Powerball How to Play & Prize Rules

🇺🇸 USA

Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Game Overview
CountryUnited States
OperatorMulti-State Lottery Association
Draw DaysMon, Wed & Saturday
Draw Time10:59 PM Eastern Time
Ticket Price$2 per play

US Powerball is one of the world's most famous lotteries, available in 45 US states plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Players choose 5 numbers from 1 to 69, plus 1 Power Ball from 1 to 26 (drawn from a separate drum). There are 9 prize tiers — you win a prize even by matching just the Power Ball alone. Draws are held three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET. The jackpot starts at $20 million and the record jackpot of $2.04 billion was set in November 2022.

Prize Tiers: Winning Conditions & Odds
TierWinning ConditionOdds
JackpotMatch 5 main + Power Ball1/292,201,338
2ndMatch 5 main numbers1/11,688,054
3rdMatch 4 main + Power Ball1/913,129
4thMatch 4 main numbers1/36,525
5thMatch 3 main + Power Ball1/14,494
6thMatch 3 main numbers1/580
7thMatch 2 main + Power Ball1/701
8thMatch 1 main + Power Ball1/92
9thPower Ball only (0 main)1/38
Exclude Numbers & Combination Check
Main Numbers · 1–69
Power Ball · 1–26

Try the Powerball Simulator

Use filter conditions for statistics & analysis, then create number combinations for free with filter and exclusion settings.

Open Simulator
How to Buy

Powerball tickets cost $2 per play. The Power Play option adds $1 and multiplies non-jackpot prizes.

RetailAvailable at lottery retailers in 45 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah do not participate.
OnlineAvailable through official state lottery websites and apps in participating states. Must be 18+ (19+ in some states) and physically located in a participating state at the time of purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest Powerball jackpot ever won?
The largest Powerball jackpot was $2.04 billion, won on November 7, 2022, by a single ticket sold in Altadena, California. This is also the largest lottery jackpot in world history.
Lump sum or annuity — which is better?
The lump-sum cash option pays approximately 60% of the advertised jackpot immediately. The annuity pays the full advertised amount over 29 years in 30 increasing annual payments. After federal taxes (37%), the lump sum nets roughly 37% of the advertised amount. The choice depends on tax planning and investment strategy.
Can I remain anonymous if I win?
It depends on your state. Some states (e.g., Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Wyoming) allow winners to remain anonymous. Other states require public disclosure of major winners.
Advertisement 300 × 600
ADVERTISEMENT
Bottom anchor ad — always visible on scroll