ITHUBA numbers have proof of integrity!
ITHUBA and RNG vendor Szrek2Solutions confirm the validity of the surprising draw results
On December 1, 2020 surprising draw results raised attention world-wide. The numbers drawn in the South African Powerball drawing were: 8, 5, 9, 7, 6, in this order, and the Powerball number was 10. When sorted from lowest to highest, these numbers created a sequence 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 which raised general suspicion of foul play. These concerns were quickly addressed and the validity of the draw was attested to by ITHUBA and recognized by the South African National Lotteries Commission. The proof of the validity of the draw relies on the unique properties of the Trusted Draw™ Random Number Generator (RNG) system, whose technology verifies the integrity of each and every draw.
“Unlikely number sequences can and will occur, and recognizing the importance of integrity and transparency, ITHUBA selected an RNG system that enables us to prove the integrity of the draw numbers to our players,”
said Busisiwe Msizi, ITHUBA’s spokesperson.
Watch Ray Bates, Honorary President of the European Lotteries and Past-President of the Irish National Lottery, statistical analysis on how often we might expect to see unusual sequences occur in lotteries around the world.
A group of experts from the lottery industry met for NASPL Insights Direct, to discuss the unusual draw, it’s implications for players, stakeholders, and lottery executives. The panel examines everything about the South African draw, featuring the draw video and the Powerball game slip, while putting the event into relevant context for the international lottery industry. Special thanks to the diverse group of panelists Ray Bates, Gust Fritsche, David Boda, Charmaine Mabuza, Brendan Burns, and Helena Pereira, who offered important information pertaining to the December 1 draw and lottery integrity in general.
We explain below: (1) how draw integrity is ensured by Szrek’s RNG method, (2) the reason for many winners, and (3) the statistics behind draw patterns.
1) Draw integrity: a unique feature of Szrek’s patented RNG technology is that it enables verification of the specific draw numbers (US patent # 6,934,846) and detects 100% of draw hardware faults and software fraud. The technology which is based on nonrepudiation also allows for proving the integrity of legitimate, even if surprising, combinations. For each draw, the Trusted Draw™ RNG system creates proof of integrity which is then verified by an independent Trusted Audit™ system. This verification confirms the randomness and authenticity of the draw numbers. Also, the Internal Control System (ICS) automatically verifies with Trusted Audit the draw numbers used by the gaming system, attesting to their validity. The Szrek RNG has been certified over 25 times by numerous independent labs, including Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).
The Powerball draw of December 1st 2020 was verified by ITHUBA Officials and their Independent Auditors using Trusted Audit. Szrek2Solutions also verified the results after the draw had taken place. The draw verified correctly – all draw reports on the draw and audit systems were identical. Such verification allows us to confirm that there were no hardware or software issues and that all the numbers were drawn properly.
“It was verified for its correctness and randomness, so we can warrant the integrity of this draw. Any independent entity, such as a regulator or external auditor, with access to our Trusted Audit technology can verify the integrity and randomness of all draws,” said Irena Szrek, CEO of Szrek2Solutions.
2) Many winners: there were more winners than usual because the winning numbers formed a pattern. People play numbers in patterns more often than any other numbers. These patterns include consecutive numbers, series, geometrical patterns on the bet slip, birthdays, etc. A normal consequence of the pattern in the winning numbers is that there are more winners.
3) A Statistical Analysis:
we provide a simple analysis of the likelihood of a sequence pattern occurring in the 5of50 draw. This analysis takes into account two points, (i) the series 5,6,7,8,9 is one of many (46) such sequences between 1 and 50,(ii) both Powerball and Powerball+ (another draw game with the same matrix) have been played twice a week over a period of a few years. The analysis should be performed in this context. The attached table illustrates the probability of different draw events.
The likelihood of draw results forming a pattern should be considered not as a single event, but in historic and geographic context – as an event in a global lottery environment. The key here is to have the means to conclusively verify that the numbers are correct, as we can be sure that patterns in winning numbers will occur.
“Unlikely number sequences can and will occur, and recognizing the importance of integrity and transparency, ITHUBA selected an RNG system that enables us to prove the integrity of the draw numbers to our players,” said Busisiwe Msizi, ITHUBA’s spokesperson.
We note also that the analysis in the table includes only sequential patterns; there would be a higher probability of the event occurring if we looked at all draw results that formed some type of a pattern that could be deemed ‘suspicious’ (e.g. if the numbers drawn are 2,4,6,8,10 or 5,10,15,20,25).
About ITHUBA
ITHUBA Holdings Proprietary “(RF), is the official operator of the National Lottery in South Africa. Since taking over the operation of the national lottery in 2015, ITHUBA has been living up to their objective to reinvigorate the National Lottery through optimising the consumer experience, restoring faith and trust in the National Lottery; and showcasing its positive social contribution to society. ITHUBA, proudly rooted in South Africa, is intent on contributing positively and actively to socio-economic development by producing as many millionaires as possible, as well as uplifting communities through various initiatives. ITHUBA is determined to uphold the ethical and efficient operation of the National Lottery, setting the benchmark for Lottery operations in South Africa and beyond.
About Szrek2Solutions
Szrek2Solutions is a leading provider of reliable secure electronic draw systems and high performance RNG solutions for on-line games and e-instants, offering unique RNG solutions with a proof of integrity and its independent verification. Partnering with leading vendors and lotteries, Szrek has deployed its exclusive auditable RNG platform in the US and internationally since 2005 and has an outstanding track record for its exceptional technology and excellent support. Headquartered in Rhode Island, USA, with a European office in Portugal, Szrek’s customers include, in addition to ITHUBA, Florida Lottery, IGT Corporation, Iowa Lottery, Loterie Nationale (Luxemburg), Lottomatica SpA (Italy), Texas Lottery, Sisal SpA (Italy), Scientific Games International.
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