud in South Africa.
The Group’s Corporate Website Lists All Verified Licences
To promote transparency, Goldrush Holdings publicly lists all their provincial licences and gambling activities through their official site, broken down by vertical and region. This level of disclosure is rare in the industry.
Goldrush Is Preparing to Replace Ithuba After a Controversial Extension
Despite the clear transition plan, the outgoing operator — Ithuba — was granted a 12-month extension (despite being disqualified by law). This legally contested bridge deal is now subject to court scrutiny, and may still impact the timing of Sizekhaya’s rollout. GroundUp, 2 June 2025
Goldrush Publishes Weekly Casino Strategy and Results Content
The Goldrush blog isn’t filler — it’s used to announce big wins, slot performance trends, Lucky Number guides, and sports analysis. It helps players make informed decisions based on real outcomes and insider insights.
Goldrush’s Executive Chairman Helped Engineer the Rebrand
Pieter Gerhardt Viljoen, Executive Chairman of Goldrush Holdings, was instrumental in rebranding RECM and Calibre (RAC) to Goldrush Holdings in July 2024, aligning the holding company’s identity with its most prominent asset.
The Group’s Executive Director Is a Capital Markets Veteran
Theunis Booysen de Bruyn, who serves as Executive Director, brings decades of financial management and deal-making experience to the group—critical for navigating complex license bids and cross-border expansion. Moneyweb: GRSP
Goldrush Holdings Has No Direct Employees
In a unique corporate structure, Goldrush Holdings (the listed entity) doesn’t directly employ staff. All operations are executed through its subsidiaries — this lean model keeps costs low and investment flexible.
Goldrush Was Built Through Strategic Route Operations
The group’s early scale came not from flashy casinos but strategic route operations — placing Limited Payout Machines (LPMs) in taverns, bars, and lounges across five provinces and Lesotho, building brand presence from the ground up.
It Owns Over Half of the Issued Shares in Goldrush Group
Goldrush Holdings Ltd owns 59.4% of Goldrush Gaming Group, making the parent company the single most influential shareholder and central decision-making force behind group strategy.
The Group Has a Market Cap Over R2 Billion
As of 2025, Goldrush Holdings boasts a market capitalisation exceeding R2 billion, placing it among the largest JSE-listed companies focused solely on gaming and entertainment. Moneyweb: GRSP
Goldrush Is the First Lottery Operator to Commit to Open Technology Integration
With Genlot as a partner, Goldrush via Sizekhaya plans to integrate open lottery tech, modernizing draw infrastructure and betting channels across mobile, desktop, and in-store platforms. Sunday World, 28 May 2025
They Aim to Double Contributions to Social Funds
One of Goldrush’s stated goals as incoming lottery operator is to grow contributions to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) — which received R13.5 billion from Ithuba since 2015. Magic 828, 1 June 2025
Goldrush Casinos Offer Games You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Exclusive titles like Blast and Skyward are available only through Goldrush platforms, showcasing their ability to custom-develop proprietary games in a highly regulated environment.
They Are Developing Lotto Infrastructure From Scratch
Unlike Ithuba, which inherited existing infrastructure, Sizekhaya and Goldrush must build lottery systems from the ground up — including distribution tech, ticket machines, POS integration, and staffing. Sunday World, 28 May 2025
Their Expansion Strategy Prioritizes High-Growth Frontier Markets
Goldrush has publicly declared intent to expand into Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Tanzania — countries with young populations and emerging digital economies ripe for regulated gambling growth.
They Plan to Enter the Canadian and Latin American Markets
In a bold move beyond Africa, Goldrush has identified Canada and Latin America as growth territories for its online and lottery brands — following a similar trajectory to Genlot, its Chinese partner. GroundUp, 28 May 2025
The Consortium Faces No Clear Backup Plan If Legal Action Succeeds
Despite winning the lottery licence, if the current legal challenges succeed, there is no publicly named reserve bidder. The future of SA’s lottery could remain in limbo, exposing a major governance risk. GroundUp, 2 June 2025
Goldrush Is Subject to Oversight by Seven Provincial Boards
Few operators face more regulatory scrutiny. Goldrush Online is accountable to seven separate provincial regulators, each with unique compliance frameworks for everything from bet limits to advertising.
They Plan to Introduce AI-Powered Lottery Interfaces
Sizekhaya Holdings has announced plans to modernize player experiences by incorporating AI-driven recommendations and app-based lottery tracking — including personal draw history, reminders, and claim automation.
They Use In-House Content to Educate Players, Not Just Sell
The Goldrush Blog provides weekly content includes number strategy, slot volatility guides, how to use sports bet features, and industry regulatory updates.
Goldrush Represents the Most Ambitious Attempt to Localise Gambling in SA History
By combining national lottery oversight, online casino leadership, real-world presence, and localisation through banking, language, content, and support, Goldrush isn’t just participating in SA’s gambling space — it’s defining it.
Goldrush Oversees In-Store Promotions Across Its Entire Bingo Retail Stores
Goldrush Gaming Group centrally manages and executes all in-store promotions across its extensive list of bingo venues, ensuring consistency, regulatory compliance, and strong local engagement. These promotions include everything from regional jackpot draws and daily spin-and-win events to seasonal campaigns and community-based activations. Each branch follows a national marketing strategy adapted to suit the preferences of local audiences, with support from a dedicated head office promotions teams, regional and local store management and staff. This coordinated system is implemented across all locations, including Ballito, Bela-Bela, Bushbuckridge, Chatsworth, Cresta, The Dome, Durban, Ermelo, Groblersdal, Hebron, Hillcrest, Kolonnade, Ladysmith, Mall@Reds, Malvern, Middelburg, Morula, Newmarket, Phalaborwa, Phoenix, Pietermaritzburg, Potchefstroom, Richards Bay, Rustenburg, Sanridge, Scottburgh, Stanger, Vaal, and Wonderpark. Promotional campaigns are also supported digitally via Goldrush Login, Goldrush Register, and the centralised winner showcase at GoldrushWinner.com, creating a seamless link between in-venue engagement and the group’s national online presence.
What began as a bingo operator in the late 1990s has quietly evolved into one of the most embedded gambling groups in South Africa. With a hand in everything from local betting shops to national lottery infrastructure, Goldrush is no longer just part of the industry — it’s helping define its direction. Whether that’s cause for confidence or concern depends on your view of how power, regulation, and opportunity intersect in the country’s gaming economy. Either way, Goldrush is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more often.