PowerBall jackpot dips slightly, but R180 million is still up for grabs this Tuesday

PowerBall jackpot dips slightly, but R180 million is still up for grabs this Tuesday

If you were hoping for an even bigger PowerBall moment this week, there’s a small disappointment, but it’s far from a dealbreaker.

PowerBall and PowerBall Plus return on Tuesday 20 January 2026 with a combined jackpot of R180 million, down slightly from last week’s near-R200 million haul. Still, for most South Africans, this is life-changing money by any measure.

And with fewer players expected this time around, your odds may quietly improve.

The bad news: One jackpot has already been claimed

After 24 consecutive rollovers, the main PowerBall jackpot has climbed to a massive R177 million. But the overall total dropped because someone struck gold in the PowerBall Plus draw on Friday, walking away with R33 million.

That win reset the Plus jackpot back to R3 million, bringing this week’s combined prize pool down from R198 million to R180 million.

Not terrible, just slightly less dramatic than last week.

The good news: R177 million is still a monster prize

Let’s keep perspective. A R177 million PowerBall jackpot still places this draw among the biggest of the year so far.

South Africa’s all-time PowerBall record remains R232 million, won in February 2019. If the current jackpot continues to roll over, it could start flirting with that historic figure, possibly again in February.

Lottery regulars will tell you: this is exactly how record-breaking runs begin.

What happened in the last draw?

Friday’s draw delivered mixed fortunes:

PowerBall (unwon):

• Numbers: 8, 22, 36, 39, 47

• PowerBall: 20

PowerBall Plus (won):

• Numbers: 3, 24, 29, 32, 34

• PowerBall: 18

Two additional players also matched five numbers (without the PowerBall), each pocketing R182,000, a reminder that you don’t need the jackpot to walk away smiling.

Why fewer players could work in your favour

Here’s a lesser-known lottery truth: bigger jackpots attract more players.

As the prize pool balloons, ticket sales surge. When a jackpot dips, even slightly interest often cools. That could mean fewer entries on Tuesday night, and statistically, better odds for those who do play.

Of course, your actual odds of winning PowerBall remain steep at 42 million to one. But every ticket sold still represents a chance and someone always wins eventually.

Don’t fall for number myths

Lottery experts repeatedly warn against the gambler’s fallacy, the belief that past results influence future draws.

Friday’s numbers have no impact whatsoever on Tuesday’s outcome. The machines don’t remember. The balls don’t hold grudges. Every draw is completely independent.

Choosing “hot” or “cold” numbers won’t help, but playing consistently might keep hope alive.

How and when to play

Tickets for PowerBall and PowerBall Plus are available until 20:30 on Tuesday, half an hour before the 21:00 draw, which will be broadcast live on e.tv (DStv channel 194).

Here’s how it works:

• Pick five numbers from 1 to 50

• Choose one PowerBall number from 1 to 20

• Entry costs R5, with an additional R2.50 for PowerBall Plus

You can play in-store, via the National Lottery website, the mobile app, USSD (1207529#), or through most major banking apps which, interestingly, produced the most frequent lottery winners in 2025.

And if numbers aren’t your thing, Quick Pick has a proven track record, including last year’s New Year’s Eve Lotto win.

Someone has to win

Yes, the jackpot is slightly smaller this week. But R180 million is still enough to rewrite a life story or several.

Whether you’re playing for fun, hope, or that quiet “what if” moment, Tuesday night could be the one. Six numbers. One ticket. Endless possibilities.

Good luck, we’ll be watching the draw with you.