POWERBALL© is a multi-state Lottery draw game in the United States. With three weekly drawings, a jackpot that starts at $20 million, and nine prize tiers, it’s no wonder lots of questions come up about how the game works.
Here are some of the most common questions about the POWERBALL Lottery drawings.
When are POWERBALL© drawings held?
POWERBALL© drawings happen every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET. Results are usually available online shortly after.
How do I play POWERBALL©?
You pick five white ball numbers from one to 69 and one red POWERBALL© number from one to 26. If your numbers match the drawn numbers, you might win a prize depending on which combination you land.
What’s the starting jackpot?
The POWERBALL© jackpot begins at $20 million and grows until someone wins it. If no one matches all five white ball numbers plus the POWERBALL©, the prize rolls over to the next drawing.
What are the POWERBALL© prize tiers?
There are nine prize tiers in POWERBALL©. Prizes range from $4 for matching just the POWERBALL© up to the jackpot for matching all five white ball numbers plus the POWERBALL©.
What’s the Power Play option?
Power Play is an add-on feature that multiplies non-jackpot prizes. A multiplier of 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x is drawn before each game. If you picked Power Play when buying your ticket, your non-jackpot prize gets multiplied accordingly. For example, a $50,000 prize could become $500,000 if the 10x multiplier is drawn. The jackpot isn’t eligible for Power Play.
Can I buy POWERBALL© tickets online?
In many states, including West Virginia, you can buy POWERBALL© tickets online through your state’s Lottery website or app. Tickets are also sold at licensed retailers and Lottery vending machines.
How do I check POWERBALL© results?
The best way to check results is through your state’s Lottery website or the official POWERBALL© website. If you bought a ticket online, your Lottery account might send you a notification if your numbers match a prize tier.
What happens if I win a prize?
If you bought your ticket digitally, smaller prizes are usually credited straight to your online Lottery account. For larger prizes, you’ll need to follow your state’s claim process, which might include visiting a Lottery office. You’ll get detailed instructions when you check your results.
Do POWERBALL© prizes expire?
Yes. Each state sets its own rules, but prizes must usually be claimed within 180 days to one year of the draw date. Check your state’s guidelines so you don’t miss a claim deadline.
Ready for the draw?
POWERBALL© offers multiple ways to participate, with nine prize tiers and the option to add Power Play for a chance at larger non-jackpot winnings. Whether you buy tickets in-store or online, using licensed Lottery platforms within your state ensures your play is secure and your results are accurate.
Remember that POWERBALL© is a game of chance. While jackpots can grow quite large, no outcome is ever guaranteed.
