PowerBall: A game of chance, hope, and million-rand dreams

For many South Africans, PowerBall is more than just a game — it’s a moment of hope, a chance to imagine a different life, and sometimes, a real-life path to fortune. Played twice a week, PowerBall has become one of the country’s most popular lottery games, drawing millions of players and generating some of the biggest jackpots ever seen in South African gaming history.

But what exactly is PowerBall, and why does it capture the nation’s attention week after week?

What Is PowerBall?

PowerBall is a national lottery game operated by Ithuba Holdings, offering players the opportunity to win multi-million rand jackpots. The game is simple but powerful in its appeal: for the price of a ticket, players select five numbers from 1 to 50, and one PowerBall number from 1 to 20.

The draws are held every Tuesday and Friday night, just after 9 PM, and are broadcast live on TV and streamed online. With each draw, players hope to match all six numbers — a feat that instantly transforms lives.

PowerBall also has a secondary game, PowerBall Plus, which gives players another chance to win using the same numbers at a reduced price. While the jackpots in PowerBall Plus are usually smaller, they can still amount to millions.

How Big Are the Jackpots?

PowerBall jackpots can range from a few million to over R100 million, depending on rollovers and the number of players. The game has produced some of South Africa’s biggest individual winners, including multiple prizes over R70 million.

Even when no one hits the jackpot, smaller prizes are awarded for partial matches — meaning many players walk away with something.

How to Play

You can play PowerBall in several ways:

• Retail outlets: Pick up a bet slip at a licensed lottery retailer and choose your numbers or opt for a Quick Pick.
• Online: Register on the National Lottery website and play digitally.
• Banking apps: Many major South African banks now offer lottery ticket purchases via their mobile apps.

Each standard PowerBall entry costs R5, while PowerBall Plus costs R2.50 extra.

Ticket sales close at 8:30 PM on the day of the draw.

Who Can Play?

Only South African residents aged 18 and older are allowed to participate. It’s also important to play responsibly, as the lottery is a form of gambling.

Claiming Your Winnings

PowerBall winnings are tax-free, and the payout process depends on the amount won:

• Under R250,000: Paid directly into your bank account (if played online or via a banking app).
• Over R250,000: Winners must visit an Ithuba regional office for verification and payout.
• Over R50,000: Players are offered free financial advice and trauma counselling.

Why Do People Love PowerBall?

The appeal of PowerBall lies in its simplicity and its massive potential. For just a few rands, anyone — regardless of background — has a chance to win big. Whether you’re dreaming of buying a house, helping family, or retiring early, PowerBall is a vehicle for those dreams.

But beyond the money, it’s the possibility that captures hearts: every ticket represents a shot at something more.

PowerBall has become more than just a lottery game in South Africa. It’s a cultural event, a talking point, and a rare chance for ordinary people to become extraordinary winners.

While most will never hit the jackpot, for those who do, PowerBall truly lives up to its name — offering power, opportunity, and life-altering change.

Play responsibly. Dream boldly.