We have compiled a list of FAQs related to the Powerball lottery to make sure you have the best possible lottery experience. Cannot find your question here? Get in touch with our Customer Experience Team!
Powerball is probably the biggest lottery in the United States. Tickets for the lottery can be purchased in 45 different states, which makes Powerball a multi-state lottery. It is popular amongst Americans since jackpots can reach quite high numbers.
On April 22, 1992, the first Powerball draw took place with just 15 lotteries participating. The minimum jackpot back then was $2 million, which was then increased to $10 million in November 1997.
The Powerball lottery game, known for its massive jackpots, is one of the most popular lotteries in the United States. To participate, players must choose five numbers from 1 to 69 and an additional Powerball number from 1 to 26. The winning combination is drawn every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evening. Matching all five numbers plus the Powerball number brings home the jackpot. However, even without hitting the jackpot, matching fewer numbers can still yield significant prizes.
Powerball draws used to take place twice a week - on Wednesdays and Saturdays. However, on August 23rd, 2021, a 3rd day was added. This means that the Powerball draws are now every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 22:59 EST.
This can be done in just a few easy steps. Select your numbers: five numbers from 1 to 69 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 26 for the red "Powerball". Alternatively, opt for the Quick Pick feature that generates random numbers for you.
Determine if you want to enter a single draw or subscribe for multiple draws* in advance, and if you want to add a Power Play for an additional $1 to multiply your non-jackpot winnings. Review your ticket selection and complete your order.
You will get a scanned image of your tickets right in your account soon after your order.
Then just sit back, relax, and wait for the results of the next Powerball draw with excitement!
Remember, always play responsibly and within your means when participating in lottery games like Powerball. Best of luck!
To win the Powerball jackpot, players need to match all five main numbers and the Powerball number.
If you win any one of the prizes, we will inform you by email. You can also compare your numbers with the winning numbers from our Powerball results page, which is updated after every draw.
If you are unsure whether you’re one of the lucky winners, you may contact a member of our Customer Experience Team who will be more than happy to answer your questions.
The Powerball jackpot starts from a whopping $20 million, and lucky for all Powerball players, there is no maximum. The Powerball jackpot keeps rolling over to the next draw until it is won. This means that the jackpot increases with every draw until it lands in someone’s pockets.
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot may seem daunting, but understanding them can help manage expectations. To win the grand prize, players must match all five white balls and the red Powerball. With a pool of 69 white balls and 26 red Powerballs, the odds are approximately 1 in 292 million per ticket. However, it's important to note that smaller prizes can be won by matching fewer numbers. The overall odds of winning any prize in Powerball are roughly 1 in 25, making it a popular game for lottery enthusiasts nationwide.
There are 9 different prize tiers in Powerball, with specific prizes for each tier, except for the jackpot. The top prize is determined by ticket sales, but the minimum jackpot amount is $40 million. If there is more than one winner for a particular prize tier, the prize is divided between the winners.
You can find the different Powerball prize tiers, the odds of winning and the estimated prize amount for each specific tier in the table below:
| Prize Tier | Match | Odds of Winning | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 numbers + Powerball | 1:292,201,338 | Jackpot |
| 2 | 5 numbers | 1:11,688,053 | $1,000,000 |
| 3 | 4 numbers + Powerball | 1:913,129 | $50,000 |
| 4 | 4 numbers | 1:36,525 | $100 |
| 5 | 3 numbers + Powerball | 1:14,494 | $100 |
| 6 | 3 numbers | 1:579 | $7 |
| 7 | 2 numbers + Powerball | 1:701 | $7 |
| 8 | 1 number + Powerball | 1:91 | $4 |
| 9 | Powerball | 1:38 | $4 |
If you win the Tier 1 prize in Powerball, which is the jackpot, this will be paid out either as an annual payout over a period of 30 years or as a discounted lump sum.
The federal withholding rate is 24% for prizes over $5,000, however, in some states, Powerball winnings are subject to both federal and state income tax. Please review the laws in your jurisdiction for more information.
The biggest Powerball jackpot ever won was an incredible $2.04 billion on November 7, 2022. The lucky player from California, Edwin Castro, opted for a lump sum of $997.6 million.
Another big win was an amazing $1.58 billion on January 13, 2016. The prize was shared between three ticket holders in the US: The Nickel 95 Trust, Marvin, and Mae Acosta, and Lisa and John Robinson. All of the winners chose the one-time cash option, landing them with approximately $327.8 million each!
Manuel Franco was another happy Powerball jackpot winner. He participated in the draw of March 27, 2019, which had a massive jackpot of 768.4 million! Mr. Franco chose the cash option which was still a wonderful $477 million.
Power Play is an enticing feature available in Powerball and several state lottery games in the United States. It serves to amplify your non-jackpot winnings, unlocking the opportunity for larger prizes. By opting for Power Play, you can potentially multiply your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even as much as 10 times! The specific multiplier is determined through a random drawing before each lottery draw and applies to all prize tiers except for the jackpot. For instance, if you win a $100 prize with a 3x Power Play multiplier, your winnings would surge to an impressive $300. Incorporating Power Play into your lottery ticket introduces an exhilarating element that could substantially boost your potential prize.
Ticket sales cutoff times vary from 1 to 3 hours by selling jurisdiction, so it's important to check it in your state.
However, you don't have to put off ordering your ticket any longer, as you can purchase Powerball tickets in a few clicks here or in the app. The draw takes place at 10:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Don't miss out on a chance to win big!
Yes, it is possible to buy Powerball tickets online. Reputable online lottery ticket ordering platforms, such as Jackpot.com, offer the convenience of ordering Powerball tickets from the comfort of your home. However, it is important to choose a reliable platform that is licensed and regulated to ensure a safe and secure experience.