Powerball is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States. It is coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association and is available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Powerball offers some of the biggest lottery jackpots in the world, often climbing into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
How Powerball Works
Powerball is a multi-state lottery draw game. Players select five white balls numbered 1-69 and one red “Powerball” numbered 1-26. The white balls are drawn from one drum and the Powerball is drawn from a separate drum. To win the jackpot prize, a player must match all five white balls in any order as well as the red Powerball. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338.
There are 9 ways to win a prize in Powerball:
| Match | Prize | Odds (1 in) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 white balls + Powerball | Jackpot | 292,201,338 |
| 5 white balls (no Powerball) | $1 million | 11,688,053 |
| 4 white balls + Powerball | $50,000 | 913,129 |
| 4 white balls (no Powerball) | $100 | 36,525 |
| 3 white balls + Powerball | $100 | 14,494 |
| 3 white balls (no Powerball) | $7 | 580 |
| 2 white balls + Powerball | $7 | 701 |
| 1 white ball + Powerball | $4 | 91 |
| Powerball only | $4 | 38 |
The base price of a Powerball ticket is $2. You can add the Power Play option for an extra $1 per ticket to multiply non-jackpot prizes. For example, if you win $50,000 and you played Power Play, your prize could be multiplied up to 10 times for $500,000!
Powerball Drawings
Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The drawings are televised live from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. To play, you must purchase your Powerball tickets before the cut-off time of 10:00 p.m. ET on the night of the drawing.
To participate in a Powerball drawing, players can buy tickets at authorized retailers in the 45 participating states and jurisdictions. Tickets can also be purchased online in some states. Players select five main numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Each Powerball play is $2, or $3 with the Power Play option.
Powerball Jackpots
One of the biggest attractions of Powerball is the game’s enormous jackpots. Powerball jackpots start at $40 million and continue growing until a winning ticket is sold. Jackpots grow based on ticket sales and interest rates. There is no cap on how large a jackpot can grow.
Here are some of the largest Powerball jackpot amounts:
- $1.586 billion – January 2016 – Split between 3 tickets in California, Florida and Tennessee
- $768.4 million – March 2019 – Won by a single ticket in Wisconsin
- $758.7 million – August 2017 – Won by a single ticket in Massachusetts
- $731.1 million – January 2021 – Won by a single ticket in Maryland
- $699.8 million – October 2021 – Won by a single ticket in California
When the advertised jackpot amount is not won, the prize rolls over into the next drawing and continues growing. The jackpot resets to the $40 million starting point only after the prize is won.
Powerball Winners
Hundreds of people’s lives have been changed by winning massive Powerball jackpots over the years. Some notable Powerball jackpot winners include:
- The “Three Amigos” – A group of 20 co-workers from Massachusetts who split a $758.7 million jackpot in 2017. Each took home about $24 million after taxes.
- Mavis Wanczyk – A 53-year-old hospital worker from Massachusetts who won a $758.7 million jackpot as a solo player in 2017.
- John and Lisa Robinson – A Tennessee couple who claimed half of a record $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot in 2016.
- Gloria MacKenzie – An 84-year-old Florida widow who won a $590.5 million Powerball prize in 2013.
- Maureen Smith & David Kaltschmidt – Long-time partners who split a $528.8 million jackpot in Maryland in 2021.
Winners have the choice between an annuity payment paid out over 29 years or a one-time, lump-sum cash option. Most jackpot winners take the cash payout which is significantly lower than the advertised prize. Taxes also take a big bite out of winnings.
Odds of Winning Powerball
The odds of winning any Powerball prize are 1 in 24.87. However, the odds of winning the huge jackpot prize are a staggering 1 in 292,201,338. While the odds seem almost insurmountable, people still do win!
You actually have a greater chance of being struck by lightning in your lifetime (1 in 15,300) than you do hitting the Powerball jackpot. But many people still consider the small $2 investment worth it for the chance to win a life-changing amount of money.
Buying Powerball Tickets
Powerball tickets can be purchased in participating locations across the United States. In most states, you can buy tickets at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores and pharmacies. Some state lotteries also allow online ticket purchasing.
To play, choose 5 numbers from 1 to 69 and 1 Powerball number from 1 to 26. Each base Powerball play costs $2. You can add the Power Play option for an extra $1 per play to boost non-jackpot prize amounts. Use a play slip to make your number selections or ask for a “quick pick” and let the terminal randomly choose the numbers for you.
Powerball tickets can be bought up until 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time on draw nights. Make sure to buy tickets before the cut-off time for the drawing you wish to participate in. Tickets purchased after the cut-off will be issued for the following drawing.
It’s important to sign your lottery ticket after purchasing so you can prove ownership if it’s a winner. Some key points:
- Use ink pen, not pencil
- Sign your name, don’t print
- Don’t let the clerk or anyone else sign for you
Store your ticket in a safe place until the drawing occurs. Then check the winning numbers against your selections to see if you won a prize. Signing the back of the ticket is extra important if you are the lucky winner of a jackpot prize!
Claiming Powerball Prizes
For prizes up to $600, you can typically claim your winnings at any authorized lottery retailer in the jurisdiction where you bought your ticket. Prizes over $600 need to be claimed at a designated lottery office. Jackpot and grand prizes must be claimed at the lottery headquarters for the state where the ticket was purchased.
There is a timeline for claiming Powerball prizes. In most states, you have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim your prize. Make sure to check the rules in your jurisdiction though, as claim periods can vary.
To claim a prize, you will need to:
- Present your winning ticket
- Show a valid ID
- Provide your Social Security number for tax reporting
- Fill out a claim form
The lottery will validate your winning ticket and process your payout. For jackpot winners, it is recommended to assemble a team of financial advisors and legal counsel before coming forward to claim the prize. This can help you navigate major decisions such as taking the lump sum or annuity payment.
Taxes on Winnings
Federal taxes are taken out of Powerball prizes before the money is awarded. In the United States, gambling winnings are taxed at the highest federal income tax rate, which is currently 37%. Some states also tax lottery winnings between 3-8%. Large prizes can also push winners into higher tax brackets.
For example, the cash option on a $1 billion Powerball prize would be approximately $496 million after federal taxes. State and local taxes would take another bite out of the lump sum depending on where the ticket was sold and claimed. The federal government does not tax lottery winnings taken as annuity payments, but state taxes still apply in most cases.
Scams and Protecting Winnings
There are many scams associated with lotteries to be aware of. You should never pay any upfront fees to claim a Powerball prize. If someone contacts you stating you’ve won a prize and requests money for taxes, fees or other purposes, it’s most likely a scam.
Only official communication from the Multi-State Lottery Association or the lottery in the state where you purchased your ticket should be trusted. No legitimate lottery will ever contact you to confirm your personal information by phone, email or mail.
It’s recommended that big jackpot winners assemble a team of legal and financial professionals to help navigate decisions and protect their winnings. Keeping a low profile and avoiding publicity after a big win can also help prevent long-lost “relatives” and scammers from coming out of the woodwork.
Giving Back After a Big Win
For most jackpot winners, the first priority is taking care of themselves and loved ones after suddenly coming into a massive amount of money. However, there are many examples of past winners who have donated to charitable causes or helped their communities:
- Jack Whittaker – After winning $315 million in 2002, he donated 10% of his winnings (over $30 million) to various Christian charities.
- Cynthia Stafford – She donated $50,000 to a Tanzanian clean water project after winning $112 million.
- Francois and Monique Mazzorato – Donated $1 million to the Canadian Cancer Society and started a fundraising event after winning $55 million.
- Mark and Cheryl Madsen – Following a $19 million win, they donated to the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and started a scholarship fund.
Of course, philanthropy is not an obligation. But for those fortunate winners who can afford it, giving back provides an opportunity to have a lasting positive impact beyond the money itself.
Playing Responsibly
Playing the lottery is meant to be fun, but it’s important to play responsibly. Gambling addiction is a very real concern. Make sure to set a gambling budget and stick to it. Only use discretionary money you can comfortably afford to lose. If you or someone you know shows signs of problem gambling such as needing to bet more often or chase losses, professional help is available.
While winning Powerball is incredibly rare, many people still enjoy the excitement and dream of hitting it big. When played just for fun without overspending, Powerball can provide some harmless entertainment and a bit of hope. But it’s important to have realistic expectations and only play with money intended for entertainment, not as a strategic way to profit or get rich. Responsible play keeps the lottery fun for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Powerball ticket cost?
Powerball tickets cost $2 per play. You can add the Power Play feature for an extra $1 per ticket.
What days are the Powerball drawings?
Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday night at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
How late can you buy Powerball tickets?
You can buy Powerball tickets up until 10:00 p.m. local time on the night of the drawing. Make sure to buy tickets before the cutoff for the drawing you want to play.
What is a Quick Pick ticket?
A Quick Pick or computer-generated ticket is where you let the lottery terminal randomly select your numbers rather than choosing them yourself.
Can you buy Powerball tickets online?
Some states allow Powerball tickets to be purchased online, but options vary by jurisdiction. Check with your local lottery for online ticket sales in your state.
What is the biggest Powerball jackpot ever?
The current Powerball record is a $1.586 billion jackpot split between 3 winning tickets in January 2016.
Has anyone won Powerball more than once?
A few players have won large Powerball jackpots more than once. But repeat jackpot winners are extremely rare due to the slim odds involved.
What does Power Play do?
Power Play is an optional add-on that costs $1 extra per ticket. It can multiply non-jackpot prizes up to 10 times if you win.
Are Powerball winnings taxed?
Yes, Powerball prizes are subject to federal and possibly state/local taxes. Taxes are withheld upfront before prizes are paid out.
Conclusion
Powerball is an exciting multi-state lottery game that has awarded some of the biggest jackpot prizes in lottery history. Drawings are held three times a week, giving players regular chances to try for a potentially massive payday. While winning Powerball is very difficult, many people consider it worth a small wager for the chance to take home hundreds of millions of dollars and radically change their life in an instant.
Responsible play is paramount when playing Powerball or any other form of gambling. But for those who just want a bit of entertainment and excitement while helping fund public programs, Powerball offers a fun break from the everyday along with a dash of hope however remote. And even if your odds of hitting the jackpot are infinitesimal, someone has to win eventually, and Powerball’s impressive first prize continues climbing until someone finally claims the elusive big one.