How to Play Powerball South Africa – Step by Step guide

South Africa introduced PowerBall nine years after the establishment of the South African National Lottery in 2000. Ever since this lottery game has become popular among South Africans of all ages. After all, who doesn’t want to win a jackpot? Even though everybody yearns for an opportunity to win the jackpot, it cannot be possible if you do not know how to play PowerBall plus or just PowerBall in South Africa. Playing this lottery is not as complicated. Nevertheless, here we provide a step-by-step guide on how to play PowerBall in South Africa like a pro and boost your chances of winning big in this lottery.

Understanding how to play PowerBall, as well as the difference between PowerBall and PowerBall plus is the first step towards realising your dream of winning in a lottery. The two are almost the same. The difference is that PowerBall PLUS offers you a second chance of winning, which apparently comes at an extra cost of R2.50 for every board you choose to play. 

How do you play PowerBall in South Africa?

If you have ever thought of winning South African jackpot, then the only way to it is to play the game right. Here are simple 6 steps on how to get near your dream of being a jackpot winner. However, before changing your playing approaches, it is important to remember the following tips:

  • You are free to choose how many boards you play.
  • If you consider the Multi-Draw choice, you get the platform to enjoy multiple draws of the same numbers.
  • Single plays go for R5 inclusive of VAT.
  • It is essential to get your ticket as early as possible because ticketing closes 30 minutes before the draw.

How do you play PowerBall lottery?

The playing process involves a player choosing a Quick Pick option, allowing the lottery processing system to bring out six lucky numbers. The numbers are randomly selected, and if your number pops out, you win. Alternatively, you can consider the manual process of playing. Here are the steps that you need to follow if you consider the manual approach:

Step 1: Identify a bet slip

The first step is for you to find an active bet slip. Some slips can be rendered inactive a few moments before the draw; hence, it is important to choose a slip that is still active. 

Step 2: Enter your options

Every player chooses six numbers from a range of between 1 and 45. However, the first five numbers should be between 1 and 45, and the sixth one should be between 1 and 20. It is advisable to be careful with your choice of the numbers lest you mess up your slip.

Step 3: Make the payment 

After choosing the numbers well, make your payment at the teller stand. It is advisable to ensure that you are playing at an approved Lottery retailer. 

Step 4: Get a receipt 

A receipt is proof of payment. Ensure that the teller gives you a receipt after making the payment for the numbers you chose. The receipt has details of your slip and the selected numbers. 

Step 5: Include your name at the back of the receipt

Step 6: Wait for the draw

All draws are announced on Etv every Tuesday and Friday at 21:00. Ensure that you watch for the draw session to see if your ticket wins. 

There you have it – the steps to follow to play all your way to the jackpot. Did you know that it is not compulsory for you to pay through a retailer? It is allowed to talk to the cashier, give them your selections, or even opt for the Quick Pick. However, you must be above 18 years of age to play. 

Usually, the tickets are available between 6:00 hrs and 23:00 SAST for all the non-draw days. For Tuesdays and Fridays, ticket selling closes 30 minutes before the time of the draw. While the cost for a single line is R5, the overall price can be influenced by the number of draws you choose to enter in advance, as well as the number of boards you decide to play. Besides, the total cost varies if you decide to play PowerBall Plus. 

How many numbers do you need to win in PowerBall?

The advancement in technology has made playing the lottery not only comfortable but also convenient. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to play PowerBall SA online.

1. Create your account online.

2. Decide whether to go for the Quick Pick option or choose the numbers manually.

3. Decide on the number of lines as well as the number of draws to enter.

4. Make the payment and wait for the draw –every Tuesday and Thursday at 21:00 SAST.

5. You will need to match 5 main numbers plus the PowerBall to win.

Playing online is much advantageous in that your ticket remains safe, and you can refer to the results even after the South African lotto PowerBall results are announced. In case of any win, you will get an instant notification, and your prize will be available on your online account.

Other ways you can play the lottery

You are not tied to playing online or through a retailer. You can play PowerBall through many different ways including the SMS option, Quick Pick, or even selecting the numbers using your mobile device. You can use the USSD approach to request a Quick Pick. In addition, you have the option of buying tickets from other channels including automatic machines or a cash register provided that the lottery is allowed there. 

First National Bank (FNB) avails an option where you decide whether to use a dedicated app or an online banking service to play. However, for you to consider this option, you should have an FNB account.

1. Log in to your online bank account.

2. Choose your game.

3. Click the ‘play now’ button.

4. Select your numbers.

5. Make the payment either through eBucks or directly from your account.

Is there a trick to winning the lottery?

How does PowerBall work is a common question among most aspiring players. The primary goal of playing PowerBall is to ensure that all your selected numbers match the ones provided after the draw. The size of your prize is relative to the numbers you much. Winning the jackpot requires matching the PowerBall with all the five primary numbers. 

In case you win any prize, you have up to a year to make your claim after a draw is made. Usually, the claim process differs depending on your prize and the amount you played. Most licensed retailers have no issues with the claim as they can pay up to R5,000. In case your award is higher than this, it is advisable to visit an authorised payment centre for your prize.

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Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.