PowerBall is a popular lottery game in South Africa, offering players the chance to win substantial cash prizes.
The game is well-known for its large jackpots and straightforward rules, making it accessible and exciting for participants.
How to play PowerBall
Playing PowerBall is simple and can be done in-store, online, or via mobile. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose Your Numbers: Select five main numbers from a pool of 1 to 50 and one PowerBall number from a pool of 1 to 20. If you prefer not to choose, you can opt for a Quick Pick where the numbers are randomly generated for you.
- Buy a Ticket: Tickets can be purchased from authorised retailers across South Africa, online through the official lottery website, or via mobile apps. Each line of numbers costs R5. If you add the PowerBall Plus option, it costs an additional R2.50 per line.
- Multiple Entries: You can play multiple lines on a single ticket and also enter your numbers for multiple draws in advance. This can be done by marking the appropriate options on your bet slip or online.
- Check 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 those drawn to win prizes.
Winning and Prizes
The PowerBall jackpot is won by matching all five main numbers plus the PowerBall.
However, there are eight other prize divisions, allowing players to win even if they don’t hit the jackpot. Prizes are awarded for matching as few as just the PowerBall number.
The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 42,375,200, but the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 18. The highest prize ever won in South Africa was over R232 million.
PowerBall Plus
PowerBall Plus is an additional game that gives players a second chance to win.
By opting in for an extra fee, the same set of numbers entered for PowerBall is entered into a secondary draw with slightly lower prizes but the same winning odds.
PowerBall draws are held every Tuesday and Friday at 21:00 and broadcast live on Etv (channel 194 on DStv).
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.
