Power Play Explained: Is the $1 Add-On Worth It?
Power Play multiplies non-jackpot Powerball prizes by 2x-10x for $1 extra. We break down when it has positive expected value and when it is a losing bet.
What Power Play does
Power Play is an optional $1 add-on per ticket that multiplies non-jackpot prize amounts. The multiplier (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x) is randomly determined for each drawing and announced before the main numbers are drawn. The 10x multiplier is only available when the advertised jackpot is under $150M. The Match-5 $1M prize is doubled to $2M with any Power Play multiplier — capped at 2x for that tier specifically.
The math: positive EV only at 5x or 10x
For lower-tier prizes (Match 3+PB at $100, Match 4 at $100, Match 3 at $7, etc.), the published probabilities and prize amounts make Power Play a positive expected value bet at 5x and especially 10x. At 2x and 3x, the $1 add-on cost typically exceeds the EV improvement, making it a small negative-EV bet. The 4x multiplier sits roughly at break-even.
The Match-5 cap
Many players assume the $1M Match-5 prize becomes $10M with the 10x multiplier. It does not. The Match-5 prize is capped at $2M (effectively 2x) regardless of the announced Power Play multiplier. This rule, buried in the fine print, is the single most important Power Play detail that most casual players miss.
Power Play probabilities (published)
According to Powerball's published rules, the multiplier distribution (when the 10x is available) is approximately: 2x 24/43, 3x 13/43, 4x 3/43, 5x 2/43, 10x 1/43. When the jackpot exceeds $150M and 10x is removed, the distribution becomes 2x 24/42, 3x 13/42, 4x 3/42, 5x 2/42.
Practical decision rule
If you play casually and only buy a few tickets per drawing, Power Play's small negative EV is essentially a rounding error — the $1 is entertainment cost. If you buy in volume or treat Powerball as an EV-conscious bet, skip Power Play except when the advertised jackpot is under $150M and 10x is in play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Power Play available on all Powerball tickets?
Yes, in all participating jurisdictions. Power Play is added by checking the Power Play box on your play slip (or asking the clerk) for an extra $1 per play.
Does Power Play affect the jackpot?
No. The advertised jackpot is unaffected by Power Play. Power Play only multiplies non-jackpot prize tiers (and even then, the Match-5 prize is capped at $2M).
Is Power Play available in California?
No. California does not offer Power Play because all California Powerball prizes are pari-mutuel (calculated based on ticket sales and number of winners), making a fixed multiplier incompatible with the state's lottery rules.
When is Power Play most worth buying?
When the advertised jackpot is under $150M (so the 10x multiplier is in play) and you are buying for the chance of a mid-tier prize. At lower multipliers, the $1 cost typically exceeds the EV improvement.