The Powerball drawing can be watched on several channels in Ohio. The Powerball is one of the biggest multi-state lottery games in the United States and produces some of the largest jackpots. Players select 5 white ball numbers from 1-69 and 1 red Powerball number from 1-26 for a chance to win prizes ranging from $4 to the jackpot, which starts at $40 million and continues to grow until someone wins it. The drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights at 10:59 p.m. ET in Tallahassee, Florida.
Watching the Powerball Drawing in Ohio
In Ohio, there are a few options for watching the Powerball drawings:
| Channel | Network |
|---|---|
| Channel 3 | WKYC (NBC) |
| Channel 5 | WEWS (ABC) |
| Channel 19 | WOIO (CBS) |
These major network affiliates air the Powerball drawings as part of their nightly news broadcasts. The drawing results will also be displayed at Ohio lottery retailers shortly after the drawings.
Some other national channels that air the Powerball drawing include:
| Channel | Network |
|---|---|
| Channel 7 | WXYZ (ABC – Detroit) |
| Channel 11 | WPIX (CW – New York City) |
| Channel 13 | WTVT (FOX – Tampa) |
So if you want to watch the action live as the winning numbers are drawn, tune in to one of your local Ohio stations airing the nightly news. You can also find the drawing results posted online at the Powerball website shortly after they are announced on TV.
When and Where the Powerball Drawings Take Place
The Powerball drawings take place three times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday night at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The drawings are held at the Florida Lottery’s studios in Tallahassee, Florida.
Prior to the drawings, officials test the machines and ball sets thoroughly to ensure proper working order and accuracy. The tests involve weighing the white balls and measuring the Powerball to confirm each ball is the correct weight and size. The machines are also tested to guarantee proper mixing during the selection process.
The Powerball Drawing Process
During the live broadcasts, a host provides an introduction and commentary during the drawing. Then the process begins with the selection of the five main numbers, followed by the Powerball.
Here are the steps:
- A machine randomly selects five white balls, numbered 1-69, from the first drawing machine.
- A second machine randomly selects one red Powerball, numbered 1-26, from the second drawing machine.
- The six numbers are announced and confirmed.
- The six numbers are input into a control computer to determine any winners.
The Powerball machines utilize individually numbered ball sets that are rotated in and out during the drawings. The ball sets get changed periodically and go through rigorous testing standards.
Security of the Powerball Drawings
The Powerball drawings are conducted under extensive security procedures to protect the integrity of the game. Some measures include:
- The drawing machines are sealed before transport to the studio.
- An internal control system prevents tampering.
- Access to draw equipment is restricted.
- The draw is monitored by multiple cameras.
- The balls are weighed prior to the draw.
- An independent auditing firm observes drawings and reviews processes.
These security protocols help ensure fair Powerball drawings and random results. The Florida Lottery also encourages the public to attend the live draw broadcasts.
How to Play the Powerball
Playing the Powerball takes just a few simple steps:
- Obtain a Powerball play slip from an authorized lottery retailer or select your numbers using a quick pick option that randomly assigns numbers.
- On the play slip, choose 5 numbers from 1 to 69 in the uppermost section. These are the white ball numbers.
- Then, select 1 number from 1 to 26 in the bottom section for your red Powerball number.
- Take your completed play slip to a lottery retailer or tell the cashier your selected numbers for quick pick.
- Pay $2 per play for each play slip you submit.
- You will receive a ticket with your chosen numbers, which can be checked after the drawing for any matches.
You can increase non-jackpot prizes by adding the Power Play option for an extra $1 per play. It will multiply non-jackpot wins up to 10 times, except for the Match 5 prize.
Prizes and Odds
Match all 6 numbers to win the jackpot, which starts at $40 million and grows until someone wins it. Here are the other prize levels and odds of winning:
| Prize | Match | Odds (1 in…) |
|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | All 6 numbers | 292,201,338 |
| $1 million | 5 numbers + Powerball | 11,688,054 |
| $50,000 | 5 numbers only | 913,129 |
| $100 | 4 numbers + Powerball | 36,525 |
| $100 | 3 numbers + Powerball | 14,494 |
| $7 | 3 numbers only | 579 |
| $4 | 2 numbers + Powerball | 701 |
As you can see, while the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9, matching all 6 numbers for the jackpot is extremely difficult – currently about 1 in 292 million.
Notable Powerball Jackpots
Some of the biggest Powerball jackpots awarded include:
- $1.586 billion – January 13, 2016 – Split between 3 tickets in California, Florida, and Tennessee.
- $768.4 million – March 27, 2019 – Won by a single ticket in Wisconsin.
- $758.7 million – August 23, 2017 – Won by a single ticket in Massachusetts.
- $731.1 million – January 20, 2021 – Won by a single ticket in Maryland.
- $699.8 million – October 4, 2021 – Won by a single ticket in California.
The current record jackpot of $1.586 billion in 2016 remains the largest lottery prize ever won! Powerball jackpots start at $40 million and grow based on game sales and interest until someone finally matches all 6 numbers.
Powerball Winners in Ohio
While the mammoth jackpots have eluded Ohio players so far, there have been several notable Powerball wins in the state:
- In May 2022, an Oregon, Ohio couple won $150,000 after matching 4 numbers + Powerball.
- In March 2021, a Hudson, Ohio man won $1 million with a Power Play match.
- In June 2020, a Toledo, Ohio resident won $2 million after matching 5 numbers but missing the Powerball.
- In August 2019, an Hiram, Ohio man won $150,000 matching 4 numbers + Powerball.
- In 2018, eight players in Ohio won $1 million each on Powerball tickets.
While the chances are long, it only takes one Powerball ticket to win a massive prize in Ohio! Players should always check their tickets carefully after the drawings.
Buying Powerball Tickets in Ohio
Powerball tickets can be purchased in Ohio at over 9,500 authorized retailers across the state. Here are some tips for buying tickets:
- Locate an authorized Ohio lottery retailer. Major stores like gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores sell tickets.
- Present a Powerball play slip with your number selections to the cashier. Or request a quick pick for random numbers.
- Pay $2 per play. Multidraw options are available to play consecutive draws.
- Check your ticket for accuracy before leaving the store.
- Sign the back of your ticket once purchased.
- Store tickets securely until ready to check them.
Powerball tickets can be purchased in Ohio daily during store hours until 10 p.m. on draw nights. Players must be at least 18 years old to play.
Tickets should always be signed after purchase, as unsigned tickets are considered bearer instruments. Anyone holding an unsigned ticket can claim a prize.
Responsible Play
While playing the lottery is fun entertainment for many, it’s important to play responsibly. The Ohio Lottery recommends these tips for responsible play:
- Set a budget for lottery expenditures and stick to it.
- Only use discretionary income, not rent or grocery money.
- Don’t borrow money or use credit to play.
- Balance lottery play with other recreational activities.
- Don’t play when under stress or while impaired.
- Understand the odds of winning are extremely low.
- Keep lottery activities a social experience and avoid isolation.
- Seek help for problematic gambling behavior.
Following responsible play guidelines allows players to enjoy lottery games while managing risks. If gambling becomes a problem, support resources are available by calling the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966.
Ohio Lottery Proceeds
The Ohio Lottery was founded in 1974 to generate supplemental funding for education in Ohio. By law, all lottery profits in Ohio go towards education.
Since inception, Ohio Lottery ticket sales have raised over $23 billion for education funding. In Fiscal Year 2021, the Ohio Lottery contributed over $1.18 billion to education programs across the state.
The lottery profits help support a variety of programs and causes benefiting Ohio education:
- K-12 Public Schools – Receive foundation funding from lottery profits.
- College Advantage Savings Plans – Get promotional support.
- Ohio National Guard Scholarship Fund – Funded by profits.
- Ohio Public Library Funds – Receive support.
- Ohio Project Learning programs for seniors.
So while playing for those enormous jackpots is fun, players can also feel good knowing they are contributing to key education initiatives in Ohio.
Checking Powerball Results
There are a few ways to check the winning Powerball numbers after each drawing:
- Watch the live broadcast to see the numbers revealed.
- Check official lottery websites like the Ohio Lottery results page.
- Visit or scan your ticket at an Ohio Lottery retailer.
- Access winning numbers through lottery mobile apps.
- See results displayed on screens at many convenience stores.
- Check newspaper listings and television news scrolls.
Results are typically available within a few minutes after each drawing concludes. Be sure to carefully check your ticket numbers to see if you matched any to win a prize. Also check the Powerball number, as matching that alone wins $4.
Winning tickets can be redeemed up to 180 days after the draw date in Ohio. Prizes over $599 must be claimed at an official Ohio Lottery office, while smaller amounts can be redeemed at retailers. Be sure to sign the back of any winning ticket before redeeming.
Good luck on winning those big Powerball jackpots in Ohio! Just one matching ticket could change your life in an instant.
Conclusion
In Ohio, the Powerball drawings can be viewed on several local channels including WKYC, WEWS, and WOIO when they air as part of the evening news. The drawings are held three nights a week at 10:59 PM ET in Tallahassee, Florida.
To play Powerball, select 5 main numbers from 1-69 and 1 Powerball from 1-26 on a play slip or using quick pick. Match all 6 to win jackpots starting at $40 million. While the odds are long, Powerball tickets only cost $2 for a chance at life-changing prizes. Responsible play is encouraged when participating in any lottery games.
Powerball tickets can be purchased daily at over 9,500 retailers in Ohio. Results are available soon after the drawings online, through mobile apps, and at lottery retailers. Be sure to check your tickets promptly to see if you matched any numbers to win. Good luck!
