If you’re a fan of the occasional flutter on Powerball or Lotto, you might want to check your wallet before you buy your next ticket—because the cost of chasing that life-changing jackpot is about to go up.

The Lottery Corporation, the company behind some of Australia’s most popular lottery games—including Powerball, Oz Lotto, and Saturday Lotto—has just announced a shake-up to its ticket pricing structure.

Starting next week, the price of entry-level games will rise by 20 cents per ticket. That means your regular numbers will cost a little more to play, whether you’re buying in-store or online.

The announcement followed The Lottery Corporation’s latest financial results, which revealed a whopping $3.7 billion in revenue for the year, though that figure was actually down 6.2 per cent compared to the previous year.

Powerball and other weekly lotto ticket prices were announced to increase by 20c from next week, and The Lottery Corporation revealed a change to the pricing structure. Credit: Facebook

Despite the dip, the company’s operating expenses climbed by 4.3 per cent, with much of the increase attributed to rising technology costs (because, let’s face it, running those flashy digital displays and keeping your favourite app running smoothly isn’t cheap).

Sue van der Merwe, the company’s managing director and chief executive, explained that the price changes are part of a broader 'refresh' for Powerball, aiming to reinforce its status as the 'premium jackpot game' in the portfolio.

In other words, they want Powerball to remain the big, exciting draw that gets everyone dreaming of yachts and world cruises.

• Powerball and other weekly lotto games: Entry price per game increases by 20 cents from next week.
• Saturday Lotto: Already saw a 10-cent per game increase, with the Division 1 prize boosted from $5 million to $6 million.

So, if you’re a regular player, you must factor these changes into your weekly budget.

While 20 cents might not sound like much, it can add up over time—especially if you play multiple games or syndicates.

According to Ms van der Merwe, the tweaks are designed to keep the games attractive and competitive, especially as more Aussies look for value during tough economic times.

Despite the price increases, participation in the top three games (Powerball, Oz Lotto, and Saturday Lotto) has remained relatively stable, with Oz Lotto even seeing a slight uptick.

The company also pointed out that the past year delivered some truly massive jackpots—three $100 million Powerball draws and a $100 million Oz Lotto jackpot—so the excitement is still alive.

The Lottery Corporation is betting big on digital growth, with more players than ever buying tickets online or through apps.

They’re promising 'enhanced personalisation' (think tailored offers and reminders) and further productivity gains, all aimed at supporting long-term value for both the company and its loyal punters.

For most of us, the price hike is a small but noticeable change. If you’re a casual player, it might not make much difference.

But if you’re a regular, it’s worth keeping an eye on your spending—especially if you’re playing multiple games each week.

​

On the bright side, the increased Division 1 prize for Saturday Lotto means there’s a little more to play for, and the company is promising to keep the games fresh and exciting.

Key Takeaways

• Powerball and other weekly lotto ticket prices are set to increase by 20c from next week, as The Lottery Corporation announces a change to the pricing structure.
• Saturday Lotto has already seen a 10c per game cost increase, with the Division Prize rising from $5 million to $6 million.
• The Lottery Corporation reported a 6.2 per cent drop in annual revenue, citing higher technology costs as part of a 4.3 per cent increase in operating expenses.
• Despite the price hikes, the company says customer participation has remained steady, and they expect continued growth in digital sales and long-term value creation.

What do you think about the new price changes? Will it affect how often you play, or are you happy to pay a little extra for the chance to win big? Have you ever won a decent prize? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more: Overnight millionaire! Powerball winner claims $30 million

 

[darrellh]

With the Saturday one already recently gone up that is a bit much. I take my few lines for 10 weeks and trying to get them back in line again is not easy. I would much sooner cost stay the same as the pot goes up. Plenty goes to charities as well so it is already a win win.

 

[OZECB]

Jello, my Mother worked for the ATO many years ago and at that time there was maybe only one beneficiary of the Tattersalls/Geo Adams trust that lived in Australia, thus all profits were going overseas.

 

[PeeJay35]

The cost of buying $2 lottery ticket went up from 20 cents to 30 cents 3 months ago. 50% increase!!

 

[novezar]

It totally amazes me, that when Powerball reaches exhorbinate heights, invariably there is only 1 winner of the 1st prize with all the upteen millions of entries,&, their combinations submitted.

 

[Colette 3799]

I might have a bit of a whinge but 20cents won’t stop me having a flutter lol

 

[Andrew]

We take 2×12 game lotto tickets each week. One was my in-laws which we've kept going after they died. It has become a trap with FOMO. I have heard of people giving up, only to find out later they missed out on a big win. It's the only form of gambling we do. We have had many small wins, and you've got to be in it to win it. We live in hope.

 

[Veggiepatch]

The cost of buying $2 lottery ticket went up from 20 cents to 30 cents 3 months ago. 50% increase!!

They still sell lottery tickets??

 

[Jest]

where is the money that has not been collected? surely earning interest!!!!!!
I only take 4-5 lines and we are in credit.

 

[Colette 3799]

They still sell lottery tickets??

Yes they do, but I seem to only buy the losing ones lol

 

[7777]

When you least expect it, that's the time to expect it. Don't chase your luck, stay calm and play safe. When the time is right and the stars, planets and hour are aligned with your astrological sign, expect the unexpected. Good luck to all.

 

[Parrot]

How or why is it when there are mega jackpots there is ONE WINNER most times..
I always wish that having won so much money that Person/s would part with
at least 1 Million to the FARMERS.. They truly deserve a helping hand.

 

[7777]

Dear member Parrot, thankyou for your post. I agree with you so much. It's truly incredible to believe that yes, there are so many people who have won the jackpot in tatslotto. And yet, you never hear of anyone ever donating any of their winnings to our farmers, who are struggling with drought and floods, and doing their best to provide the public with fresh food. Whether its a rich or poor person who has won the jackpot, neither think about anyone but themselves. And to think this is the future, this is 2025, a time of technological advancement by the most intellectual people on earth. What is life worth, when we put mega costing technological advances before compassion, before empathy before man kind. With respect, can I say that out society has not advanced at all in terms of care for one another. How sad that people have come to worship materialistic things and themselves, before looking to help those who are struggling to help us all, that being our farmers. So many times, faced with drought and flood conditions, our farmers continue to work hard, getting up early every morning to work on their farms, to provide fruit, vegetables and fresh meat for our country. No one cares, everyone turns a blind eye to the needy when they win mega jackpots. How primative have we as a society become. Wishing you an enjoyable and pleasant evening.