US PowerBall vs. SA PowerBall: Which is Better?

US PowerBall vs. SA PowerBall: Which is Better?

• ROUND 1: THE SIZE OF THE PAYOUTS
• ROUND 2: ODDS OF WINNING
• ROUND 3: THE DRAWS
• ROUND 4: BET PRICES
• FINAL ROUND: POWERBALL VS POWERBALL: WHO TAKES THE TITLE?

In the red, white and blue corner, hailing from Florida State is the lottery behemoth, the US PowerBall! On the opposite side of this lottery battle, in the green and gold corner, we have South Africa’s own SA PowerBall. One has broken record after record with lottery payouts the size of which the world had never seen before, while the other is responsible for all ten of the biggest lottery payouts of all time in South Africa.

These are two lotteries of undoubted pedigree, but which is punching above its weight, and which is an undoubted heavy hitter? The gloves are off as we take a closer look at this lottery payout-fight; US PowerBall vs SA PowerBall!

US PowerBall vs Sa PowerBall
Odds of Winning Top Payout	1 in 292,223.510	1 in 42,375,200
odds of winning any payout	1 in 24.9	1 in 18
Draw Time and Day	Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 04:59 SAST	Tuesday and Friday 21:00 SAST
Minimum Top Payout	US$20 Million (c. R370 Million)	R3 Million
Record Top Payout	US$2.04 Billion (R37.74 Billion)	R232 Million
Bet Price	R70	R5

ROUND 1: THE SIZE OF THE PAYOUTS

The US PowerBall comes out swinging from its corner with numbers that will make many jaws drop. This heavyweight lottery is known across the world for its massive payouts. The American lotto has a minimum starting purse of $20 million—roughly R370 million - and that’s just the opening shot! The US PowerBall’s record-breaking knockout punch came in November 2022, with a staggering $2.04 billion payout. That’s a knockout blow worth around R37.74 billion, enough to leave any contender reeling.

However, don’t count out the SA PowerBall just yet! In the green and gold corner, South Africa’s champ might not boast the same eye-watering sums, but it’s no shrinking violet. The SA PowerBall starts at a respectable R3 million, a more than respectable amount by any standard! And it’s landed some heavy hits of its own, with a record payout of R232 million in February 2019. While it doesn’t pack the same punch as its American rival, it’s still a force to be reckoned with on home soil.

ROUND 2: ODDS OF WINNING

When it comes to winning, the US PowerBall might be a fearsome competitor, but its odds are as high as the skyscrapers of New York City! With odds of landing the top payout set at 1 in 292 million, it’s like aiming for a knockout blow in the final round—possible, but a long shot. Even the odds of winning any payout sit at 1 in 24.9, making every victory hard-fought.

The SA PowerBall offers a more balanced proposition. With odds of 1 in 42 million to win the top payout, it’s one of the easiest lotteries to win. The chances of winning any payout are also more favorable with odds of 1 in 18. The SA PowerBall gives its players a fighting chance, proving it’s more than a punchy underdog in this battle.

ROUND 3: THE DRAWS

Both of our contenders are ready to go the distance with multiple draws each week. The US PowerBall steps into the ring three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights at 10:59 PM ET, or 4:59 AM SAST. It’s an early-morning fight for South African fans, who might need to catch the results over breakfast.

The SA PowerBall, meanwhile, is fighting on home turf with a prime-time slot. Its draws take place twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday at 9:00 PM SAST. For local fans, it’s a more convenient match, allowing them to see the results live without waking up at the crack of dawn!

ROUND 4: BET PRICES

Let’s talk entry fees—because even in a payout battle, the price of the bet matters. The US PowerBall charges R70 for a standard bet, with an extra R20 for the PowerPlay option to boost payouts (except the top payout). It’s a premium price for a shot at those jaw-dropping payouts. Another addition to the American contender’s repertoire is the Mini-Bet. This allows punters to place a bet for just R10 and still take home 10% of the normal payout!

In the green and gold corner, the SA PowerBall offers a more budget-friendly option. With bets priced at R5 per bet, it’s more accessible for regular players. This lower entry cost means you can stay in the game without breaking the bank, giving the SA PowerBall an edge for fans looking to go the distance.

FINAL ROUND: POWERBALL VS POWERBALL: WHO TAKES THE TITLE?

So, as we go to the scorecards, which lottery deserves the championship belt? It’s a close fight, and the decision depends on what you’re looking for in a contender.

If you’re the type of punter who loves the dream of an enormous payout, the US PowerBall is the undisputed heavyweight champion. Its sky-high payouts and international appeal make it a global lotto superstar.

However, if you prefer better odds and lower bet prices, the SA PowerBall delivers a strong performance. Its payouts may be smaller, but they’re still substantial, and your chances of winning are better.

In this lottery payout-fight, both contenders pack a punch. Whether you’re drawn to the massive payouts of the US PowerBall or the more attainable payouts of the SA PowerBall, each has benefits that can appeal to anyone. So, choose your numbers, place your bets, and get ready for the next big draw—because in this fight, anyone can be a winner!