We all know Powerball; no need for introductions. And we’re familiar with its massive jackpots; in fact, many of us dream of winning one. But did you know that the jackpot isn’t the only way to win big? Powerball’s second prizes are quite substantial too, and if you add the Power Play option, your winnings multiply. Don’t know what Power Play is?
Power Play is an additional Powerball option that multiplies your second prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 times.
How does Power Play Works?
As we’ve mentioned before, Power Play is an optional feature that you can add to your Powerball ticket for an additional $1. To enable it, all you have to do is fill out your ticket as usual and check the “Multiplier” box just below the entry form. Importantly, you must include the Power Play option when you purchase your ticket; it can’t be added separately or activated later.
The multiplier number will be drawn from a separate drum of 42 or 43 balls prior to the main draw. Depending on the number drawn, your prizes will be multiplied.
Powerball draws happen three times a week- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturday, at 10:59 pm ET.
Power Play Multipliers
With Power Play, you can multiply your non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times. However, the 10x multiplier is only available when the jackpot is less than $150 million. The second prize of $1 million can only be doubled regardless of the Power Play number drawn. So the maximum is always $2 million.
How are the multipliers distributed? In the 42 or 43 ball reels, there are twenty-four 2X values, thirteen 3X values, three 4X values, and two 5X values. And if the jackpot is under $150 million, one 10X.
The following table shows the probabilities of each Power Play ball with the 10X multiplier added
| Multiplier | Balls | Odds |
| 2x | 24 | 1 in 1.79 |
| 3x | 13 | 1 in 3.31 |
| 4x | 3 | 1 in 14.33 |
| 5x | 2 | 1 in 21.5 |
| 10x | 1 | 1 in 43 |
This table shows the probabilities of each Power Play ball without the 10X multiplier.
| Multiplier | Balls | Odds |
| 2x | 24 | 1 in 1.75 |
| 3x | 13 | 1 in 3.23 |
| 4x | 3 | 1 in 14 |
| 5x | 2 | 1 in 21 |
How much can you win?
This extra feature can significantly increase the prize amount for all non-jackpot levels. Here’s a comprehensive chart showing how the Power Play option can increase your winnings.
But first, we need to consider the following important aspects:
- The multiplier doesn’t affect the jackpot prize.
- The Match 5 numbers prize is always $2 million no matter the multiplier number
- The 10X multiplier is only in play when the advertised jackpot is $150 million or less
| Match | Regular Prize | 2x | 3x | 4x | 5x | 10x |
| 5 numbers + Powerball | Jackpot | Jackpot | Jackpot | Jackpot | Jackpot | Jackpot |
| 5 numers | $1 million | $2 million | $2 million | $2 million | $2 million | $2 million |
| 4 numbers + Powerball | $50.000 | $100.00 | $150.000 | $200.000 | $250.000 | $500.000 |
| 4 numbers | $100 | $200 | $300 | $400 | $500 | $1000 |
| 3 numbers + Powerball | $100 | $200 | $300 | $400 | $500 | $1000 |
| 3 numbers | $7 | $14 | $21 | $28 | $35 | $70 |
| 2 numbers + Powerball | $7 | $14 | $21 | $28 | $35 | $70 |
| 1 number + Powerball | $4 | $8 | $12 | $16 | $20 | $40 |
| Powerball | $4 | $8 | $12 | $16 | $20 | $40 |
Power play FAQs
Does Power Play increase my chances of winning?
Unfortunately, no. Your chances of winning are the same, whether you opt for Power Play or not. This extra option only affects the prize amount.
What states offer Power Play?
This extra feature is available for almost all states except California. Additionally, it is worth noting that the states of Alabama, Alaska, Utah and Hawaii do not have state lotteries, so Power Play (or any other lottery features) would not be applicable in those areas.
Which is better Power Play or Megaplier
Both options serve the same purpose: multiplying the value of secondary prizes. Of course, each has its own characteristics:
- With Megaplier, you can multiply second prizes up to 5 times, including the second prize. So, you could potentially win up to 5 million with Megaplier.
- Power Play allows players to multiply prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 as long as the jackpot is less than 150 million. The second prize is always 2 million, regardless of the multiplier.
Summing up…
Power Play is an enticing feature that adds an extra level of excitement to playing the Powerball lottery. While it doesn’t improve your chances of winning, it significantly increases the value of the non-jackpot prizes, making it a favorable choice for many lottery enthusiasts.
Are you ready to give this extra option a shot? Drop a comment below! Don’t forget, with the Lottonia App, you can double the excitement of playing the lottery. So, what are you waiting for? Download Lottonia and enjoy!