How to Play Powerball

Learning how to play Powerball is simple. For $2 per play, you pick five numbers plus one Powerball number, then wait for the drawing to see if you have won. This guide walks you through every step, from buying a ticket to checking your numbers and claiming a prize.

Step 1: Buy a $2 Ticket

Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. You must be 18 or older to play in most jurisdictions. Buy your ticket from an authorised lottery retailer before the drawing cut-off time in your state.

Step 2: Pick Your Numbers

Choose five white ball numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. Mark your choices on a play slip, or ask for a Quick Pick and let the lottery terminal choose random numbers for you.

Step 3: Add Power Play (Optional)

For an extra $1 per play, Power Play multiplies all non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X or 10X. The Match 5 prize with Power Play is always $2 million. The 10X multiplier is only available when the advertised jackpot is $150 million or less.

Step 4: Watch the Drawing

Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time, broadcast live from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. You can also check the results afterwards on this site.

Step 5: Check Your Ticket

Compare your numbers with the official winning numbers. You win the jackpot by matching all five white balls plus the red Powerball, and there are nine ways to win a prize in total. Check the latest verified results on our Powerball Results page, and see the other big game on our Mega Millions Results page.

Where to Claim Your Prize

Smaller prizes can usually be claimed at any authorised lottery retailer. Larger prizes must be claimed at a lottery claim centre or by mail, depending on your state. Sign the back of your ticket immediately and keep it somewhere safe.

Frequently Asked Questions