🔴 Powerball® Guide
How to Play Powerball®
Everything you need to know — rules, prize tiers, odds, Power Play, and tips for playing smarter
Draw Days
Mon · Wed · Sat
10:59 PM ET
Draw Location
Tallahassee
Florida, USA
Ticket Price
$2 per play
+$1 for Power Play
Jackpot Odds
1 in 292M
Any prize: 1 in 24.87
Min. Jackpot
$20 Million
Rolls over until won
Cash Value
~60% of annuity
Or 30 annual payments
How to Play — Step by Step
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Pick your white ballsChoose 5 numbers from 1 to 69. You can pick your own lucky numbers, use Quick Pick (random), or use coldnumbers to analyze historical frequency data to inform your picks.
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Pick your PowerballChoose 1 red Powerball number from 1 to 26. This is drawn from a separate drum. You must match this number plus all 5 white balls to win the jackpot.
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Add Power Play (optional)For an extra $1, add Power Play to multiply all non-jackpot prizes by 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×, or 10×. The 10× multiplier is only available when the jackpot is under $150 million.
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Buy your ticketPurchase at any licensed retailer, or online in participating states at powerball.com. Ticket sales cut off ~1 hour before each draw.
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Watch the drawDraws happen Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET. Watch live on local TV, YouTube, or at powerball.com. Results post online within minutes.
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Check your ticketCompare your numbers to the winning draw. Sign the back of any winning ticket immediately. Use the coldnumbers scanner to check up to 5 tickets at once.
Prize Tiers & Odds of Winning
| Match | Prize | Odds of Winning | With Power Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 white + Powerball | 🏆 JACKPOT | 1 in 292,201,338 | N/A — jackpot is fixed |
| 5 white (no Powerball) | $1,000,000 | 1 in 11,688,053.52 | $2,000,000 (always 2×) |
| 4 white + Powerball | $50,000 | 1 in 913,129.18 | Up to $250,000 |
| 4 white (no Powerball) | $100 | 1 in 36,525.17 | Up to $500 |
| 3 white + Powerball | $100 | 1 in 14,494.11 | Up to $500 |
| 3 white (no Powerball) | $7 | 1 in 579.76 | Up to $35 |
| 2 white + Powerball | $7 | 1 in 701.33 | Up to $35 |
| 1 white + Powerball | $4 | 1 in 91.98 | Up to $20 |
| Powerball only | $4 | 1 in 38.32 | Up to $20 |
Overall odds of winning any Powerball prize: 1 in 24.87
Taxes on Powerball Winnings
Lottery winnings are subject to both federal and state income taxes. Here's what to expect:
Federal Withholding
24%
Withheld immediately from prizes over $5,000
Top Federal Rate
37%
Additional tax owed at filing time
State Taxes
0% – 10%
Varies by state. CA and TX exempt.
$100M Jackpot
~$38M
Estimated cash take-home (after fed + 5% state)
💡 Use the coldnumbers Calculator to model your exact take-home amount based on your state, cash vs. annuity choice, and long-term investment strategies. Available on the Calculator page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I win with just the Powerball number? +
Yes! Matching only the red Powerball number (without any white balls) wins you $4. With Power Play, that becomes up to $20.
Is it better to pick my own numbers or use Quick Pick? +
Statistically, there is no difference — every combination has the same probability. However, choosing unpopular numbers (avoiding common patterns like birthdays) means you're less likely to split a jackpot if you win. Roughly 70-80% of jackpot winners used Quick Pick.
How long do I have to claim a Powerball prize? +
Claim periods vary by state — typically between 90 days and 1 year from the draw date. Check your state lottery's website for exact deadlines. Unclaimed prizes often go back to the prize pool or state education funds.
What is the difference between annuity and cash option? +
The annuity pays the full jackpot amount over 30 annual payments (increasing by 5% per year). The cash option pays approximately 60% of the advertised jackpot in a single lump sum. Most winners choose cash because they want control over investing the money immediately.
Where can I buy Powerball tickets online? +
Online purchasing is available in select states directly at powerball.com, and through licensed lottery courier services like Jackpocket and Lottery.com in participating states. Not all states allow online ticket sales — check your state lottery's website.
What happens if no one wins the jackpot? +
If no ticket matches all 5 white balls + Powerball, the jackpot rolls over to the next draw and increases. All lower-tier prizes are still awarded for partial matches. There is no limit to how many times the jackpot can roll over.
⚠️ Play Responsibly — Lottery tickets are a form of entertainment with negative expected returns. You must be 18+ to play lottery and 21+ for sports betting. Never spend money you can't afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call: Ohio: 1-800-589-9966 · National: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) · NCPG: 1-800-522-4700.
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