Powerball is one of the most popular lotteries in the world, giving people a chance to change their lives. Every week, millions of players choose numbers hoping to win money for travel, comfort, or helping their families. People from all walks of life take part, from workers to professionals, all watching the draw as the balls roll on TV. This guide explains how Powerball works, how to play smartly, and looks at some famous winning moments from the past.
What Is Powerball? Simple Breakdown for New Players
To play Powerball, you need to select five numbers from a range of 1-69 and one additional number (the Powerball Number) between 1 and 26. The draw occurs three times a week Powerball works like any other lottery; you take a chance with the numbers you choose (and the Powerball Number) and then wait for your results. Powerball uses machines located in Florida to randomly select the winning numbers every night, and you'll have the chance to win prizes based on how many of the winning numbers match your ticket. Powerball started in 1992; Powerball helps fund schools and parks in the United States, and by buying Powerball tickets you're helping support these organizations too. Powerball is a lottery game that offers millions of people the opportunity to make their lives better simply through luck. There are no skills or knowledge required to play. Approximately 150 million individuals play the Powerball lottery every week.
Powerball Rules: Core Guidelines for Players
Powerball Rules are simple and fair for everyone to enjoy. Here are the key points:
- Each player selects five (5) different white numbered balls: 1-69 (you cannot repeat any number). Each player selects one (1) red Powerball number: 1-26.
- Powerball is drawn Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- If you only match the red Powerball number, then you can earn $4 from your ticket, but the more numbers you match, the larger the payout.
- For $1, you can add the Power Play to your ticket, which allows you to multiply your winnings by two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten times!
- Double Play may also be offered in some states at an additional cost of $1. This option provides players with a second chance to win!
- Players must be 18 years old or older to purchase Powerball tickets.
- You can claim small winnings at any retail location; however, big winnings must be redeemed at a Lottery office with valid identification and required forms.
- Once your ticket has been purchased, it cannot be changed in any way. If you lose your ticket, you forfeit the ability to claim that ticket.
- A state’s regulations may create additional differences in the Powerball drawing, such as deadlines for claiming prizes.
Powerball Drawing Schedule: When and Where to Watch
- The Powerball drawings happen 3 times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Each draw takes place at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
- The show is broadcasted live by an organization based out of Florida, United States.
- Ticket sales usually close about one hour before the drawing begins but it's different by state.
- There are numerous local broadcasts, mobile apps and also on the official website of state lottery programs that you may watch the drawing live.
- Once the drawing has completed, winning numbers will be posted on these channels and websites.
- Drawings are still held weekly, and during holidays too.
How Much Does a Powerball Ticket Cost? Price Details Explained
To play initially costs $2 per ticket for one set of numbers, or Power Play for $3 or Double Play for also $3. To participate in both Power Play & Double Play will cost $4 altogether for each number line you get. No additional cost for extras.
How to Play Powerball
- Visit any convenience store, grocery store or app store (dependent on state), and ask for a Powerball playslip. Fill in the playslip by circling five white balls numbered 1-69 and one red ball numbered 1-26 or use the Quick Pick option for random numbers.
- The base price for each ticket is $2, and you may add additional options for a dollar each (Power Play, Double Play).
- By paying for your ticket, you will receive a copy of your ticket. Sign your ticket and keep it safe in case you win!
- You can watch the Powerball drawing on TV or streaming online.
- You can also scan your Powerball ticket at retail locations, or visit our website to see if you've won. If you want to continue playing Powerball for an extended period of time, consider purchasing more tickets or forming a syndicate.
Powerball Prizes Chart: All Nine Ways to Win Big
Powerball offers nine prize levels based on matches. Here's the full breakdown:
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Powerball Odds Explained: Your Chances of Winning
Odds of winning the largest Powerball prize: 1 out of every 292 Million, a very small chance, but nonetheless an exciting chance to win! Odds of winning any prize: 1 out of every 25, not a bad chance! Odds of only choosing the Powerball correctly (the red ball): 1 out of every 38 plays. If you have the 4 correct white Powerballs plus the correct red Powerball, your odds are almost 1 Million to 1. If you choose the Power Play option, it will multiply the prizes you win on smaller tickets by 2x, 3x, or 4x.
Powerball Payout Options: Annuity vs Lump Sum
An annuity payout sums are paid to you over a 30-year period at an increased amount each time due to inflation. A one-time cash payment is paid to you instantly but less due to taxes/fees. If you win a lot, you will lose 24% to the federal government (as of now) and may owe your state an amount as low as 0% up to 8%. Some people select the one-time cash payment for the ability to immediately buy things or set up their own business. The annuity option may be better for those who prefer a guaranteed steady paycheck for 30 years to deter spending temptations. You should speak with money advisors and attorneys to make the best decision for your situation.
What to Do After Winning Powerball
Immediately sign the back of your ticket with your name so you can demonstrate your ownership. Place your winning ticket in a safety deposit box. Do not tell others that you are a winner yet! You should immediately make contact with an attorney and a financial advisor so you can have privacy and make plans. Small prizes ($600+) can be claimed at the store and larger prizes must be claimed within 180 days at the state lottery office, where the rules for claiming prizes may vary from state to state. You should work with your attorney and financial advisor to determine which payout option is best for your situation; you can also choose to remain anonymous if your state allows it. You should plan carefully regarding taxes, investments and any charitable donations you may be interested in making after winning the lottery.
Powerball Biggest Jackpot Records: Top Wins Ever
Powerball records show epic jackpots from long no-winner streaks. Top verified wins (newest to oldest):
- $1.787 billion (Sep 6, 2025): Split Missouri (QuikTrip, St. Louis) & Texas (Big's, Fredericksburg)​
- $2.04 billion (Nov 7, 2022): Edwin Castro, California ($997.6M lump sum)​
- $1.586 billion (Jan 13, 2016): Split CA, FL, TN​
- $1.537 billion (Oct 27, 2018): Solo South Carolina​
- $768.4 million (Aug 23, 2017): Mavis Wanczyk, Massachusetts​
These attract millions in ticket sales, boosting school funding nationwide.
Why Powerball Is So Popular
Powerball is popular because it offers life-changing jackpots that attract millions of players every week, even for just a $2 ticket. The game is easy to play, with simple rules that anyone can follow, and tickets are widely available across 45 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The excitement of watching the weekly draw, combined with optional features like Power Play and Double Play that multiply smaller prizes, keeps players engaged. Media coverage of huge wins and record jackpots adds to the hype, while part of the proceeds supports education and state programs, giving players a sense of contributing to good causes. All these factors together make Powerball thrilling, accessible, and irresistible to millions of people.
