Power Play & Double Play: What’s the Difference?
If you play Powerball, you’ve probably heard the terms Power Play and Double Play. These extra features can make your game more exciting and can change the way prizes are awarded. But many players aren’t sure what they really mean or how they work.
In this article, we’ll break it down in simple words so you can understand both options before you buy your ticket.
What Is Powerball?
Before we dive into Power Play and Double Play, let’s quickly review the basics of Powerball.
Powerball is a popular lottery game played in the United States. Players pick five white ball numbers and one red Powerball number.
If your numbers match the winning draw, you win. The more numbers you match, the bigger your prize. The jackpot can reach hundreds of millions—or even billions—of dollars.
What Is Power Play?
Power Play is an optional feature you can add to your Powerball ticket for an extra cost, usually $1 per play.
How It Works
When you choose Power Play, your non-jackpot prizes can be multiplied by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or sometimes 10x (the 10x option is only available when the jackpot is under $150 million).
The multiplier is chosen at random during the draw, right after the winning numbers are announced.
What Prizes Can Be Multiplied?
- The $1 million prize for matching 5 white balls can be doubled to $2 million if you have Power Play.
- Other lower prizes (like $50,000, $100, or $7) can be multiplied by the drawn multiplier.
Example:
If you win $50,000 and the Power Play multiplier is 4x, your prize becomes $200,000.
Why People Like Double Play
Double Play gives you a second chance to win without having to buy a new ticket.
Even if you lose in the main Powerball draw, you could still win in the Double Play draw.
Main Differences Between Power Play and Double Play
| Feature | Power Play | Double Play |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Multiplies non-jackpot prizes | Gives you a second drawing |
| Extra Cost | $1 per play | $1 per play |
| Jackpot Impact | Does not affect jackpot | Does not affect jackpot |
| Availability | Nationwide | Only in certain states |
| Top Extra Prize | $2 million for matching 5 balls | $10 million in second draw |
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice depends on what you want:
- If you want bigger prizes for matches below the jackpot → Choose Power Play.
- If you want another chance to win a separate prize → Choose Double Play.
Some players choose both to increase their chances and potential winnings.
Can You Play Both at the Same Time?
Yes! If your state offers Double Play, you can choose Power Play and Double Play on the same ticket. That means:
- In the main Powerball draw, your non-jackpot winnings can be multiplied.
- In the Double Play draw, you get another shot at winning prizes, including the $10 million top prize.
Real-Life Example
Imagine you buy a Powerball ticket with Power Play and Double Play:
- In the main draw, you match 4 white balls and the Powerball for $50,000. If the Power Play is 3x, your prize becomes $150,000.
- In the Double Play draw, you match 5 white balls (no Powerball) for a $500,000 win.
Your total winnings from one ticket: $650,000.
States Offering Double Play
Double Play isn’t available everywhere. As of now, it’s offered in select states like Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and a few others. Check your state lottery’s website to confirm availability.
Things to Remember
- Both Power Play and Double Play cost extra money.
- They don’t guarantee a win—they just give you more potential value.
- Always check the rules in your state before playing.
- Make sure to claim your prize before the deadline.
Tips for Playing Smart
- Set a budget – Decide how much you want to spend before you buy tickets.
- Don’t expect guaranteed wins – Play for fun, not as an investment.
- Mix your choices – Some weeks try Power Play, other weeks try Double Play.
- Always check both drawings – Don’t throw away a ticket before checking Double Play results if you played it.
Power Play and Double Play are great ways to make Powerball more exciting.
Power Play boosts your non-jackpot winnings.
Double Play gives you a whole second drawing to try your luck.
If you understand how each works, you can make better choices about which option fits your playing style. Whether you want bigger prizes or more chances, these features add extra fun to the game.
