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How to Play Powerball
Choose 5 white ball numbers: Select 5 different numbers from 1 through 69. These are your main numbers. You can pick them yourself or press Quick Pick and let the terminal choose them randomly.
Pick your Powerball number: Choose 1 additional number from 1 through 26 — this is the Powerball. You can match it on its own for a $4 prize, or pair it with your white ball matches for bigger rewards.
Consider adding Power Play: For an extra $1 per game, add the Power Play multiplier option. It can multiply your non-jackpot winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x (when the jackpot is under $150 million). It does not apply to the jackpot itself.
Buy before the sales cut-off: Purchase your ticket from a licensed retailer or authorized platform before the sales deadline in your state — typically about 59 minutes before the draw. Powerball draws are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET.
Check the official results: After the Saturday, Monday, or Wednesday draw, visit our Powerball results page to compare your numbers. Results are posted within minutes of the live draw announcement.
Claim your prize on time: Prizes up to $600 can be redeemed at licensed lottery retailers. Larger prizes must be collected at your state lottery office. The claim deadline varies by state, typically between 90 days and 1 year from the draw date. Always sign the back of your ticket immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Powerball jackpot odds are 1 in 292,201,338 — among the longest in any lottery. That said, the overall odds of winning any prize, including the $4 base prize, are approximately 1 in 24.9. Secondary prizes are won in virtually every single draw.
You can win a prize by matching as few as just the Powerball number alone, which pays $4. There are 9 different prize tiers in total. Matching all 5 white balls pays $1 million, and adding the Powerball to that wins the jackpot.
Powerball draws take place three times a week — every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evening at 10:59 PM Eastern Time. The draw is conducted in Tallahassee, Florida, and broadcast live on streaming platforms.
If no ticket matches all 6 winning numbers, the jackpot rolls over and grows for the next draw. There is no limit on how many times it can roll over, which is why jackpots occasionally grow past $1 billion. During rollovers, ticket sales rise sharply, further accelerating the prize pool growth.
The annuity option pays the full advertised jackpot amount over 29 years in 30 increasing annual instalments, providing more money in total. The cash value (lump sum) is a one-time payment that is roughly 60% of the advertised prize, but it gives you the full amount immediately. Both are subject to federal and state taxes. Your personal financial situation should guide the choice.
Online Powerball ticket purchases are available in a limited number of U.S. states through official lottery apps or state websites. Some states also permit third-party subscription services. Always verify you are using a licensed platform before buying.
Claim deadlines range from 90 days to 1 year after the draw, depending on which state you purchased the ticket in. Missing the deadline means forfeiting the prize, so always check the specific rules for your state and claim promptly.
