PowerBall is a popular lottery game in South Africa where players have the chance to win significant cash prizes. The game involves picking numbers and hoping they match the numbers drawn in the official PowerBall draw.
How to play PowerBall: Here are the rules of the game
1. Choosing Your Numbers
To play PowerBall, you need to choose five main numbers from 1 to 50 and one PowerBall number from 1 to 20.
You can select your own numbers or use the Quick Pick option, which randomly generates numbers for you.
2. Buying a Ticket
You can purchase PowerBall tickets from authorised retailers, online, or via mobile apps.
Each line of numbers costs R5. If you add PowerBall Plus, it costs an extra R2.50 per line.
PowerBall Plus is an additional game that gives you another chance to win with the same numbers.
3. Multiple Entries and Draws
You can play multiple lines on a single ticket and enter your numbers for multiple draws in advance.
This can be done by marking the appropriate options on your bet slip or online.
4. Checking the Results
After purchasing your ticket, keep it safe until the draw.
You can check the results online, via the lottery app, or by watching the live draw on TV.
The goal is to match your selected numbers with the numbers drawn to win prizes.
What are the odds of winning PowerBall?
Winning the PowerBall jackpot requires matching all five main numbers plus the PowerBall.
The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 42,375,200.
However, there are also eight other prize divisions, allowing players to win even if they don’t hit the jackpot.
The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 18.
How to collect your PowerBall prize
1. Checking Your Ticket
After the draw, check your ticket against the winning numbers. You can do this online, via the lottery app, or at any authorized retailer.
2. Claiming Smaller Prizes
For prizes up to R2,000, you can claim your winnings from any authorized retailer. The money will be paid directly to you in cash.
3. Claiming Larger Prizes
For prizes between R2,001 and R49,999, you need to claim your prize at selected retailers or National Lottery regional offices.
For prizes of R50,000 and above, claims must be made at the National Lottery head office. You will need to present your winning ticket and a valid ID to claim these prizes).
PowerBall draws are held every Tuesday and Friday at 21:00. Ticket sales close 30 minutes before the draw, so make sure to purchase your tickets in time.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling can be a fun and exciting activity, but it’s important to approach it responsibly.
If you find yourself spending more time or money on gambling than you can afford, or if it’s affecting your relationships or daily life, it might be time to seek help. Here are some tips and resources to ensure responsible gambling:
Tips for Responsible Gambling
- Set Limits: Decide on a budget and stick to it. Never gamble with money that you need for essential expenses.
- Time Management: Set a time limit for your gambling activities and stick to it.
- Stay Informed: Understand the odds and the rules of the games you play.
- Balance: Ensure that gambling is just one of many leisure activities you engage in.
- Seek Help: If gambling starts to become a problem, seek help early.
Useful South African Hotlines and Resources
If you or someone you know needs help with gambling addiction, there are several resources available in South Africa:
- National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP):
- Helpline: 0800 006 008
- Website: www.responsiblegambling.org.za
- The NRGP provides free, confidential counselling and support for anyone affected by problem gambling.
- South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA):
- Helpline: 011 892 3829
- Website: www.sancanational.org.za
- SANCA offers support for a variety of addictions, including gambling.
- Lifeline South Africa:
- Helpline: 0861 322 322
- Website: www.lifelinesa.co.za
- Lifeline provides 24-hour counselling and support services for individuals facing various crises, including gambling addiction.
- Gamblers Anonymous South Africa:
- Helpline: 072 211 7107
- Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.za
- A fellowship of individuals who share their experiences to help themselves and others recover from problem gambling.
