Businessperson Lloyd Mtamula from Ntchisi could not believe his luck when he hit a K84.9 million jackpot in SupaPesa’s BetYanga with a K500 stake.
He correctly predicted the outcome of 13 matches to hit gold and become an instant millionare.
Mtamula appeared baffled and bewildered during prize presentation in Blantyre on Saturday, admitting that it will take time to sink in.
He said: “When I was informed about it, I just could not believe it. It felt like a dream.
“It is the first time it has happened to me. I am excited, my life has changed and I thank SupaPesa for launching this betting platform, it is helping many Malawians.”
On what he plans to do with the money, Mtamula took a long breath and said: “For now, I really don’t know.
I haven’t thought about it. I think I need a bit of time to plan on how best I am going to invest the money.”
He said he has been betting for sometime, but this was the first time to win big.
SupaPesa Company Limited chief executive officer Richard Makondi said as a betting firm, they are excited because their dreams are being fulfilled.
He said: “It is a great day for us. As a Malawian company, we are excited that it is Malawians that are making a fortune through BetYanga.
“Our games are very simple because when you predict 13 games correctly, you hit the jackpot. It is as simple as that.”
However, Makondi had a word of caution for betters: “We would like to urge people to be betting responsibly.”
On whether the K84.9 million jackpot will affect SupaPesa’s financial standing, he said: “We are happy when people win. When some people suggested that we are going to close shop, I just laughed it off because that is what we expect.
“There are conditions which a company is supposed to meet before being issued with a betting licence and financial capacity is one of them.”
Makondi also said Mtamula’s prize money was already deposited in his account before the symbolic presentation.
National Lotteries Board licensing officer Bonafansio Chiputu thanked SupaPesa for meeting its obligations to honour prizes.
He said: “They are following all the rules and regulations of betting which is commendable.”
Chiputu also had a word of caution for betters, saying: “Betting offers opportunity for participants to win. It is not a source of making money, rather it is platform for entertainment.”
Recently, another man from Ntchisi, Paulo Kamchewere, also won K4.8 million through BetYanga which has slightly over 500 000 subscribers.
