How to Play Powerball
Everything you need to know about America's favorite lottery game.
What Is Powerball?
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game played across 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It holds the record for the largest lottery jackpot in history ($2.04 billion in November 2022) and regularly offers jackpots worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Powerball is operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL).
Step-by-Step: How to Play
Pick Your Numbers
Choose five main numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. You can select your own numbers or choose Quick Pick to have the terminal generate random numbers for you. (Fun fact: about 70% of Powerball winners used Quick Pick.)
Add Power Play (Optional)
For an extra $1 per play, you can add the Power Play option, which multiplies any non-jackpot prize by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x (when the jackpot is under $150 million). The Power Play multiplier is drawn separately before the main drawing.
Buy Your Ticket
Purchase your ticket from an authorized lottery retailer in any participating state. Each play costs $2 ($3 with Power Play). You must be 18 years or older to buy lottery tickets (21 in some states). Some states also allow online ticket purchases through their official lottery websites.
Watch the Drawing
Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM Eastern Time. The drawing is broadcast live and results are also available on official lottery websites and right here on Lotto Draws.
Check Your Numbers
Compare your ticket numbers with the drawn numbers. You can check results here on our Powerball analysis page. Always verify with official sources before claiming a prize.
Prize Tiers & Odds
Powerball has nine prize tiers, from matching just the Powerball to hitting the jackpot. Here's the complete breakdown:
| Match | Prize | Odds | With Power Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 + Powerball | Jackpot | 1 in 292,201,338 | N/A |
| 5 | $1,000,000 | 1 in 11,688,054 | $2,000,000 |
| 4 + Powerball | $50,000 | 1 in 913,129 | Up to $500,000 |
| 4 | $100 | 1 in 36,525 | Up to $1,000 |
| 3 + Powerball | $100 | 1 in 14,494 | Up to $1,000 |
| 3 | $7 | 1 in 580 | Up to $70 |
| 2 + Powerball | $7 | 1 in 701 | Up to $70 |
| 1 + Powerball | $4 | 1 in 92 | Up to $40 |
| Powerball only | $4 | 1 in 38 | Up to $40 |
The overall odds of winning any Powerball prize are approximately 1 in 24.9.
Power Play Explained
The Power Play is an optional add-on that costs $1 extra per play. Before the main drawing, a Power Play multiplier is randomly selected: 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x (10x is only available when the jackpot is under $150 million).
If you win a non-jackpot prize, your winnings are multiplied by the Power Play number drawn that night. The one exception is the $1 million second prize, which is always doubled to $2 million with Power Play (regardless of the multiplier drawn).
Drawing Schedule
Powerball drawings take place three times per week:
- Monday at 10:59 PM ET
- Wednesday at 10:59 PM ET
- Saturday at 10:59 PM ET
Ticket sales typically close 1–2 hours before the drawing, though exact cutoff times vary by state.
Where to Buy Tickets
Powerball tickets are available at authorized lottery retailers in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Common retail locations include convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. Many states also offer online ticket purchasing through their official state lottery websites or apps.
The five states that do not participate in Powerball are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
Tips for Players
- Sign your ticket immediately after purchase to prove ownership.
- Check your numbers carefully — many prizes go unclaimed each year.
- Keep your ticket safe and in a secure location.
- Understand the tax implications — lottery winnings are subject to federal and state taxes.
- Play responsibly — only spend what you can afford to lose. The lottery is entertainment, not an investment.
Ready to explore Powerball statistics?
View Powerball Analysis