South Africa Powerball vs Powerball Plus: Which Should You Play in 2025?
Are you dreaming of hitting the jackpot and changing your life overnight? In South Africa, the National Lottery’s Powerball draws have created countless millionaires since their launch. But with two exciting options—South Africa Powerball and Powerball Plus—many players wonder: South Africa Powerball vs Powerball Plus, which should you play?
As of November 2025, Powerball jackpots are rolling over faster than ever, with recent draws pushing prizes into the hundreds of millions of rands. Whether you’re a seasoned lotto enthusiast or a newbie dipping your toes into the game, understanding the differences can help you make a smarter bet. In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything from rules and odds to prizes and strategies. By the end, you’ll know exactly which (or both!) to choose for your next ticket.
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Let’s dive in and uncover why Powerball Plus might just be the secret weapon for doubling your dreams—without breaking the bank.
What is South Africa Powerball? A Quick Overview
Launched in 2009, South Africa Powerball is one of the country’s most popular lottery games, known for its massive jackpots and thrilling draws. It’s operated by Ithuba National Lottery and has paid out billions in prizes over the years.
How to Play South Africa Powerball
- Pick Your Numbers: Select 5 main numbers from 1 to 50 and 1 PowerBall number from 1 to 20.
- Ticket Options: You can play manually, use a Quick Pick (random selection), or even join syndicates for shared costs.
- Where to Buy: Available online via the National Lottery website/app, at retailers, or through banking apps like FNB or Standard Bank.
- Draw Schedule: Tuesdays and Fridays at 21:00 SAST. Results are announced shortly after and posted on official sites.
Ticket Cost and Entry
A single board costs R5. You can enter multiple boards or future draws on one ticket for convenience.
Prize Structure
Powerball features 9 prize divisions, with the jackpot for matching all 5 main numbers + PowerBall. Lower tiers reward partial matches, and prizes are pari-mutuel (shared among winners) except for fixed amounts in some divisions. Jackpots start at R3 million and roll over if unclaimed, often snowballing to R100 million+.
Related post: Best Powerball Syndicates in South Africa
Recent highlight: In October 2025, a lucky punter from Gauteng scooped R142 million—the biggest win of the year so far!
What is Powerball Plus? The Add-On Game Changer
Introduced in 2015 as an enhancement to the main game, Powerball Plus isn’t a standalone lottery—it’s an optional add-on that gives you a second shot at glory using the exact same numbers from your Powerball ticket. It’s like getting a bonus round for a small fee.
How to Play Powerball Plus
- Same Numbers, New Draw: You must enter the main Powerball first. Simply tick the “Powerball Plus” box on your betslip or select it online. Your chosen numbers are automatically entered into a separate draw.
- Independence Rules: Matches in the main Powerball don’t carry over—each game is drawn independently, so you could win both on the same ticket!
- Draw Schedule: Same as Powerball—Tuesdays and Fridays at 21:00, right after the main draw.
Ticket Cost and Entry
It adds just R2.50 per board, making your total entry R7.50 for both games. No extra number-picking hassle.
Prize Structure
Like Powerball, there are 9 prize divisions, but Powerball Plus emphasizes more fixed prizes in lower tiers for guaranteed wins. The jackpot also starts at R3 million and rolls over separately, sometimes growing larger than the main game’s due to independent rollovers. For instance, in July 2020, it hit a record R153 million after 59 rollovers.
Pro tip: Powerball Plus has created its own legion of winners, with over 1,000 million-rand prizes since inception.
Related post: Powerball Plus Jackpot Rollover Rules
South Africa Powerball vs Powerball Plus: Key Differences
So, what’s the real scoop on South Africa Powerball vs Powerball Plus? At first glance, they seem identical, but subtle tweaks make one (or both) a better fit for your playstyle. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:
| Feature | South Africa Powerball | Powerball Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per Board | R5 | R2.50 (add-on only) |
| Numbers Needed | 5 from 1-50 + 1 PowerBall (1-20) | Same as main ticket—no extras |
| Standalone Play | Yes | No—must pair with Powerball |
| Draw Frequency | Tuesdays & Fridays, 21:00 | Same, immediately after main draw |
| Jackpot Start | R3 million (rolls over) | R3 million (independent rollover) |
| Prize Types | Mostly pari-mutuel (shared) | More fixed prizes in lower divisions |
| Max Recorded Jackpot | R235 million (2022) | R153 million (2020) |
| Can Win Both? | N/A | Yes, independently |
Odds and Prizes: Comparing Your Winning Chances
When it comes to which should you play, odds are king. Both games share identical mechanics, so the math is straightforward—but the value differs.
Odds of Winning
- Jackpot Odds: 1 in 42,375,200 for both (matching 5 + PowerBall).
- Overall Odds (Any Prize): A stellar 1 in 18—better than many global lotteries like US Powerball (1 in 24).
- Breakdown by Division (same for both):
| Division | Matches Required | Odds | Powerball Prize (Avg) | Powerball Plus Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 + PowerBall | 1:42,375,200 | Jackpot (R3m+) | Jackpot (R3m+) |
| 2 | 5 | 1:2,230,800 | ~R150,000 | ~R120,000 |
| 3 | 4 + PowerBall | 1:188,150 | ~R15,000 | ~R12,000 |
| 4 | 4 | 1:9,912 | ~R1,200 | Fixed R1,000 |
| 5 | 3 + PowerBall | 1:4,280 | ~R500 | Fixed R500 |
| 6 | 3 | 1:226 | ~R20 | Fixed R20 |
| 7 | 2 + PowerBall | 1:299 | ~R15 | Fixed R15 |
| 8 | 1 + PowerBall | 1:57 | ~R10 | Fixed R10 |
| 9 | PowerBall only | 1:35 | Fixed R5 | Fixed R5 |
With Powerball Plus, you’re not just playing once—you’re entering two lotteries with the same odds, effectively halving your risk per rand spent. Statistically, it’s one of the best “value” add-ons in global lotteries.
Related post: South Africa Powerball vs. Powerball Plus: Key Differences
Pros and Cons: Weighing Your Options
Pros of South Africa Powerball
- Iconic and Accessible: The flagship game with the biggest headlines and rollovers.
- Standalone Flexibility: Play solo without extras.
- Higher Potential Payouts: Pari-mutuel system can inflate top prizes during hot streaks.
Cons of South Africa Powerball
- Single Shot: One draw means one chance per ticket.
- Variable Lower Prizes: Smaller wins can dip if many share.
Pros of Powerball Plus
- Double the Fun: Same numbers, separate wins—boosts overall odds to 1 in 9 for any prize across both.
- Budget-Friendly Boost: Just R2.50 for a second jackpot shot.
- Fixed Rewards: More reliable small wins to keep you in the game.
Cons of Powerball Plus
- Not Standalone: Tied to the main entry.
- Separate Jackpots: Won’t always match the main game’s hype.
In short, if you’re on a tight budget, stick to Powerball. But for max bang-for-buck, Plus is a no-brainer.
South Africa Powerball vs Powerball Plus: Which Should You Play?
Here’s the verdict on South Africa Powerball vs Powerball Plus—which should you play? It boils down to your goals:
- Play Powerball Alone If: You’re new, testing the waters, or want the simplest entry. It’s the core experience with life-changing potential.
- Play Powerball Plus If: You want to maximize value. For an extra R2.50, you’re doubling your lottery “plays” without extra effort—ideal for serious players chasing better overall odds.
- The Smart Choice: Play Both! Most experts (and winners) recommend combining them. Why settle for one jackpot dream when you can have two? Your effective cost per chance drops, and the thrill is unmatched. In 2025, with rising jackpots, this combo has minted more multimillionaires than ever.
Remember: Lotteries are games of chance. Always play responsibly—set a budget and treat it as entertainment, not investment.
Final Thoughts: Time to Roll the Dice?
South Africa Powerball and Powerball Plus aren’t rivals—they’re teammates in the quest for fortune. Whether you choose the classic thrill of Powerball or the savvy double-dip of Plus, the key is entering with eyes wide open. Next draw is just days away—grab your ticket today!
Ready to play? Head to the National Lottery website or your nearest retailer. For more lotto tips, check our guides on best Powerball strategies or recent SA winners.
Disclaimer: Gambling can be addictive. If you need help, contact the National Responsible Gambling Programme at 0800 006 008.
