Play the US Powerball
Players may pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers – five different numbers from 1 to 69 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 26 (the PowerBall) – or select Easy Pick/Quick Pick. You win the jackpot by matching all six winning numbers in a drawing.
Until further notice, the starting jackpot will vary based on sales and will be announced before each drawing.
There are a total of nine ways to win a prize in the Powerball, ranging from the jackpot for matching the Powerball along with all five white numbers drawn, down to $2 for matching just the Powerball itself
Powerball: How to Play
Welcome to the exciting world of Powerball! If you're new to the game or need a refresher on how to play, you've come to the right place. Powerball is one of the most popular lotteries in the United States, known for its massive jackpots and thrilling draws. In this guide, we'll walk you through the basics of how to play Powerball, from selecting your numbers to claiming your prize. Let's get started!
The Basics
Powerball is a game of chance where players have the opportunity to win life-changing prizes by matching the numbers drawn in each drawing. Here's a quick overview of the basics:
Number Selection
In Powerball, you'll choose a set of numbers to play. You'll select five main numbers from a pool ranging from 1 to 69 and one additional number, known as the Powerball, from a separate pool of numbers ranging from 1 to 26.
Drawings
Powerball drawings are held three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. These drawings are the moments when the winning numbers are randomly selected.
Jackpot
The Powerball jackpot is the top prize in the game. To win the jackpot, you must match all five main numbers and the Powerball number. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the prize is divided equally among them.
Prize Tiers
In addition to the jackpot, there are several other prize tiers for players who match various combinations of numbers. Prizes can range from a few dollars to millions, depending on the number of matches and the specific prize tier.
Random Number Generator
Let our computer system randomly select your Powerball numbers! The system will select five random numbers from 1 to 69 (the white balls) and one random number from 1 to 26 (the Mega Ball).
Generate New Numbers| Match | Prize* | Odds |
|---|---|---|
|
Jackpot | 1 in 302,575,350 |
|
|
$1,000,000 | 1 in 12,607,306 |
|
$10,000 | 1 in 931,001 |
|
|
$500 | 1 in 38,792 |
|
$200 | 1 in 14,547 |
|
|
$10 | 1 in 606 |
|
$10 | 1 in 693 |
|
$10 | 1 in 89 |
|
|
$2 | 1 in 37 |
| Overall chances of winning any prize: | 1 in 24 | |
* In California, all prizes are pari-mutuel, meaning payouts are based on sales and the number of winners. All other Mega Millions states set the 2nd through 9th prizes at pre-determined amounts.
Step 1: Select Your Numbers
The first step in playing Powerball is selecting your numbers. As mentioned, you'll choose five main numbers and one Powerball number. Here's how to do it:
1. Main Numbers
Choose five numbers from a range of 1 to 69. These numbers can be any combination that you prefer. You can use birthdays, anniversaries, or simply select them at random. Some players like to use numbers that are meaningful to them.
2. Powerball Number
Select one number from a range of 1 to 26. This number is known as the Powerball, and it's drawn separately from the main numbers. Like the main numbers, you can choose the Powerball number however you prefer.
Remember, there's no surefire way to predict which numbers will be drawn, as Powerball is a game of pure chance. Many players enjoy the randomness and excitement of selecting their numbers.
Step 2: Buy Your Ticket
Once you've chosen your numbers, it's time to buy your Powerball ticket. You have two main options:
1. Authorized Retailers
You can purchase your Powerball ticket from authorized retailers across the United States. Simply visit a licensed retailer, fill out a play slip with your selected numbers, and pay for your ticket. Make sure to keep your physical ticket safe, as it's your proof of purchase.
2. Play Online
Another convenient option is to play Powerball online. Many official state lottery websites and online lottery platforms offer the opportunity to purchase tickets online. You can select your numbers, pay for your ticket, and receive a digital confirmation. Playing online eliminates the need to visit a physical location, making it a convenient choice for many players.
Step 3: Tune In to the Drawings
The excitement of Powerball builds as the drawing day approaches.
On drawing day, tune in and watch the live drawing if possible. This is when the winning numbers are randomly selected, adding excitement to the game. If you can't watch the drawing live, you can check the results afterward on official lottery websites or through other trusted sources.
Step 4: Check Your Numbers
After the drawing, it's time to check your Powerball ticket to see if you're a winner. Here's how to do it:
1. Match the Main Numbers
Compare the five main numbers on your ticket with those drawn during the drawing. If you've matched all five main numbers, congratulations! You've won a significant prize; at least $1-Million. Time to check that Powerball!.
2. Match the Powerball Number
Additionally, check if your Powerball number matches the one drawn during the drawing. If it does, you're guaranteed a prize. The more main numbers you match alongside the Powerball, the bigger the winnings, all the way up to the jackpot if you've also matched all five main numbers.
3. Check Other Prize Tiers
Even if you have yet to match all the numbers for the jackpot, keep hope. Powerball offers multiple prize tiers for matching different combinations of numbers. Check to see if your ticket matches any of the other prize tiers, as these can still result in significant winnings.
Step 5: Claim Your Prize
If you're a lucky Powerball winner, it's time to claim your prize. Here's what you need to know:
1. Jackpot Prize
If you've won the jackpot, congratulations! You'll need to follow a specific process to claim this substantial prize. Contact your state lottery or your online service provider to initiate the claim process. They will guide you through the necessary steps, which may include verifying your ticket, completing paperwork, and arranging for the prize payout.
2. Other Prize Tiers
For prizes other than the jackpot, you can typically claim them at authorized lottery retailers or through the online platform where you purchased your ticket. Smaller prizes may be redeemable directly at the retailer, while larger prizes may require a visit to a regional lottery office. Always check the specific rules and procedures for claiming prizes in your state.