PowerBall Rules & Odds Explained: Everything SA Players Need to Know

PowerBall is South Africa's biggest jackpot game. Draws happen every Tuesday and Friday at 21:00 SAST, with jackpots that start at R50 million, roll over frequently, and have reached over R232 million.

How to play

Pick 5 numbers from 1 to 50, plus 1 PowerBall number from 1 to 16. A single board costs R10. You can add PowerBall XTRA for an extra R5 — your numbers then also play a second draw with its own jackpot. PowerBall Plus was discontinued in June 2026.

Prize divisions and odds

• Division 1: Match 5 + PowerBall — 1 in 33,900,160 (Jackpot)
• Division 2: Match 5 — 1 in 2,118,760
• Division 3: Match 4 + PowerBall — 1 in 150,667
• Division 4: Match 4 — 1 in 10,045
• Division 5: Match 3 + PowerBall — 1 in 3,424
• Division 6: Match 3 — 1 in 228
• Division 7: Match 2 + PowerBall — 1 in 239
• Division 8: Match 1 + PowerBall — 1 in 46
• Division 9: PowerBall only — 1 in 28

Why PowerBall jackpots grow so big

PowerBall jackpots are parimutuel — they come from ticket sales. The odds of winning Division 1 are about 1 in 33.9 million, which means jackpots roll over frequently. Each rollover adds to the next draw's jackpot, creating massive prize pools.

PowerBall vs SA Lotto

SA Lotto has better odds of winning Division 1 (1 in 20.4 million vs 1 in 33.9 million for PowerBall), but PowerBall jackpots are typically much larger. Choose based on whether you prefer better odds (Lotto) or bigger prizes (PowerBall).