Is the $10 Million Second Drawing Worth the Extra $1?
Interactive simulation showing both Regular and Double Play drawings
Published July 16, 2025 • By Sarah Mitchell
Reading time: 8 minutes
Powerball Double Play is an optional add-on feature that gives players a second chance to win using the same numbers from their regular Powerball ticket. For an additional $1 per play, your numbers are entered into a separate drawing with its own prize structure, offering a top prize of $10 million.
Available in select states, Double Play conducts its own drawing approximately 30 minutes after the main Powerball drawing. The same five white balls (1-69) and red Powerball (1-26) number ranges apply, but the prize tiers and odds differ significantly from the main game.
Understanding the prize tiers is crucial for evaluating Double Play's value proposition:
| Match | Prize | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 5 + Powerball | $10,000,000 | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| 5 | $500,000 | 1 in 11,688,054 |
| 4 + Powerball | $50,000 | 1 in 913,129 |
| 4 | $500 | 1 in 36,525 |
| 3 + Powerball | $500 | 1 in 14,494 |
| 3 | $20 | 1 in 580 |
| 2 + Powerball | $20 | 1 in 701 |
| 1 + Powerball | $10 | 1 in 92 |
| Powerball only | $7 | 1 in 38 |
To determine if Double Play offers value, we need to calculate the expected return on investment (ROI). The expected value represents the average amount you can expect to win per dollar spent over the long term.
Based on the prize structure and odds, the expected value per $1 Double Play ticket is approximately $0.47.
This means that for every $1 spent on Double Play, you can mathematically expect to win back $0.47 on average. In other words, you're losing $0.53 per play in the long run.
*Calculation includes all prize tiers and their respective probabilities
How does Double Play compare to simply buying an additional regular Powerball ticket?
Whether Double Play makes sense depends on your lottery strategy and risk tolerance:
Double Play is currently available in 14 states and jurisdictions. Check with your local lottery to confirm availability and any state-specific rules.
Powerball Double Play offers a convenient way to get a second chance with your lucky numbers for just $1 more. While the expected value ($0.47 per $1) is lower than buying a second full Powerball ticket, it provides access to significant prizes with your existing number combination.
The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference: Do you value number consistency and convenience over maximum mathematical efficiency? For casual players who want a little extra excitement without the complexity of choosing new numbers, Double Play can be an entertaining option.
Remember: All lottery games are games of chance. Play responsibly and within your means.
Lottery Strategy Analyst
Sarah Mitchell is a certified financial analyst specializing in lottery mathematics and probability theory. With over 8 years of experience in gaming analytics, she provides data-driven insights to help players make informed decisions about lottery strategies and optional game features.