PowerBall is a widely popular lottery game in South Africa, known for its significant jackpots and straightforward gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions about PowerBall in South Africa
1. What is PowerBall?
PowerBall is a lottery game in South Africa where players pick five numbers from a pool of 1 to 50 and one PowerBall number from a pool of 1 to 20.
The goal is to match these numbers with those drawn during the lottery to win cash prizes, including a jackpot that can reach millions of rand.
2. How do I play PowerBall?
To play PowerBall, you need to:
- Select five main numbers between 1 and 50.
- Select one PowerBall number between 1 and 20.
- Purchase a ticket from an authorized retailer, online, or via mobile apps. Each line of numbers costs R5, and you can add the PowerBall Plus option for an additional R2.50 per line to increase your chances of winning.
3. What is PowerBall Plus?
PowerBall Plus is an additional game that gives players another chance to win with the same numbers they selected for PowerBall.
It costs an extra R2.50 per line. The draw takes place immediately after the main PowerBall draw, and it offers lower prizes but the same odds of winning as the main game.
4. When are PowerBall draws held?
PowerBall draws are conducted twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 21:00. The PowerBall Plus draw follows immediately after.
5. How can I check if I have won?
You can check the winning numbers through various channels:
- Online on the official lottery website.
- Via the lottery mobile app.
- By watching the live draw on TV.
- By visiting authorised retailers. Winning numbers are also published in newspapers and announced on radio stations.
6. What are the odds of winning PowerBall?
The odds of winning the PowerBall jackpot by matching all five main numbers plus the PowerBall are 1 in 42,375,200. However, there are eight other prize tiers, and the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 18.
7. How are prizes awarded in PowerBall?
Prizes in PowerBall are awarded based on how many numbers you match.
The top prize (jackpot) is won by matching all five main numbers and the PowerBall. Other prizes are awarded for matching fewer numbers, starting from just matching the PowerBall alone. Prize amounts vary and are shared among winners in each prize division.
8. How can I claim my winnings?
If you win a prize of up to R2,000, you can claim it at any authorised retailer.
For prizes between R2,001 and R50,000, you need to visit an authorised payment centre. Prizes above R50,000 must be claimed at a regional lottery office, where you’ll need to provide identification and your winning ticket.
9. Can I play PowerBall if I am not a South African resident?
Yes, non-residents can participate in PowerBall as long as they are in South Africa when purchasing the ticket. However, tickets must be purchased from authorised retailers within the country.
10. Is there an age restriction for playing PowerBall?
Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase a PowerBall ticket and claim any prizes.
