Powerball: Complete Guide
Australian Powerball holds every jackpot record in this country. The two-barrel draw system makes Division 1 dramatically harder to win than other games, but it also allows prizes to roll over to previously unimaginable amounts. Several draws have exceeded $100 million.
How to play
- 1Pick 7 numbers from a pool of 1 to 35 (main barrel).
- 2Also pick 1 Powerball number from a separate pool of 1 to 20.
- 3The draw selects 7 main numbers and 1 Powerball from their respective barrels.
- 4To win Division 1, you must match all 7 main numbers AND the Powerball.
- 5Other prize divisions reward different combinations of main numbers and the Powerball.
- 6Draws take place Thursday nights at approximately 8:30pm AEST.
Prize divisions
Prize amounts for pari-mutuel divisions vary by draw. Set prizes are fixed regardless of winner count. Check thelott.com for current prize pool amounts.
| Div | Match | Odds | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 main + Powerball | 1 in 134,490,400 | Jackpot (min $3M) |
| 2 | 7 main (no Powerball) | 1 in 7,078,443 | Shared pool (often $100k+) |
| 3 | 6 main + Powerball | 1 in 686,176 | Shared pool |
| 4 | 6 main (no Powerball) | 1 in 36,115 | Shared pool |
| 5 | 5 main + Powerball | 1 in 16,943 | Shared pool |
| 6 | 5 main (no Powerball) | 1 in 892 | Shared pool |
| 7 | 4 main + Powerball | 1 in 1,173 | Shared pool |
| 8 | 3 main + Powerball | 1 in 188 | Set prize $20 |
| 9 | 2 main + Powerball | 1 in 66 | Set prize $10 |
The overall odds of winning any prize in Powerball are approximately 1 in 44. Division 1 odds of 1 in 134 million are the longest of any Australian game. The Powerball number is the key multiplier: because it is drawn from its own barrel of 20, it makes all Powerball-dependent divisions approximately 20 times harder.
Tips for this game
The Powerball number choice matters more than people think
The Powerball barrel contains numbers 1 to 20. Most players pick low numbers like 7 or 13 because they feel lucky. Numbers 14 to 20 are consistently less popular. Choosing an unpopular Powerball number means fewer co-winners if your main numbers come up with that Powerball.
High rollovers change the expected value calculation
At a $3 million jackpot, Powerball is a poor expected-value bet. At $150 million or above, the Division 1 prize alone contributes significantly to expected value. If you are going to play Powerball, large rollovers are the time to do it.
PowerHit improves your Division 1 odds by 20x, but at 20x the cost
PowerHit covers all 20 Powerball numbers for the same set of main numbers. Your Division 1 odds improve to 1 in 6,724,520. But since it costs 20 times as much, the expected value per dollar spent is essentially unchanged. PowerHit is useful if you specifically want Division 1 odds on a single set of main numbers.
Avoid the main pool birthday cluster too
Powerball main numbers run 1 to 35. Birthday clustering in the 1 to 31 range affects this game just as it does Saturday Lotto, although the pool is smaller. Numbers 32, 33, 34, and 35 are the most under-picked in the main barrel.
Free tool
Generate Powerball numbers
Get a Powerball entry weighted towards under-picked main numbers and a less popular Powerball number. Same Division 1 odds, less expected prize-sharing.
Outnumber does not improve your probability of winning any lottery. All lottery games are games of chance. Prize divisions and prize amounts shown are approximate and may change. Please gamble responsibly. Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858.