How to Play PowerBall Plus South Africa
For just R2.50 extra per board, your PowerBall numbers enter a second independent draw with its own jackpot. This guide covers everything: rules, ticket cost, 9 prize divisions, jackpot odds, draw times, and how to claim winnings.
PowerBall Plus is an add-on to the main SA PowerBall game. Buy a PowerBall ticket (R5 per board) and tick the PowerBall Plus option (+R2.50 per board). Your same 5 numbers (1–50) and 1 PowerBall (1–20) are automatically entered into a second, independent draw held every Tuesday and Friday at ~21:05 SAST — immediately after the main draw. It has its own jackpot (starting at R3 million) and 9 prize divisions. Winnings must be claimed within 365 days of the draw date.
What Is SA PowerBall Plus?
PowerBall Plus is an optional add-on draw to the main SA PowerBall game, operated by Ithuba National Lottery under licence from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). For an extra R2.50 per board, your existing PowerBall number selection is automatically entered into a completely separate second draw — with its own independent prize pool and jackpot.
The PowerBall Plus draw runs every Tuesday and Friday immediately after the main PowerBall draw at approximately 21:05 SAST, using a fresh set of lottery machines. This means you get two jackpot chances from one set of numbers — the main PowerBall jackpot and the PowerBall Plus jackpot — for a total entry cost of just R7.50 per board.
Unlike standalone games such as SA Lotto or Daily Lotto, PowerBall Plus cannot be entered independently. It is always an add-on to a PowerBall ticket purchase.
PowerBall vs PowerBall Plus — Full Comparison
Understanding the difference between the two draws helps you make an informed decision about whether to add the Plus option to your ticket.
| Feature | 🔴 PowerBall | 🟡 PowerBall Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Main draw game | Add-on draw |
| Cost per board | R5.00 | +R2.50 |
| Combined cost | R5.00 only | R7.50 (PB + PBP) |
| Draw days | Tuesday & Friday | Tuesday & Friday |
| Draw time (SAST) | 21:00 | ~21:05 (after main) |
| Number format | 5 from 1–50 + PB from 1–20 | Same as PowerBall |
| Separate number selection? | Yes | No — uses your PB numbers |
| Own prize pool? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes — independent |
| Minimum jackpot | R3 million | R3 million |
| Prize divisions | 9 divisions | 9 divisions |
| Jackpot odds | 1 in 42,375,200 | 1 in 42,375,200 |
| Any prize odds | ~1 in 18 | ~1 in 18 |
| Standalone game? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No — requires PB ticket |
| Same results as PB draw? | n/a | ❌ Different winning numbers |
| Broadcast live? | SABC 2 at 21:00 | SABC 2 immediately after |
How to Play PowerBall Plus — Step-by-Step
Playing PowerBall Plus takes one extra step on top of buying your regular PowerBall ticket. Follow these 7 steps exactly:
Pick up a free blue PowerBall play slip at any authorised National Lottery retailer — available at SPAR, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, and most independent spaza-style vendors. Online players can skip to Step 2 via nationallottery.co.za or the Lotto Star app.
Find the PowerBall Plus add-on checkbox on the play slip and tick it. This authorises the terminal to enter your same numbers into the second draw for an additional R2.50 per board. No separate number selection is required — your existing numbers are used automatically.
Select 5 different numbers from 1 to 50 in the main grid section. These same numbers automatically enter both the PowerBall draw and the PowerBall Plus draw. Or tick Quick Pick to have the terminal generate random numbers for you.
Select 1 number from 1 to 20 from the separate PowerBall section. This is drawn from a physically separate drum and applies to both the PowerBall and PowerBall Plus draws.
The total cost per board is R7.50 (R5 PowerBall + R2.50 Plus). Your printed ticket is your proof of entry for both draws. Sign the back immediately — tickets are bearer instruments, meaning whoever presents the ticket can claim the prize.
Tune in to SABC 2 every Tuesday and Friday at 21:00 SAST. The main PowerBall draw runs first, followed immediately by the PowerBall Plus draw. Both results also appear on NextDrawLogic's PowerBall Plus results page within minutes.
Compare your numbers against both draw results — you could win on the main PowerBall, the PowerBall Plus, or both. Prizes must be claimed within 365 days of the draw date. See the claiming section below for full details.
Try Selecting PowerBall Plus Numbers
Use the interactive picker below to practise selecting a valid PowerBall Plus combination. Pick 5 main numbers (1–50) and 1 PowerBall (1–20).
This picker is a visual demonstration tool only. To enter the official SA PowerBall Plus draw, purchase a ticket from any authorised National Lottery retailer or at nationallottery.co.za.
PowerBall Plus Rules South Africa
Core Rules
- PowerBall Plus is an add-on only — you must first purchase a PowerBall ticket.
- Your same 5 main numbers + PowerBall are entered automatically — no separate selection.
- The Plus draw uses a fully independent prize pool separate from the main PowerBall pool.
- The Plus draw uses fresh lottery machines — different winning numbers from the main draw.
- The PowerBall Plus draw occurs immediately after the main PowerBall draw on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Winning tickets must be claimed within 365 days of the draw date.
- Players must be 18 years or older (Lotteries Act 57 of 1997).
Entry Rules
- Each board must have the PowerBall Plus option marked individually.
- You can play up to 10 boards per ticket, with PowerBall Plus added to any combination of boards.
- Tickets may be purchased for up to 10 consecutive draws in advance.
- Ticket sales close approximately 30 minutes before draw time (~20:30 SAST). Tickets bought after the cut-off apply to the next draw — always check the draw date on your printed ticket.
How Much Does PowerBall Plus Cost?
PowerBall Plus is one of the most affordable lottery add-on games available in South Africa. For R2.50 extra, you receive a complete second draw entry with an independent jackpot starting at R3 million.
Per board, per draw
Add-on, per board
2 jackpot entries, 1 board
| Scenario | Cost | Draws Covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 board — PowerBall only | R5.00 | 1 draw (PB) |
| 1 board — PowerBall + Plus | R7.50 | 2 draws (PB + PBP) |
| 5 boards — PowerBall + Plus | R37.50 | 5 entries in both draws |
| 1 board — 10 consecutive draws, both games | R75.00 | 10 draws × 2 games |
PowerBall Plus Prize Divisions & Payouts (All 9 Divisions)
PowerBall Plus has 9 prize divisions, mirroring the main PowerBall structure exactly. Even matching only the PowerBall number with no main balls (Division 9) wins a fixed cash prize.
| Division | Match Required | Approx. Odds | Winning Chance | Est. Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 Numbers + PowerBall | 1 in 42,375,200 | 1 in 42,375,200 | R3M+ Jackpot |
| 2 | 5 Numbers only | 1 in 2,230,274 | 1 in 2,230,274 | R100,000+ |
| 7 | 2 Numbers + PowerBall | 1 in 299 | 1 in 299 | R5,000–R20,000 |
| 8 | 1 Number + PowerBall | 1 in 57 | 1 in 57 | R2,000–R5,000 |
| 5 | 3 Numbers + PowerBall | 1 in 4,280 | 1 in 4,280 | R200–R600 |
| 6 | 3 Numbers only | 1 in 225 | 1 in 225 | R50–R100 |
| 7 | 2 Numbers + PowerBall | 1 in 359 | 1 in 359 | R30–R50 |
| 8 | 1 Number + PowerBall | 1 in 53 | 1 in 53 | R15–R25 |
| 9 | PowerBall only | 1 in 35 | 1 in 35 | R10–R15 |
* Estimated prizes — actual amounts vary per draw based on ticket sales and winner count. Divisions 1–5 are pari-mutuel (shared). Divisions 6–9 are fixed. Bar width = relative frequency of winning.
How the PowerBall Plus Jackpot Grows
The PowerBall Plus Division 1 jackpot starts at a guaranteed minimum of R3 million and rolls over independently whenever no ticket matches all 5 numbers + PowerBall. Because the Plus draw has its own separate prize pool funded by Plus add-on sales, the jackpot accumulates entirely independently from the main PowerBall jackpot. Both jackpots can — and frequently do — carry different values in any given week.
Historically, PowerBall Plus jackpots have grown into the hundreds of millions of rands during extended rollover sequences. View exact historical payouts on our PowerBall Plus results archive.
What Are the Odds of Winning PowerBall Plus?
The odds of winning the PowerBall Plus Division 1 jackpot are 1 in 42,375,200 — the same as the main PowerBall jackpot. The odds of winning any prize (Divisions 1–9 combined) are approximately 1 in 18.
While the jackpot odds are long, the 1-in-18 overall prize chance is the more practically relevant figure for regular players. It means that across extended play, you will periodically win lower-division prizes (particularly Divisions 7–9), which partially offset your ticket investment.
| Division | Match | Exact Odds (1 in…) |
|---|---|---|
| Division 1 (Jackpot) | 5 + PowerBall | 42,375,200 |
| Division 2 | 5 (no PB) | 2,230,274 |
| Division 3 | 4 + PowerBall | 188,334 |
| Division 4 | 4 (no PB) | 9,912 |
| Division 5 | 3 + PowerBall | 4,280 |
| Division 6 | 3 (no PB) | 225 |
| Division 7 | 2 + PowerBall | 299 |
| Division 8 | 1 + PowerBall | 57 |
| Division 9 | PowerBall only | 35 |
| Any prize | — | ~18 |
Checking PowerBall Plus Results & Claiming Prizes
PowerBall Plus results are published through multiple channels immediately after each draw. Always check both draw results — your ticket covers both the main PowerBall and PowerBall Plus draws.
- NextDrawLogic (fastest): Our PowerBall Plus results page updates within minutes of each draw, with full Division 1–9 payouts and winner counts.
- SABC 2 (live): Both draws broadcast live at 21:00 SAST on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Official National Lottery website: Results at nationallottery.co.za.
- Any authorised retailer terminal: The cashier can scan your ticket barcode and instantly confirm whether either draw produced a winning match.
- Our ticket checker: Use the free PowerBall Plus ticket checker — enter your numbers and scan the last 100 draws instantly.
How to Claim a PowerBall Plus Prize
- Up to R2,000: Claim immediately at any authorised National Lottery retailer. Present your signed winning ticket.
- R2,001 to R50,000: Claim at your nearest regional Ithuba office with your original winning ticket and valid South African ID.
- Over R50,000 (including jackpots): Claim at Ithuba head office in Johannesburg with your original ticket, valid ID, tax number (for larger amounts), and a completed claim form.
Can You Play PowerBall Plus Online in South Africa?
Yes — PowerBall Plus is available as an add-on when purchasing PowerBall tickets through official online channels. Online play offers the same prizes, same odds, and same draw schedule as retail ticket purchases.
- National Lottery website (nationallottery.co.za): Register a free account with your South African ID and bank account details. When buying a PowerBall ticket, toggle the PowerBall Plus add-on before checkout. Winnings under the online claim threshold are automatically deposited into your registered bank account.
- Official National Lottery app (iOS & Android): Ithuba's official app allows full PowerBall Plus entry. Push notifications alert you to results and prizes.
- Mobile banking platforms: FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, and other SA banks offer lottery ticket purchasing in their apps. Verify whether the PowerBall Plus add-on option is available on your specific banking platform before purchase.
Before You Play — PowerBall Plus Checklist
Click each item to confirm you're ready to play responsibly. All 5 items should be checked before purchasing your ticket.
Common PowerBall Plus Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most frequently made errors by PowerBall Plus players — learn them and avoid costly oversights.
PowerBall Plus is never automatic. You must explicitly mark the add-on box for each board. Many players assume it is included — it is not. Always check your printed ticket before leaving the counter.
Your ticket covers two separate draws. Many players compare their numbers only against the main PowerBall results and miss a PowerBall Plus win entirely. Check both result sets every draw.
Lottery prizes are paid to the bearer of the physical ticket. A lost ticket cannot be reissued. Sign the back immediately, photograph it, and store it securely.
Even jackpot winners have forfeited prizes by missing the deadline. Claim as soon as possible — never store a winning ticket for months and assume you can claim later.
Ticket sales close ~30 minutes before draw time (~20:30 SAST). Purchases after cut-off apply to the next draw. Always check the draw date printed on your ticket.
Divisions 6–9 pay fixed prizes and have odds as favourable as 1 in 35 (Division 9 — PowerBall only). Many players overlook these because the amounts are small. They still represent a return on your R2.50 add-on.
PowerBall Plus uses separate machines and produces entirely different winning numbers. Never compare your ticket only to the main PowerBall winning numbers and assume it applies to the Plus draw too.
PowerBall Plus is entertainment. If you lose, resist the urge to buy more tickets to "recover" the loss. Set a strict budget before you play and honour it every draw.
PowerBall Plus is a game of pure chance. There is no strategy, pattern, or system that can predict or influence the outcome of any draw. Every draw is completely random and statistically independent of all previous draws.
Play for entertainment only. Set a fixed, affordable budget before purchasing any ticket and never spend money needed for essential expenses such as rent, food, or debt repayments. Lottery participation should never be viewed as a financial strategy, investment, or income source.
You must be 18 years or older to purchase a PowerBall Plus ticket or claim any prize in South Africa, as required by the Lotteries Act 57 of 1997.
If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling-related harm, contact the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) free helpline: 0800 006 008 (24 hours, 7 days). Further support at responsiblegambling.org.za.
This page is for informational and educational purposes only. NextDrawLogic is an independent lottery statistics platform and is not affiliated with Ithuba National Lottery or the National Lotteries Commission of South Africa. All information sourced from official Ithuba NL / NLC public records. Always verify results at nationallottery.co.za.
Frequently Asked Questions — PowerBall Plus South Africa
What is PowerBall Plus South Africa?
PowerBall Plus is an optional add-on to the main SA PowerBall game, operated by Ithuba National Lottery. For an extra R2.50 per board, your same PowerBall number selection is entered into a second, completely independent draw held every Tuesday and Friday immediately after the main PowerBall draw. It has its own jackpot (from R3 million) and 9 prize divisions.
How do you play PowerBall Plus?
Buy a PowerBall ticket (R5 per board) and tick the PowerBall Plus option on your play slip (+R2.50 per board). No extra number selection is needed — your same 5 main numbers (1–50) and PowerBall (1–20) are automatically used. Check both draw results on Tuesday and Friday after 21:00 SAST.
Can you play PowerBall Plus without a PowerBall ticket?
No. PowerBall Plus is strictly an add-on game. You must purchase a standard SA PowerBall ticket first. It cannot be entered as a standalone game under any circumstances.
How much does PowerBall Plus cost in South Africa?
PowerBall Plus costs R2.50 per board, in addition to the R5 PowerBall ticket. Entering one board in both draws costs R7.50 total — giving you two separate jackpot draw entries from the same set of numbers.
What time is the PowerBall Plus draw?
Every Tuesday and Friday at approximately 21:05 SAST, immediately after the main PowerBall draw. Both draws are broadcast live on SABC 2. Results appear on NextDrawLogic's PowerBall Plus results page within minutes of the draw.
What are the odds of winning PowerBall Plus?
The Division 1 jackpot odds are 1 in 42,375,200. The overall odds of winning any prize across all 9 divisions are approximately 1 in 18. Division 9 (PowerBall only) is the most commonly won tier at 1 in 35 with a fixed minimum prize.
How do I claim PowerBall Plus winnings?
Prizes under R2,000: any authorised lottery retailer. R2,001–R50,000: nearest regional Ithuba office with valid SA ID. Above R50,000 (including jackpots): Ithuba head office in Johannesburg with original ticket and ID. All prizes must be claimed within 365 days of the draw date — after which they are permanently forfeited.
Is the PowerBall Plus jackpot separate from the main PowerBall jackpot?
Yes — completely separate. PowerBall Plus has its own independent prize pool funded solely by Plus add-on entry fees. Both jackpots grow and roll over independently. You can win the main PowerBall jackpot, the PowerBall Plus jackpot, both, or neither on the same draw night.
Are the PowerBall and PowerBall Plus results ever the same?
No. Although both draws use the same 5/50 + 1/20 number format, they use separate lottery machines and produce entirely different winning numbers each draw. Always check both sets of results independently against your ticket.
Can I play PowerBall Plus online in South Africa?
Yes. Add PowerBall Plus when purchasing PowerBall tickets at nationallottery.co.za or via the official National Lottery mobile app. Winnings are automatically paid to your registered bank account. Use only licensed, NLC-approved platforms.
What happens if no one wins the PowerBall Plus jackpot?
If no ticket matches all 5 numbers + PowerBall in the Plus draw, the jackpot rolls over to the next draw, adding to the accumulated jackpot pool. The Division 1 jackpot minimum is guaranteed at R3 million. During extended rollover periods, PowerBall Plus jackpots can grow into the hundreds of millions.
What is Division 9 in PowerBall Plus?
Division 9 is won by matching only the PowerBall number — no main balls required. This is a fixed cash prize of approximately R10–R15. The odds are 1 in 35, making it the most frequently won prize in the PowerBall Plus draw. It's a small but real return on your R2.50 add-on investment.
How old must you be to play PowerBall Plus?
You must be at least 18 years old, in accordance with the Lotteries Act 57 of 1997, which governs all South African lottery products including add-on games like PowerBall Plus.