Lottery Power Play is an optional add-on feature available in certain multi-state lottery games, most notably Powerball, that gives players the opportunity to significantly increase their non-jackpot prize winnings.
Adding Power Play to a lottery ticket costs an additional dollar per play, on top of the base ticket price (which is typically two dollars). This feature is designed to multiply the prize amount for all winning tiers below the jackpot.
How Power Play Enhances Winnings
When a player chooses the Power Play option, any prize they win, excluding the jackpot, can be multiplied by a specific factor drawn separately. Common multipliers include 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, and sometimes even 10x. For instance:
- If a player matches the numbers for a $100 prize and the Power Play number drawn is 5x, their prize would instantly increase to $500.
- For the second-tier prize (matching five white balls without the Powerball), Power Play can increase the standard $1 million prize to $2 million, regardless of the multiplier drawn (this is a fixed increase for this specific tier).
This small additional investment provides players with the potential for much larger payouts on non-jackpot wins.
Power Play vs. Double Play
It's helpful to understand the distinction between Power Play and other optional features that may be offered with the same lottery games, such as Double Play. Both are typically available for an additional dollar, but they serve different functions:
| Feature | Cost | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Power Play | +$1 per play | Multiplies non-jackpot prizes won in the main drawing. |
| Double Play | +$1 per play | Allows players to use their chosen numbers in a second, concurrent drawing with a different prize pool. |
While Power Play focuses on multiplying winnings from the main draw, Double Play offers an entirely separate opportunity to win prizes with the same set of numbers.
Why Players Choose Power Play
Many lottery participants opt for Power Play to maximize their potential returns. For just an extra dollar, it offers the chance to transform smaller or mid-tier prizes into more substantial amounts, adding an exciting dimension to the lottery experience and increasing the overall value of their ticket.
