R140 Million South Africa PowerBall Jackpot the Biggest in Its History

This Friday’s South Africa PowerBall jackpot currently stands at an estimated R140 million, the biggest ever amount in the lottery’s 18-year history. Ticket sales are expected to reach a record total as players dream of landing the nine-figure windfall, and excitement is building ahead of the historic draw on 3rd August.

When Was The Jackpot Last Won?

The PowerBall jackpot has rolled over for the past 16 draws since it was last won on Tuesday 5th June. The R53.7 million top prize in that draw was evenly split between two winning tickets, with each receiving R26.8 million.

One of the jackpot winners was a father-of-five from the Eastern Cape, who said he kept his winning ticket in a packet tucked inside the pocket of one of his shirts. This was for safe keeping until he could claim his prize.

The new multi-millionaire, who found out he was winner whilst watching the draw live on television, said at the time: “I currently work at a national retailer as security guard. When I am not at work, I usually take on odd jobs just to bring in that extra money to support my family. Without a doubt, this money will make a huge difference in my life. If people ask me where it comes from, I will be honest – I won the Powerball because I’m an avid player”.

“I am very excited, but I am trying to control myself – I don’t want this money to change me. I simply plan to send my children to university. I would also like to build my family a house, and I have plans to make a donation to my church”.

Previous Biggest Jackpot Worth R102 Million

The previous biggest PowerBall jackpot was worth R102 million, claimed by a single ticket holder from the Free State province in June 2011 following 24 successive rollovers. The winner bought his winning Quick Pick ticket for R10.50 from a petrol station in Langenhovenpark, Bloemfontein, and the cashier unsuccessfully tried to scan his ticket twice until it finally worked at the third time of asking.

The winner, who was in disbelief that he had matched all six numbers, said shortly after his win: “This money will add substantially to the money that I have been saving towards a better life for myself and would also assist in paying off my debts. I am really looking forward to an easier and fulfilling life.”

All winners in South Africa are granted free access to financial advice and trauma counselling from Ithuba, the country’s National Lottery operator.

Enter To Be In With a Chance of Winning

The odds of winning the PowerBall jackpot are 1 in 42,375,200 and you can be in with a chance of landing this Friday’s R140 million jackpot by matching five main numbers between 1 and 50, and an additional PowerBall number between 1 and 20. You can enter from any authorised ticket retailer in South Africa or choose your numbers online.