Saturday Lotto vs Powerball: Which Should You Play?
Australia's most popular weekly lottery versus its biggest jackpot game. Compare the odds, costs, prize structures, and jackpot potential to decide which game suits your playing style.
Saturday Lotto
Saturday nights
Powerball
Thursday nights
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Saturday Lotto | Powerball |
|---|---|---|
| Draw Day | Saturday | Thursday |
| Draw Time | 8:30 PM AEST | 8:30 PM AEST |
| Main Numbers | 6 from 1-45 | 7 from 1-35 |
| Bonus Numbers | 2 Supplementary from remaining | 1 Powerball from 1-20 |
| Division 1 Odds | 1 in 8,145,060 | 1 in 134,490,400 |
| Prize Divisions | 6 divisions | 9 divisions |
| Minimum Jackpot | $4 Million (guaranteed weekly) | $3 Million |
| Typical Big Jackpot | $5M - $30M (Superdraws) | $50M - $200M |
| Record Jackpot | $30 Million (Megadraw) | $200 Million |
| Standard Entry Cost | $1.19 per game | $1.35 per game |
| Minimum Entry | 4 games ($4.76) | 4 games ($5.40) |
| Any Prize Odds | ~1 in 85 | ~1 in 44 |
Key Differences at a Glance
Saturday Lotto: Pros & Cons
Powerball: Pros & Cons
Which Should You Play?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saturday Lotto easier to win than Powerball?
Yes, significantly. Saturday Lotto Division 1 odds are 1 in 8,145,060 compared to Powerball's 1 in 134,490,400. That makes Saturday Lotto roughly 16.5 times easier to win the top prize. However, Powerball jackpots are much larger and it has better any-prize odds at approximately 1 in 44 compared to Saturday Lotto's 1 in 85.
What is the difference between Saturday Lotto, TattsLotto, and Gold Lotto?
They are all the same game. Saturday Lotto is known as TattsLotto in Victoria and Tasmania, Gold Lotto in Queensland, X Lotto in South Australia, and Lotto in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Regardless of the name, the draw, numbers, odds, and prize structure are identical across all states.
Can I play both Saturday Lotto and Powerball in the same week?
Yes. Saturday Lotto draws on Saturday night and Powerball draws on Thursday night, so they never clash. Many Australians play both games each week to maximise their chances of winning a major prize across both draws.
Saturday Lotto vs Powerball: A Complete Comparison
Saturday Lotto and Powerball are two of Australia's most widely played lottery games, but they cater to very different types of players. Understanding the fundamental differences between these games can help you allocate your lottery budget more effectively and set realistic expectations about your chances of winning.
The Odds: A Stark Contrast
The most significant difference between Saturday Lotto and Powerball lies in the Division 1 odds. Saturday Lotto requires matching 6 numbers from a pool of 45, giving odds of 1 in 8,145,060. Powerball requires matching 7 numbers from 35 plus 1 Powerball from 20, resulting in far steeper odds of 1 in 134,490,400. In practical terms, you are about 16.5 times more likely to win the Saturday Lotto jackpot than the Powerball jackpot on any given entry.
Jackpot Size and Consistency
Where Powerball dominates is in sheer jackpot size. Because the odds are so much longer, the Division 1 prize frequently rolls over for weeks or even months, accumulating into enormous sums. Powerball holds the Australian record at $200 million and regularly produces jackpots in excess of $50 million. Saturday Lotto, by contrast, offers a guaranteed $4 million Division 1 prize pool every week. This means that even when the jackpot hasn't been rolling, there is always a substantial prize on offer. Several times a year, Saturday Lotto runs Superdraws worth $20 million and occasional Megadraws worth up to $30 million.
Different Names, Same Game
One common source of confusion is that Saturday Lotto goes by different names in different states. In Victoria and Tasmania, the same game is called TattsLotto. Queensland players know it as Gold Lotto, while South Australians call it X Lotto. Regardless of the branding, the draw is national — every state participates in the same Saturday night draw with identical odds and prizes. Powerball is simply called Powerball everywhere in Australia.
Cost and Value Comparison
Saturday Lotto is slightly cheaper at $1.19 per game compared to Powerball's $1.35 per game. With a minimum purchase of 4 games, a Saturday Lotto entry costs $4.76 while a Powerball entry costs $5.40. When you factor in the dramatically better Division 1 odds, Saturday Lotto offers considerably better mathematical value per dollar spent on a top-prize basis. However, Powerball's 9 prize divisions and better any-prize odds of approximately 1 in 44 (versus Saturday Lotto's 1 in 85) mean you are more likely to win something from a Powerball entry.
The Bottom Line
If you prioritise realistic odds and consistent weekly jackpots, Saturday Lotto is the stronger choice. If you want to dream big and chase record-breaking payouts, Powerball is the game for you. Many experienced players enter both, treating Saturday Lotto as their steady play and Powerball as their shot at a life-changing windfall. Use our odds calculator to explore the numbers further, or check the jackpot tracker to see what each game is currently offering. View the latest Saturday Lotto results and Powerball results after each draw.