How to Play Powerball

The basics

Australian Powerball is a dual-barrel game. You choose 7 numbers from 1 to 35 (the main barrel) and 1 Powerball number from 1 to 20 (a separate barrel). On draw night, 7 numbers are drawn from the main barrel and 1 Powerball from the Powerball barrel.

To win Division 1, you must match all 7 main numbers and the Powerball. Other divisions require various combinations of main numbers with or without the Powerball.

Prize divisions

Odds are per game line. Overall odds of winning any prize: approximately 1 in 44.

Jackpot and prize structure

Powerball starts at a minimum Division 1 jackpot of $3 million. When there is no Division 1 winner, the jackpot rolls over to the next draw, accumulating until it is won. This is why Powerball occasionally reaches $100 million or more — the highest recorded Australian Powerball jackpot reached $200 million.

Division 2 through 9 prizes are fixed amounts (not pari-mutuel), so lower-division winners receive a set prize regardless of how many others win the same division.

Draw schedule

Powerball is drawn every Thursday evening. Draws close approximately 7:30 pm AEST; results are available from around 9:00–9:30 pm AEST.

View all Powerball results →

Key difference from Saturday Lotto

Unlike Saturday Lotto, Powerball uses two separate barrels — you must pick a Powerball number in addition to your main 7 numbers. The Powerball number is independent of the main draw, which is why matching the Powerball is so important: it unlocks Divisions 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9.