When the SA Powerball game was first introduced to the South Africa National Lottery, players had to pick five main numbers from 1 to 45 and one ‘PowerBall’ number from 1 to 20 for the PowerBall jackpot draw. Entry costed R5 per board.
Prizes could be won by matching the main numbers, with matches of the PowerBall number winning even higher prizes. The first prize of the game was won when all five main numbers as well as the PowerBall matched. Draws took place on Tuesdays and Fridays on Mzansi Magic (DSTV Channel 161) and NewzRoom Afrika (DSTV Channel 405) at 20:58 Central African Time (CAT).
Since November 2015 odds changed, with more possibilities were introduced to win, for example, if a player only matched the Powerball number, he or she would win a small amount of money. The number of main balls was also raised from 45 to 50.
There is a second game connected to the Powerball, called PowerBall PLUS. It works in exactly the same manner; it just gives a player a second chance to win. All that is needed to participate in PowerBall PLUS is to indicate it on the entry and pay an extra R2.50 per board.
The odds of winning are the same, but prizes are usually a little lower. Draws still take place on Tuesdays and can be followed as with the SA Powerball.
The current National Lottery operator responsible for both conducting and delivering lottery games in South Africa is Ithuba. Ithuba has been operating the National Lottery since 2015. This licence is renewed every five years.
Who can participate in SA Powerball
Any person that is 18 years or older can participate in the SA Powerball. People who are registered on the South African National Lottery website and are residents of South Africa with a South African ID, as well as people with ABSA, FNB, Nedbank or Standard Bank accounts, can purchase tickets online. Alternatively, tickets can be bought in person at several approved retailers.
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What can you win in SA Powerball?
A player can win in nine divisions off the SA Powerball.
Division 1, can be won by matching five correct numbers plus the Powerball number.
Division 2 is won when five numbers match.
Division 3 comprises four matching numbers plus a matching Powerball number.
Division 4 pays out for four matching numbers.
Division 5 pays out for three matching numbers plus a matching Powerball number.
Division 6 requires three matching numbers only.
Division 7 pays out for two matching numbers plus a matching Powerball number.
Division 8 pays out for one correct number plus a matching Powerball number.
Division 9 pays for a matching Powerball number.
FAQs
How old must you be to participate in the SA Powerball?
You must be 18 years of age, or older, to participate in any lotteries or forms of gambling in South Africa.
On what days, and at what time do the SA Powerball draws take place?
SA Powerball draws take place every Tuesday and Friday at 20:58 Central African Time (CAT). Ticket sales close at 20h30 SAST on the day the draw takes place.
How and where can I purchase SA Powerball tickets?
Tickets can be purchased through a participating retailer, online providers or through certain banks.
How and when can I claim a SA Powerball prize?
This will depend whether you purchased a ticket through a retailer, via your bank, via an online provider, or via your phone. Prizes must be claimed within one year.
