How do you play Powerball? A beginner's guide to Powerball rules and potential prizes.
Olivia MunsonSince its launch in 1992, the Powerball has offered an opportunity for many people to chase a dream: to win the lottery.
Whether you win a couple bucks or take home the top prize, the lottery can be an enticing game. And with a recent winning ticket being worth $754.6 million, that's all the more reason to want to play.
Are you looking to play Powerball and (hopefully) win the jackpot? Here's what you need to know about how to play Powerball, plus other important info to know about the game:
How to play Powerball
To play Powerball, you first select five white ball numbers. These five numbers will be between one and 69. Then, pick one "Powerball," or red ball, number. This number will be between one and 26.
You could also choose to have the lottery machine randomly select your numbers for you.
For an extra dollar, you may choose to "power play," which multiplies all non-grand prize winnings by a factor of 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10.
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What do you need to win a Powerball prize
If you match at least one number to the Powerball drawing, you do win a prize, though . But if you are looking to hit the jackpot, you need more than one match.
Here is a guide to winnings:
- 1 matching number that is the Powerball number: $4
- 1 matching number + the Powerball number: $4
- 2 matching numbers + the Powerball number: $7
- 3 matching numbers: $7
- 3 matching numbers + the Powerball number: $100
- 4 matching numbers: $100
- 4 matching numbers + the Powerball numbers: $50,000
- 5 matching numbers: $1 million
- 5 matching numbers + the Powerball number: Grand prize
These winnings can be multiplied by the "power play" number, if applicable, which is randomly chosen before each drawing.
What is the cost of a Powerball ticket?
Each Powerball ticket is $2.00. You could also pay an extra $1 for the "power play," a multiplier that increases your payout for non-jackpot prizes.
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When is the Powerball drawing?
Powerball drawings are broadcast live each week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
What time is the Powerball drawing?
The Powerball drawing is broadcast live at 10:59 p.m. ET.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.