What Is a Power Play in Powerball?

Written by Jackpot Staff

Updated: April 8, 2025

The Powerball lottery game offers players the chance to win massive cash prizes, but one of its most exciting features is the Power Play option. This feature can significantly enhance non-jackpot winnings. With Jackpot.com, learn about the Power Play feature and how it can affect your potential winnings when playing the Powerball lottery.

Powerball 101

Powerball is a multi-state lottery game played across the United States. Players draw numbers from two sets: white balls numbered 1 to 69 and red balls numbered 1 to 26. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls and the red Powerball. However, prizes are also awarded for matching various combinations of the white and red balls.

Each Powerball ticket costs $2, and players can add the Power Play feature for an additional $1.

What Is Power Play and How is the Multiplier Determined?

Power Play is an optional add-on feature for your Powerball ticket, available for an extra $1 per play. While it doesn't change your odds of winning or affect the Grand Prize jackpot amount, Power Play can significantly increase the payout for any non-jackpot prizes you win. It does this by multiplying those lower-tier winnings by 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times! One important exception is the prize for matching the first five numbers (Match 5 + 0); this prize is always set to a fixed $2,000,000 if you add Power Play, regardless of the multiplier drawn.

So, how is the specific multiplier for a given draw selected? It's determined by a separate drawing that occurs just before the main Powerball numbers are drawn. This Power Play drawing uses a dedicated drawing machine and a set of weighted balls, each marked with a multiplier value (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x). The specific ball drawn determines which multiplier will apply to that night's non-jackpot prizes. The odds of each multiplier being selected depend on whether the special 10x multiplier is available, which is only possible when the advertised Powerball jackpot annuity is $150 million or less.

Here's a breakdown of the Power Play balls and the odds for each multiplier:

• When the 10x Multiplier IS Available (Jackpot ≤ $150 Million):

A total of 43 balls are in the drawing machine.

• 10x: 1 ball (Odds: 1 in 43)
• 5x: 2 balls (Odds: 2 in 43)
• 4x: 3 balls (Odds: 3 in 43)
• 3x: 13 balls (Odds: 13 in 43)
• 2x: 24 balls (Odds: 24 in 43)
• When the 10x Multiplier IS NOT Available (Jackpot > $150 Million):

A total of 42 balls are in the drawing machine (the 10x ball is removed).

• 5x: 2 balls (Odds: 1 in 21)
• 4x: 3 balls (Odds: 1 in 14)
• 3x: 13 balls (Odds: 13 in 42)
• 2x: 24 balls (Odds: 4 in 7)

As you can see, the 2x multiplier is the most common outcome, but the chance to multiply smaller wins by 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times makes the Power Play feature an exciting addition for many players seeking to maximize their potential returns on non-jackpot prizes.

How to Add Power Play When Playing Online with Jackpot.com

Adding the Power Play multiplier to your Powerball tickets is easy when ordering online through Jackpot.com. Remember, this option costs an additional $1 per play and could significantly increase any non-jackpot prizes you win. Here’s how to ensure you've activated it:

• Choose Your Numbers: Begin by selecting your Powerball numbers for each line you want to play. You can pick your own lucky numbers or use the "Quick Pick" feature to have numbers randomly generated for you.
• Find the Power Play Option: As you configure each line or play, look directly below or next to your selected numbers. You will see an option clearly labeled "Power Play" – presented as a toggle switch.
• Activate the Feature: To add Power Play, simply click or tap the toggle associated with it.
• Check for Confirmation: Once selected, the Power Play option should visually change to indicate it's active for that line (e.g., the toggle switch will be enabled). You'll also notice the price for that specific play increase by $1 (from $2 to $3).
• Review Your Order: Before you complete your order, carefully review your order summary or digital cart. This final check will confirm that your Powerball plays include the Power Play add-on and display the total ticket cost accurately.

By following these simple steps on Jackpot.com, you can easily add the Power Play feature to your online Powerball entries and get a chance at multiplying potential non-jackpot wins!

Is Power Play Worth the Extra Cost?

The decision to opt for Power Play depends on your preferences and risk tolerance. While it costs an extra $1 per ticket, it can significantly increase non-jackpot winnings, making it a worthwhile option for those seeking larger prizes.

Does Power Play Increase Your Chances of Winning?

Playing the Power Play does not increase the chances of winning the Powerball jackpot; it only multiplies non-jackpot prizes. As a result, it can enhance the overall experience by potentially increasing the prize amounts for non-jackpot winners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Powerball Power Play

• How much does Powerball Power Play cost? Adding the Power Play option costs an additional $1 per play. So, a standard 1-line Powerball ticket costs $2, and a Powerball ticket with Power Play costs $3.
• How is the Power Play multiplier chosen? The Power Play multiplier number (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x) is selected in a separate drawing using a spinning drum with numbered balls. This drawing takes place just before the main Powerball numbers are drawn.
• What are the possible Power Play multipliers? The possible multipliers are 2x, 3x, 4x, and 5x. A 10x multiplier is also added to the pool of possible multipliers, but only when the advertised Powerball annuity jackpot is $150 million or less.
• Does Power Play apply to the jackpot? No, the Power Play feature does not multiply the Powerball jackpot prize. It only applies to non-jackpot prizes (prize tiers 2 through 9).
• What is the Powerball prize for Match 5 with Power Play? If you match the five white balls but not the red Powerball (the Match 5 prize) and you have the Power Play option added to your ticket, you win a fixed prize of $2,000,000. This amount is fixed, regardless of which Power Play multiplier (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x) was drawn for that night.
• When is the 10x Power Play multiplier available? The 10x multiplier is only included in the Power Play drawing when the advertised Powerball annuity jackpot is $150 million or less. When the jackpot exceeds $150 million, the 10x multiplier is not available for that draw.
• Is the Power Play worth the extra dollar? Whether Power Play is "worth it" depends on your playing style. It costs an extra $1 per play but offers the potential to significantly increase non-jackpot winnings (e.g., turning a $100 prize into $200-$1,000, or guaranteeing the Match 5 prize becomes $2 million). If you value boosting these lower-tier prizes, it might be worth the extra cost; if you are only focused on the jackpot, you might choose to skip it.
• Does Power Play change my odds of winning a prize? No, adding Power Play does not change your odds of winning any Powerball prize. The odds of matching the numbers remain exactly the same. Power Play only affects the amount of money you receive for non-jackpot prizes if you win.