What Is PowerBall Plus South Africa?
PowerBall Plus is an optional add-on to the main SA PowerBall game, managed by Ithuba National Lottery. For an extra R2.50 per board, your existing PowerBall numbers (5 from 1–50 + 1 PowerBall from 1–20) are entered into a completely separate second draw held every Tuesday and Friday immediately after the main PowerBall draw. It has its own jackpot and 9 prize divisions.
Introduced to give South African lottery players even more value from a single ticket, PowerBall Plus runs on exactly the same number format as the main PowerBall game — but with an independent prize pool. This means that on any given Tuesday or Friday evening, you can win from both the PowerBall draw and the PowerBall Plus draw using the same set of numbers.
Unlike standalone lottery games such as SA Lotto or Daily Lotto, PowerBall Plus cannot be entered by itself — it is strictly an add-on to a PowerBall ticket purchase.
PowerBall vs PowerBall Plus — Key Differences
- Type
- Main draw game
- Cost
- R5 per board
- Draw Days
- Tue & Fri
- Draw Time
- 21:00 SAST
- Jackpot starts at
- R3 million
- Standalone
- ✅ Yes
- Type
- Add-on draw
- Cost
- +R2.50 per board
- Draw Days
- Tue & Fri
- Draw Time
- After main draw
- Own jackpot
- ✅ Yes
- Standalone
- ❌ No — requires PowerBall
How to Play PowerBall Plus — Step-by-Step
Playing PowerBall Plus takes just one extra step on top of buying your regular PowerBall ticket. Here's exactly how to do it:
What a PowerBall Plus Draw Looks Like
Each PowerBall Plus draw produces 5 main numbers and 1 PowerBall, just like the main draw:
* Example numbers only. Not actual draw results.
PowerBall Plus Rules South Africa
Core Rules
- PowerBall Plus is an add-on only — it cannot be played without first purchasing a PowerBall ticket.
- Your same 5 main numbers and PowerBall are automatically used for the Plus draw — no separate selection.
- The Plus draw uses its own independent prize pool, separate from the main PowerBall pool.
- Both draws are conducted using the same two-drum system: 5 balls from 1–50, and 1 PowerBall from 1–20.
- The PowerBall Plus draw takes place immediately after the main PowerBall draw on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Winning tickets must be claimed within 365 days of the draw date.
- You must be 18 years or older to participate.
Entry Rules
- Each board (set of numbers) must have the PowerBall Plus option marked individually.
- You can play up to 10 boards per ticket, with PowerBall Plus added to any or all of them.
- Tickets can be purchased for up to 10 consecutive draws in advance.
- Ticket sales close at approximately 20:30 SAST on draw nights — buy before the cut-off or your entry applies to the next draw.
Independent Draw Structure
It is important to understand that the PowerBall Plus draw is entirely independent of the main PowerBall draw. The same numbers drawn in the PowerBall draw are not repeated in the Plus draw — a fresh set of 5 main balls and 1 PowerBall is drawn from new machines for the Plus draw. Results will almost always differ between the two draws.
How Much Does PowerBall Plus Cost?
PowerBall Plus is one of the most affordable lottery add-on games available in South Africa. Here's a complete cost breakdown:
Per board, per draw
Add-on per board
Per board — 2 jackpot chances
| Scenario | Cost | Draws Entered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 board — PowerBall only | R5.00 | 1 main draw |
| 1 board — PowerBall + Plus | R7.50 | Main + Plus draw |
| 5 boards — PowerBall + Plus | R37.50 | 5 entries in both draws |
| 1 board — 10 consecutive draws (PowerBall + Plus) | R75.00 | 10 draws, both games |
PowerBall Plus Prize Divisions & Payouts
PowerBall Plus has 9 prize divisions — mirroring the main PowerBall structure. The more numbers you match (including the PowerBall), the higher your prize. Even matching just the PowerBall number (Division 9) wins a fixed prize.
| Division | Match Required | Approx. Odds | Est. Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIV 1Jackpot | 5 Numbers + PowerBall | 1 in 42,375,200 | R3M+ (rolls over) |
| DIV 2 | 5 Numbers (no PB) | 1 in 2,230,274 | ~R100,000+ |
| DIV 3 | 4 Numbers + PowerBall | 1 in 188,993 | ~R5,000–R20,000 |
| DIV 4 | 4 Numbers (no PB) | 1 in 9,947 | ~R2,000–R5,000 |
| DIV 5 | 3 Numbers + PowerBall | 1 in 4,280 | ~R200–R600 |
| DIV 6 | 3 Numbers (no PB) | 1 in 225 | ~R50–R100 |
| DIV 7 | 2 Numbers + PowerBall | 1 in 359 | ~R30–R50 |
| DIV 8 | 1 Number + PowerBall | 1 in 53 | ~R15–R25 |
| DIV 9 | PowerBall Only | 1 in 35 | ~R10–R15 |
* Estimated prizes. Actual amounts vary by draw based on ticket sales and winner counts. Divisions 1–5 are pari-mutuel (shared). Divisions 6–9 are fixed prizes.
How the PowerBall Plus Jackpot Works
The PowerBall Plus jackpot starts at a guaranteed minimum of R3 million and rolls over whenever no Division 1 winner is recorded in that draw. Because the Plus draw has a separate prize pool, the jackpot accumulates independently from the main PowerBall jackpot — meaning both jackpots can be at different values in any given week. Historically, PowerBall Plus jackpots have grown into the hundreds of millions of rands.
View actual prize amounts from every recent draw on our PowerBall Plus results page, which shows the exact Division 1–9 payouts for each historical draw.
What Are the Odds of Winning PowerBall Plus?
The odds of winning the SA PowerBall Plus Division 1 jackpot are 1 in 42,375,200 — identical to the main PowerBall jackpot. However, the odds of winning any PowerBall Plus prize (Divisions 1–9) are approximately 1 in 35.
The jackpot odds are significant — but they're the same long odds that have produced some of South Africa's largest lottery wins. The more relevant figure for most players is the 1-in-35 overall chance of winning any prize, which means that with regular play you will occasionally win smaller prizes in Divisions 6–9.
| Division | Match | Odds (1 in...) |
|---|---|---|
| Division 1 (Jackpot) | 5 + PowerBall | 42,375,200 |
| Division 2 | 5 (no PB) | 2,230,274 |
| Division 3 | 4 + PowerBall | 188,993 |
| Division 4 | 4 (no PB) | 9,947 |
| Division 5 | 3 + PowerBall | 4,280 |
| Division 6 | 3 (no PB) | 225 |
| Division 7 | 2 + PowerBall | 359 |
| Division 8 | 1 + PowerBall | 53 |
| Division 9 | PowerBall only | 35 |
| Any prize | — | ~35 |
How to Check PowerBall Plus Results
PowerBall Plus results are published immediately after each draw through multiple channels. Always check both the PowerBall and PowerBall Plus results — your ticket covers both draws.
- NextDrawLogic (Fastest online): Our PowerBall Plus results page is updated within minutes of the draw, with full Division 1–9 payouts and winner counts.
- SABC 2 (Live): Both the PowerBall and PowerBall Plus draws are broadcast live at 21:00 on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Official National Lottery website: Full results at nationallottery.co.za.
- Any retail terminal: Take your ticket to any National Lottery retailer — the cashier can scan the barcode and immediately confirm whether either draw produced a winning combination.
Claiming a PowerBall Plus Prize
- Up to R2,000: Claim immediately at any authorised National Lottery retailer. Present your ticket.
- R2,001–R50,000: Claim at your nearest regional Ithuba office with your winning ticket and valid South African ID.
- Over R50,000: Claim at Ithuba head office in Johannesburg with original ticket, valid ID, and completed claim form.
Can You Play PowerBall Plus Online?
Yes — PowerBall Plus can be added to online PowerBall purchases, giving you all the same benefits without visiting a physical retailer.
Common PowerBall Plus Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most frequent mistakes made by players — knowing them can save you money and potential heartbreak:
- Forgetting to mark the PowerBall Plus option. This is the number-one mistake. Many players assume PowerBall Plus is automatic — it is not. You must explicitly mark the add-on box for each board. Always double-check your printed ticket before leaving the counter.
- Not checking the PowerBall Plus results separately. Your ticket covers two draws. Many players only compare their numbers against the main PowerBall results and never check the PowerBall Plus draw — potentially missing a prize.
- Losing your ticket. PowerBall Plus prizes, like all lottery prizes, are paid to the holder of the physical ticket. A lost ticket cannot be reissued. Photograph your ticket immediately after purchase and store it safely.
- Missing the 365-day claim deadline. Even jackpot winners have lost their right to claim by missing this window. If you win any amount — set a calendar reminder or claim as soon as possible.
- Buying after the cut-off time. Sales close approximately 30 minutes before draw time (~20:30). Tickets purchased after this are automatically entered in the next draw — check your ticket's draw date carefully.
- Assuming lower divisions aren't worth checking. Even Division 6–9 prizes on a PowerBall Plus ticket represent a return on your R2.50 add-on investment. Always check all 9 divisions.
- Chasing losses or exceeding your budget. PowerBall Plus is entertainment. Budget strictly and never play with money you need for essential expenses.
PowerBall Plus is a game of chance. There is no strategy, system, or number pattern that can influence the outcome of any draw. Every draw is completely random and statistically independent from all previous draws.
Play for entertainment only. Set a fixed, affordable budget before you buy any ticket and never spend money you cannot afford to lose. Lottery participation should never be viewed as a financial strategy or investment.
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 close to you is experiencing gambling-related difficulties, contact the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) free helpline: 0800 006 008 (available 24 hours). Further resources at responsiblegambling.org.za.
This page is for informational and educational purposes only. NextDrawLogic is an independent results and statistics platform and is not affiliated with Ithuba National Lottery or the National Lotteries Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to the most-searched questions about SA PowerBall Plus.
What is PowerBall Plus South Africa?
PowerBall Plus is an optional add-on to the main SA PowerBall game. For an extra R2.50 per board, your same PowerBall numbers are entered into a second, independent draw held immediately after the main PowerBall draw every Tuesday and Friday. It has its own separate jackpot and 9 prize divisions.
How do you play PowerBall Plus?
Buy a PowerBall ticket (R5 per board) and mark 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 for the Plus draw. Check both draw results on Tuesday and Friday after 21:00.
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. PowerBall Plus cannot be entered as a standalone game.
How much does PowerBall Plus cost?
PowerBall Plus costs R2.50 per board in addition to the R5 PowerBall ticket. Entering one board in both draws costs R7.50 in total.
What time is the PowerBall Plus draw in South Africa?
The PowerBall Plus draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday immediately after the main PowerBall draw, which starts at 21:00 SAST. Both draws are broadcast live on SABC 2 and results appear on NextDrawLogic within minutes.
What are the odds of winning PowerBall Plus?
The jackpot (Division 1) odds are 1 in 42,375,200. The overall odds of winning any prize (Divisions 1–9) are approximately 1 in 35 — slightly better than the main PowerBall overall odds due to the fixed-prize lower divisions.
How do I claim PowerBall Plus winnings?
Prizes under R2,000 are claimed at any National Lottery retailer. Prizes from R2,001 to R50,000 are claimed at a regional Ithuba office. Prizes over R50,000 are claimed at Ithuba head office in Johannesburg with valid ID and original ticket. All prizes must be claimed within 365 days of the draw.
Is PowerBall Plus random?
Yes. PowerBall Plus draws use certified, independently audited lottery machines. Each draw is entirely random and independent of all previous draws. No number is more likely to be drawn than any other.
What happens if multiple people win the PowerBall Plus jackpot?
If two or more tickets match all 5 numbers plus the PowerBall in the PowerBall Plus draw, the Division 1 jackpot is split equally between all winning tickets.
Can I play PowerBall Plus online?
Yes. PowerBall Plus is available as an add-on when purchasing PowerBall tickets at nationallottery.co.za or via the Lotto Star mobile app. Select the PowerBall Plus option during checkout. Winnings are automatically paid to your registered account.
Are the PowerBall and PowerBall Plus draws the same?
No. While they use the same number format (5 from 1–50 + PowerBall from 1–20), the PowerBall Plus draw is conducted using separate lottery machines and produces a completely different set of winning numbers. Both draws happen in the same session, but results are independent of each other.
How old must you be to play PowerBall Plus?
You must be at least 18 years old, in line with the Lotteries Act 57 of 1997, which governs all South African lottery products including add-on games like PowerBall Plus.