Powerball Nears AU$9 Billion in Jackpot Prizes as 30th Anniversary Approaches

Powerball, the popular lottery game in Australia, is approaching a significant milestone as it nears its 30th anniversary. The game will celebrate three decades on May 23, 2026, and is just shy of awarding AU$9 billion in division one prizes.

Since its inception, Powerball has awarded a staggering AU$8.9 billion in division one prizes. The first Powerball drawing in Australia was held on Thursday, May 23, 1996, marking the beginning of an era of excitement and life-changing wins for players across the country.

In 2026 alone, eight fortunate players have won division one Powerball prizes, collectively securing more than AU$205 million. The biggest Powerball division one prize for 2026 was AU$80 million, but this sum may soon be surpassed if the current jackpot continues to grow. Notably, the largest jackpot in the history of Powerball in Australia was a AU$200 million prize won by two players. Additionally, a South Australian man scored AU$150 million in May 2024, becoming Australia’s biggest individual lottery winner.