MTN probed for ‘illegal lottery’
Board spokesman Sershen Naidoo said MTN has been asked to explain the workings of a new SMS-based competition launched to celebrate the network operator’s 15th birthday.
“What is under investigation is how the winner is determined. If it is done through a draw or by chance, then it is an illegal lottery. MTN does not have a licence to conduct a lottery,” Naidoo said.
The competition entails subscribers answering general knowledge questions at a cost of R7.50 an SMS.
“Thousands” of prizes are up for grabs, says the SMS sent to MTN subscribers. One entrant has allegedly spent R15000 so far in the competition.
Naidoo said that if the competition was found to be skills-based, it would be acceptable.
“We have received calls and e-mails from subscribers regarding the competition. Our focus is to establish whether this is a lottery or not. If it is, it has to stop immediately . Entrants also need to be careful when they participate in competitions,” he added.
The board is also investigating e.tv’s Game Time competition to determine if it is a lottery.
The furore comes after Vodacom’s Winikhaya [win a house] competition was canned in February.
MTN spokeswoman Bridgette Bhengu said the company “has ensured that [the game] is skills-based”.
“MTN will provide users with regular updates to ensure that they are aware of how much they have spent on the game.
“The cost of each SMS is clearly communicated on each SMS sent. Players have the option of simply ignoring the SMS or they can reply STOP to opt out free,” she said.
MTN SMS competition discussion
The Times
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