History and Overview

Oz Powerball is one of Australia’s most popular lottery games, launched on May 23, 1996. It is operated by the Tatts Group under the brand ‘the Lott’ in all Australian states except Western Australia, where it is operated by Lotterywest. The game is known for its large jackpots and unique two-barrel draw system.

How to Play

Playing Oz Powerball is straightforward and involves selecting numbers from two separate pools. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Your Numbers:

   • Players select seven numbers from a pool of 1 to 35.
   • Additionally, players select one Powerball number from a pool of 1 to 20.

2. Purchase a Ticket:

   • Tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers or online through the official lottery website or app.
   • Each standard entry costs $1.30 per game, but the total cost varies based on the type of entry and the number of games played.

3. Quick Pick Option:

   • Players can choose their own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the numbers are randomly generated by the lottery terminal.

4. System Entries:

   • Players can choose to play System entries, which cover multiple combinations of numbers, increasing the chance of winning.

5. Multi-Draw Option:

   • Players can opt to play the same numbers for multiple draws in advance.

Draw Time

• Draw Days: The Oz Powerball draws take place every Thursday.
• Draw Time: Draws are held at approximately 8:30 PM AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time).

Prize Structure

The Oz Powerball game features nine prize divisions, with jackpots starting at $3 million and rolling over until there is a winner. Here’s a breakdown of the prize structure:

1. Division 1:

   • Match 7 numbers + Powerball: Jackpot prize, starting at $3 million and increasing with rollovers.

2. Other Divisions:

   • Division 2: Match 7 numbers: $100,000 (estimated)
   • Division 3: Match 6 numbers + Powerball: $4,000 (estimated)
   • Division 4: Match 6 numbers: $2,000 (estimated)
   • Division 5: Match 5 numbers + Powerball: $500 (estimated)
   • Division 6: Match 5 numbers: $100 (estimated)
   • Division 7: Match 4 numbers + Powerball: $70 (estimated)
   • Division 8: Match 3 numbers + Powerball: $40 (estimated)
   • Division 9: Match 2 numbers + Powerball: $10 (estimated)

Odds of Winning

The odds of winning in the Oz Powerball game vary by prize division:

• Division 1 (Match 7 numbers + Powerball): 1 in 134,490,400
• Division 2 (Match 7 numbers): 1 in 7,078,443
• Division 3 (Match 6 numbers + Powerball): 1 in 686,176
• Division 4 (Match 6 numbers): 1 in 36,115
• Division 5 (Match 5 numbers + Powerball): 1 in 16,943
• Division 6 (Match 5 numbers): 1 in 892
• Division 7 (Match 4 numbers + Powerball): 1 in 2,654
• Division 8 (Match 3 numbers + Powerball): 1 in 188
• Division 9 (Match 2 numbers + Powerball): 1 in 66

Claiming Prizes

• Small Prizes: Can be claimed at any authorized retailer.
• Larger Prizes: Must be claimed at a lottery office or by mail, depending on the amount won and the policies of the respective state.
• Jackpot Prizes: Require special arrangements for claiming, and winners may need to provide identification and proof of ticket purchase.

Important Points

• Players must be 18 years or older to participate.
• Tickets must be purchased before the cut-off time on draw days, typically at 7:30 PM AEST.
• Winnings are tax-free in Australia, but winners should consult with a tax advisor if they have international tax obligations.

Oz Powerball offers players the chance to win substantial prizes every week. With a starting jackpot of $3 million and the potential for large rollovers, it provides exciting opportunities for lottery players across Australia while supporting good causes and community initiatives funded by the state lotteries.