What Is Power Play in Powerball?
If you buy Powerball tickets often, you have seen the little box that says Powerball Power Play. Many people skip it because they are not sure what it really does. Some think it boosts the jackpot. Some think it gives huge prizes all the time. Most players are simply confused.
This guide explains what is Power Play in Powerball so you know if it is worth adding to your ticket.
How Power Play Works in Powerball
What Power Play actually does?
- Power Play is an add-on that boosts your non-jackpot prizes.
- It does not change your chance of winning.
- It does not touch the jackpot.
If you win any regular prize and you paid for Power Play, your prize gets multiplied. That is the whole idea. It works like a “boost button” for your winnings.
How it multiplies non-jackpot prizes
Before every Powerball draw, there is a separate draw that picks a multiplier. This multiplier applies to all tickets that include Power Play Powerball.
The multiplier can be:
- 2x
- 3x
- 4x
- 5x
- 10x (only when the jackpot is below $150 million)
If you win a prize like $50, $100, or even $50,000, Power Play multiplies it by the number drawn that night.
Powerball Power Play Payout Chart
Here is a simple 2025 chart that shows how much you can win with Powerball with Power Play:
| Prize Without Power Play | ×2 | ×3 | ×4 | ×5 | ×10* |
| $4 | $8 | $12 | $16 | $20 | $40 |
| $7 | $14 | $21 | $28 | $35 | $70 |
| $100 | $200 | $300 | $400 | $500 | $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $100k | $150k | $200k | $250k | $500k |
| Match 5 ($1M) | $2M fixed | $2M | $2M | $2M | $2M |
*10x only appears when the jackpot is under $150 million.
Match 5 is special because it always becomes $2 million. It does not multiply beyond that.
What Is Powerball with Power Play?
Here is a simple example of Powerball Power Play lottery:
1. You buy a $2 Powerball ticket.
2. You add Power Play, which costs $1.
3. On draw night, the multiplier drawn is 4x.
4. You match 4 white numbers and the Powerball and win $50,000.
5. Power Play multiplies it by 4.
Show before & after payout
● Without Power Play: $50,000
● With Power Play (4x): $200,000
One extra dollar turned a good win into a life changing amount.
Powerball Power Play Odds Explained
Odds of each multiplier
These are the odds when the 10x multiplier is active:
● 2x → 1 in 1.79
● 3x → 1 in 3.23
● 4x → 1 in 14
● 5x → 1 in 21
● 10x → 1 in 43
Why the ×10 appears only below $150M jackpot
The 10x boost is strong. To keep things fair, Powerball only allows it when the jackpot is smaller (under $150 million).
Probability table
| Multiplier | Chance |
| 2x | Most common |
| 3x | Common |
| 4x | Less common |
| 5x | Rare |
| 10x | Very rare and only appears on small jackpot nights |
Read Our Blog: Powerball Odds Explanation
Powerball Power Play vs. Standard Powerball: What’s the Difference?
Cost comparison
- Standard Powerball ticket: $2
- Powerball with Power Play: $3
Prize potential
- Standard Powerball gives normal fixed prizes.
- Power Play multiplies almost all of them.
Effect on jackpot
- Power Play does not change the jackpot at all.
- The jackpot remains the same whether you add it or not.
Should You Play Powerball with Power Play?
When Power Play makes sense
- You want bigger prizes even if you do not hit the jackpot.
- You like the idea of turning a $7 or $50 win into something larger.
- You want the chance to turn $1 million into $2 million.
When it doesn’t
- You only care about the jackpot.
- You want to keep your ticket cost low.
- You buy many lines and the price adds up fast.
Budget considerations
If you play often, adding Power Play every time can increase your cost. Some players only use Power Play on lucky draws or on lines where they want extra value.
Also Read: How To Play Powerball Lottery
Does Power Play Affect the Powerball Jackpot?
Clarify common misconception
- Many players think Power Play boosts the jackpot.
- It does not.
Explain that jackpot is NOT multiplied
- No matter what multiplier is drawn, the jackpot stays the same.
- Power Play only affects non-jackpot prizes.
Power Play Rules You Must Know Before Playing
Eligibility
- You must buy Power Play when you buy your ticket.
- You cannot add it later.
States participation
Almost all Powerball states allow Power Play, but a few do not. Always check your state rules.
Draw process
- First, Powerball draws the main numbers.
- Next, Power Play draws the multiplier.
- All Power Play tickets follow that multiplier.
How to Choose the Right Power Play Multiplier
Statistical recommendation
Most wins are small wins.
Power Play makes small wins much better, so the extra dollar is often worth it.
Best option based on jackpot size
- When the jackpot is under $150 million: best time to play because the 10x multiplier is active.
- When the jackpot is huge: Power Play is still good, but you do not get 10x.
Tips for frequent players
- If you play often, use Power Play on all your tickets only if it fits your budget.
- If you play rarely, add it because you want the best possible return if you win anything.
Also Read: Top 10 Most Common Powerball Numbers
FAQs
How much extra does Power Play cost?
Power Play costs an extra $1 for each Powerball line you play.
Can Power Play apply to Match 5?
Yes. If you hit Match 5, Power Play boosts it to a fixed $2 million.
Can you win $2 million with Power Play?
Yes. Match 5 with Power Play always pays $2 million, no matter which multiplier is drawn.
Does Power Play multiply the jackpot?
No. Power Play does not affect the jackpot at all. The jackpot stays the same whether you add Power Play or not.
