b-on | Mobile Takeover

South Africa’s national lottery operator, Gidani recently reported that it will offer a new method of playing the Lotto through cellphone banking, ATMs and online banking using mobile gambling B-On service, a gaming technology supplied by Intralot of Greece. The new method will enable players to access services exclusively through their First National Bank account.

This probably comes as shocking news, especially considering that FNB was forced to close its “million a month” savings accounts because the Lotto saw it as an infringement of its government monopoly. But it is not surprising that they are the first option, because when it comes to cellphone banking FNB appears to be in the lead with 1.5 million mobile customers, and then followed by Absa with 1.3 million.

The new Lotto agreement, which was signed recently, will allow players to participate using their mobile telephones and through facilities linked to their bank accounts, customers can play the lottery digitally. At the moment the service will only be through FNB of South Africa, but other banking institutions may be added in the near future.

The gaming technology and services provider operates in over 50 countries on five continents, supplying gaming and transaction processing systems, innovative game content, and sports betting management to state-licensed gaming organizations in standard lottery, betting and video lottery.

The Intralot Interactive subsidiary will be providing the B-On gaming platform, which includes player club services, multi-channel support and e-payment and e-marketing services. The platform features various multi-player mobile and Internet gaming capabilities and can also support a wide range of game types involving skill, knowledge and chance.

FNB customers using online banking and cellphone banking channels now have immediate access to the Lotto. ATM play is being rolled out in phases, and by 11 August 2009 customers were able to play the lottery at all approved FNB ATMs.

Secure connections

The added advantage of secure online banking is a huge plus for the new development. Banking channels are a sure-fire way of ensuring the profile of each player instantly, and will go a long way in eliminating unlawful participation in the lottery.

Chairman and CEO for Gidani, Bongani Khumalo hopes that with the new system underage people will effectively be restricted from participation and that the potential challenge of excessive gambling will also be easily controlled and firmly handled since.

Obviously, a move of this magnitude requires proper working measures in place, and CEO of Mobile and Transact Solutions at FNB, Len Pienaar is convinced its technology will meet the necessary requirements. It is definitely not a simple project when it comes to the changes the bank needed to implement in order for it to take off.

Purchases will be secure, as each channel of play will sit behind existing authentication systems. Tickets are only digitally redeemable and winnings will also only be paid out into players’ accounts, ensuring the money is received by the correct person. Winnings of up to R50 000 are automatically paid into the player’s FNB account.

If a player wins more than R50 000, FNB will contact them to explain how to claim the prize money according to national lottery regulations. In the move to digital sales and virtual tickets, it is crucial to ensure the process flows and makes sense in the digital world, and that connections between Gidani and FNB work and are properly maintained.