Powerball vs Oz Lotto: Which Should You Play?
Australia's two biggest jackpot lottery games go head to head. Compare the odds, prize structures, costs, and jackpot potential to decide which game suits you best.
Powerball
Thursday nights
Oz Lotto
Tuesday nights
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Powerball | Oz Lotto |
|---|---|---|
| Draw Day | Thursday | Tuesday |
| Draw Time | 8:30 PM AEST | 8:30 PM AEST |
| Main Numbers | 7 from 1-35 | 7 from 1-45 |
| Bonus Numbers | 1 Powerball from 1-20 | 2 Supplementary from remaining |
| Division 1 Odds | 1 in 134,490,400 | 1 in 45,379,620 |
| Prize Divisions | 9 divisions | 7 divisions |
| Minimum Jackpot | $3 Million | $2 Million |
| Typical Big Jackpot | $50M - $200M | $20M - $100M |
| Record Jackpot | $200 Million | $100 Million |
| Standard Entry Cost | $1.35 per game | $1.35 per game |
| Minimum Entry | 4 games ($5.40) | 4 games ($5.40) |
| Any Prize Odds | ~1 in 44 | ~1 in 55 |
Powerball: Pros & Cons
Oz Lotto: Pros & Cons
Historical Biggest Jackpots by Year
| Year | Powerball Biggest | Oz Lotto Biggest |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $200M (record) | $50M |
| 2023 | $120M | $70M |
| 2022 | $110M | $100M |
| 2021 | $80M | $50M |
| 2020 | $50M | $30M |
Which Should You Play?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better odds of winning Division 1 — Powerball or Oz Lotto?
Oz Lotto has significantly better Division 1 odds at 1 in 45,379,620 compared to Powerball's 1 in 134,490,400. You are roughly 3 times more likely to win the top prize in Oz Lotto than in Powerball.
Which Australian lottery has bigger jackpots — Powerball or Oz Lotto?
Powerball typically offers much larger jackpots. The Powerball record stands at $200 million, while Oz Lotto's biggest jackpot was $100 million. Powerball's harder odds mean jackpots roll over more frequently, building to larger amounts.
Can I play both Powerball and Oz Lotto in the same week?
Yes. Oz Lotto draws on Tuesday night and Powerball draws on Thursday night, so you can easily play both in the same week. Many regular players enter both games.
Are Powerball and Oz Lotto prizes tax-free in Australia?
Yes. All Australian lottery prizes are completely tax-free. Whether you win $10 or $200 million, you receive the full advertised amount with no deductions.
Powerball vs Oz Lotto: A Complete Comparison
Powerball and Oz Lotto are Australia's two biggest jackpotting lottery games, and they attract millions of players each week. While both games offer the chance to win life-changing sums, they differ significantly in structure, odds, and prize potential. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice about where to spend your lottery budget.
How the Games Work
Powerball requires players to select 7 numbers from a pool of 1 to 35, plus 1 Powerball number from a separate pool of 1 to 20. This two-pool format is what creates the game's notably long Division 1 odds of 1 in 134,490,400. In contrast, Oz Lotto uses a single pool where 7 numbers are drawn from 1 to 45, along with 2 supplementary numbers. This simpler structure results in Division 1 odds of 1 in 45,379,620 — nearly three times better than Powerball.
Jackpot Potential and Growth
The harder odds in Powerball are a double-edged sword. While they make Division 1 harder to win, they also mean the jackpot rolls over more often, growing to extraordinary amounts. Powerball has produced Australia's largest ever lottery prize of $200 million, and regularly generates jackpots above $50 million. Oz Lotto jackpots are still substantial — the record is $100 million — but they tend to be won more frequently due to the shorter odds, preventing the extreme accumulations seen in Powerball.
Prize Divisions and Lower Tier Wins
Powerball offers 9 prize divisions compared to Oz Lotto's 7, giving players more ways to win smaller prizes. The overall odds of winning any prize are approximately 1 in 44 for Powerball and 1 in 55 for Oz Lotto, making Powerball slightly better for landing a consolation prize even though Division 1 is harder to reach.
Cost and Value
Both games cost $1.35 per game with a minimum purchase of 4 games ($5.40). At an identical price point, the choice comes down to whether you prefer chasing the absolute largest jackpots (Powerball) or want better statistical odds at a still-impressive top prize (Oz Lotto). Use our odds calculator to explore the mathematics further, or check the jackpot tracker to see which game currently has the bigger prize on offer.
The Bottom Line
Neither game is objectively "better" — it depends on what you value most. Powerball is the go-to for maximum jackpot size, while Oz Lotto offers a better balance between odds and prize potential. Many regular players enter both, taking advantage of the different draw nights. Whatever you choose, remember to play responsibly and within your budget. View the latest Powerball results and Oz Lotto results after each draw.