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How do you play the South African PowerBall?

The South African PowerBall is a popular national lottery game in South Africa. It offers some of the biggest jackpot prizes in the country, making it an exciting game for many South African lottery players. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to play PowerBall and everything you need to know about this lottery game.

What is the South African PowerBall?

PowerBall is a national lottery game administered by the National Lottery Operator, Ithuba. It was launched in South Africa in October 2009 and draws take place every Tuesday and Friday evening.

PowerBall offers some of the biggest lottery jackpots in South Africa, with the record prize being over R232 million won in February 2019. On average, the PowerBall jackpot is around R100 million.

To play, you need to pick 5 main numbers from 1 to 50 and 1 PowerBall number from 1 to 20. You can either do a manual selection of numbers or choose the quick pick option to have the numbers randomly generated by computer.

The entry cost is R5 per board. You increase your chances of winning by playing multiple boards in one draw.

There are 9 prize divisions in PowerBall with prizes starting from matching the PowerBall number only to matching all 5 main numbers and the PowerBall.

How to Play the South African PowerBall

Here are the steps to play the South African PowerBall lottery:

  1. Select 5 main numbers (or have the quick pick option select them randomly) from 1 to 50.
  2. Select 1 PowerBall number (or have it randomly selected) from 1 to 20.
  3. Check your ticket to ensure the number selection is correct.
  4. Submit your completed ticket(s) at an authorized lottery retailer before ticket sales close at 20:30 on draw days (Tuesday and Friday).
  5. Watch the draw live on TV at 21:00 or check the draw results afterwards.
  6. If you win, collect your prize! Prizes can be claimed up to 365 days after the draw date.

Quick Pick vs Manual Number Selection

You have two options to choose your PowerBall ticket numbers:

  • Quick Pick: Have the numbers randomly generated for you by computer when you request a ticket. This is the quickest and easiest option.
  • Manual Selection: Choose your own set of 5 main numbers from 1 to 50 and 1 PowerBall number from 1 to 20. This allows you to use personal lucky numbers or other number selection strategies.

Both options cost the same R5 entry fee and have the same odds of winning. Manual selection gives you more control while Quick Pick is faster and simpler.

Where to Play

PowerBall tickets are sold at authorized retailers across South Africa. These include:

  • Supermarkets like Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay
  • Petrol stations like Engen, Sasol, Shell
  • Post offices
  • Pharmacies like Clicks and Dis-Chem
  • Small shops, cafes, and newsstands with the blue National Lottery signage

Look for the blue National Lottery logo to identify authorized retailers. You can also play online at Nationallottery.co.za.

When buying tickets in-store, you first need to fill out a playslip with your number selections. The cashier will then issue the ticket(s) from the lottery terminal.

Tickets and Playslips

These are the two main elements you need to play the South African PowerBall:

  • PowerBall Ticket – This is the receipt issued by the National Lottery once you complete the payslip. It shows the game details, draw date, your number selections, and a barcode. The ticket is needed to claim any prizes won.
  • PowerBall Playslip – This is the form you use to select your main and PowerBall numbers. It has numbered grids to mark your number choices. Give the completed slip to the cashier when purchasing your PowerBall ticket.

PowerBall Number Selection Strategies

Some popular methods that players use to choose their PowerBall numbers include:

  • Birthdays – Using your own or loved ones’ birth dates.
  • Anniversaries – Selecting meaningful dates like weddings.
  • Numerology – Choosing numbers that match your numerology chart.
  • Quick Picks – Letting the computer randomly pick numbers.
  • Statistics – Analyzing past draw data to pick frequent numbers.
  • Lucky numbers – Choosing digits that hold special significance.

There is no guaranteed way to win PowerBall. The odds are the same regardless of the selection method. Use a strategy that seems fun and lucky to you.

When are the PowerBall Draws?

PowerBall draws take place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Johannesburg. Here is the draw schedule:

  • Ticket sales close: 20:30
  • Draw takes place: 21:00
  • Results are accessible shortly after the draw

You can watch the PowerBall drawings live on TV or find the results on the National Lottery website and app. Some radio stations also announce the winning numbers.

PowerBall Prize Divisions and Odds

Matching the right PowerBall numbers in the correct combination wins you a prize. Here are the prize divisions, odds of winning, and typical payouts:

Prize Division Matches Odds (1 in) Average Prize
Division 1 5 Main + PB 42,375,636 Jackpot (R100 million+)
Division 2 5 Main Numbers 2,330,636 R250,000
Division 3 4 Main + PB 100,744 R2,000
Division 4 4 Main Numbers 11,735 R500
Division 5 3 Main + PB 1,147 R100
Division 6 3 Main Numbers 128 R20
Division 7 2 Main + PB 63 R10
Division 8 1 Main + PB 22 R7
Division 9 PB Only 19 R5

Matching all 5 main numbers and the PowerBall wins the jackpot prize, with average payouts over R100 million. Even matching just the PowerBall number wins a R5 prize.

The overall odds of winning any PowerBall prize are 1 in 24. The more numbers matched, the higher the prize won.

How to Claim PowerBall Prizes

Here is the process to claim any prizes you win on the South African PowerBall:

  1. Check your ticket – Make sure it matches the winning number combination and you have followed all the claiming rules and regulations.
  2. Prizes under R50,000 – Can be claimed at any authorized lottery retailer. You will receive a payout slip to collect cash at the till.
  3. Bigger prizes – Need to be claimed at a regional Ithuba office. You must book an appointment and provide ID and banking details.
  4. Jackpot + Division 2 – Require some additional procedures like financial advice and arranging press conferences. The process is facilitated by Ithuba.
  5. Submit within 365 days – Prizes can be claimed up to a year after the draw. Unclaimed monies go to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund after this period.

Be sure to fill in your name, address, and signature on the back of your winning ticket and store it securely until you collect your prize.

PowerBall Payout Options

You can choose to receive your PowerBall prizes either as a single lump sum or as an annuity paid annually in installments over 20 years.

Here are the benefits of each payout option:

Lump Sum Payment Annuity Payment
  • Get full prize amount immediately
  • Can invest the lump sum
  • Provides instant financial security
  • Annual income for 20 years
  • Protects against overspending
  • Taxed annually vs. lump sum

Smaller prizes are generally paid in a single lump sum. Larger jackpot winners can consult financial advisors to determine the best payout option for their situation.

PowerBall Jackpot Rollovers

If there is no Division 1 jackpot winner, the top prize rolls over to the next draw. This means the jackpot prize pool keeps increasing with each successive draw until it is won.

Jackpot rollover draws generate substantial excitement and ticket sales. The biggest ever PowerBall jackpot of R232 million in February 2019 accumulated over 19 rollovers.

Even if the jackpot is won, rollovers can still occur in the lower Divisions 2 to 9. This happens when there are no winners in those divisions.

Jackpot rollovers result in massive prizes being offered to players. Just one entry has the potential to change your life with a record-breaking South African lottery win.

Taxes on PowerBall Prizes

Lottery winnings in South Africa are subject to tax, which is deducted prior to you receiving your prize payout. Here are the tax rates applied:

Prize Value Tax Rate
R0 – R500,000 0%
R500,001 – R1 million 18%
R1,000,001 – R10 million 26%
R10 million+ 36%

No tax is due on smaller prizes under R500,000. The top tax rate of 36% applies to jackpot and Division 2 prizes over R10 million.

PowerBall Syndicates

You can pool your money and play PowerBall as part of a syndicate group. This allows you to afford more number combinations and boost your chances of winning.

Some key things to know about PowerBall syndicates include:

  • Appoint one member as the syndicate captain to buy tickets and manage the group.
  • Sign an agreement outlining the terms like contributions and distributing any prizes.
  • Split the prize evenly based on the percentage share each member owns.
  • Combine winnings for tax purposes rather than individually.

Playing the lottery in a syndicate allows you to play at a higher level while sharing the risk and excitement with others.

PowerBall Pro Tips and Strategies

Use these expert tips to boost your chances of winning a prize when playing PowerBall:

  • Increase your odds by buying more boards in a draw.
  • Avoid repetitive number patterns like 1-2-3-4-5 which rarely come up.
  • Don’t only pick numbers 31-49 as the main ball set tilts lower.
  • Consider joining or forming a syndicate to raise your game participation.
  • Manage your budget and only spend what you can afford on tickets.
  • Never chase losses or try to win back past expenditures.

Think positively, play responsibly within your means, and remember one Powerball could be all you need to win millions!

PowerBall FAQs

Can you buy PowerBall tickets online?

Yes, PowerBall tickets can be purchased online at Nationallottery.co.za. You can register an account, make payment and receive a receipt with your numbered selections. The PowerBall website is available 24/7.

What happens if you win the PowerBall jackpot?

Jackpot winners go through a detailed claims process facilitated by Ithuba to verify your win and assist with payout options. Financial advice is provided and press conferences arranged. You can choose a lump sum or annuity payout.

Where does the PowerBall money go?

The South African National Lottery distributes funds raised to good causes. More than R70 billion has gone to projects like charities, health, sports, arts, culture, and national heritage.

Can you win Division 2 without the PowerBall?

No, you must match the PowerBall number as well to win Division 2. Matching just the 5 main numbers wins a fixed R250,000 prize in Division 3.

What is a PowerBall Quick Pick ticket?

This is where you let the lottery terminal randomly select your main numbers and PowerBall digit. You don’t choose them yourself. Quick Pick is the fastest and simplest way to get your PowerBall ticket.

Conclusion

Playing the South African PowerBall offers the chance to win life-changing jackpot prizes. With draws twice a week, massive rollover potential, and affordable R5 entry tickets, it is an exciting lottery game with millions up for grabs.

Remember to play responsibly, choose your numbers carefully, and check those tickets! One lucky entry could see you joining the ranks of the country’s biggest PowerBall winners.