Friday the 13th and a R135 Million Jackpot: Is Luck on Your Side?
This Friday, March 13th, 2026, South Africa’s PowerBall and PowerBall Plus draws offer a combined jackpot of R135 million. This substantial prize pool is the result of a remarkable thirteenth consecutive rollover, sparking excitement and a touch of superstition among lottery players.
The Numbers to Watch
Tuesday’s PowerBall draw (March 10th, 2026) didn’t produce a winner, setting the stage for Friday’s draw. The winning numbers were: 01, 05, 13, 20, 25 with a PowerBall of 14. For PowerBall Plus, the numbers were 02, 23, 27, 32, 49 with a PowerBall of 11.
The current jackpot breakdown is R93 million for PowerBall and R42 million for PowerBall Plus. This is approaching the R179 million payout awarded in January, a significant increase from the average PowerBall jackpot of R22 million.
Is There a Strategy to Winning?
Despite the allure of lucky numbers and patterns, every lotto draw is independent. Your chances of winning remain the same regardless of previous results. The odds of winning the PowerBall jackpot are approximately 1 in 42,310,200. For Lotto, the odds are slightly better at 1 in 40,310,358, with a combined jackpot of R63.5 million.
Playing more numbers doesn’t necessarily improve your odds, but it does increase your total cost. A standard PowerBall ticket costs R5, with an additional R2.50 for PowerBall Plus, totaling R7.50. A Lotto ticket costs R5, with an additional R2.50 for Lotto Plus 1 and 2, totaling R10.
Did you know? The highest PowerBall payout in South African history was R232 million, awarded in February 2019.
The Superstition Factor
Friday the 13th is often associated with bad luck in Western cultures, but in many Asian traditions, the number 13 is considered fortunate. This contrast creates a unique atmosphere around the draw, with some players embracing the superstition and others playfully defying it.
How to Play and Claim Your Winnings
Tickets for Friday’s PowerBall and PowerBall Plus draws are available for purchase until 20:30 on the day of the draw, with the official draw scheduled for 21:00. You can purchase tickets via the National Lottery website, the Mobile App, or at participating retailers.
If you win, here’s how to claim your prize:
- Retail stores pay out up to R2,000.
- Winnings of R10,000 to R49,999 must be claimed at an Approved Prize Payment Centre (APPC).
- Winnings of R50,000 to R249,999 can be claimed via EFT from participating banks (except African Bank, which has a limit of R49,999).
- Winnings exceeding R250,000 require an in-person visit to an ITHUBA office.
To claim your winnings, you’ll need a winning ticket, valid proof of identity, and a South African bank account (no older than three months). Winnings must be claimed within 365 days of the draw date.
The Future of the National Lottery
It’s worth noting that the National Lottery is undergoing a change. From June 2026, ITHUBA will be replaced by Sizekhaya Holdings as the lottery operator. However, for this Friday’s draw, the process remains the same.
FAQ
- What are the odds of winning the PowerBall jackpot? Approximately 1 in 42,310,200.
- How much does a PowerBall ticket cost? R7.50 (R5 for PowerBall, R2.50 for PowerBall Plus).
- Where can I purchase tickets? National Lottery website, Mobile App, or participating retailers.
- How long do I have to claim my winnings? 365 days from the draw date.
Pro Tip: Remember to check your tickets carefully and keep them in a safe place!
Decent luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
