How to Play Powerball

Playing Powerball in 4 steps

1. Get a playslip at any licensed lottery retailer in a participating state (or through your state lottery's official app where iLottery is offered).
2. Pick 5 numbers from 1–69 plus a Powerball from 1–26 — or ask for a Quick Pick and let the terminal choose randomly (try our free Quick Pick generator first).
3. Pay $2 per play. Power Play (+$1) multiplies non-jackpot prizes 2X–10X (10X only while the jackpot is $150 million or less; Match-5 with Power Play always pays $2 million). Double Play (+$1, select jurisdictions) enters your numbers in a second drawing with a $10 million top prize.
4. Keep your ticket safe and check it after the drawing — Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET. Sales cut off shortly before draw time (typically 1–2 hours; varies by state).

If you win

Sign the back of the ticket immediately. Small prizes are paid at any retailer; larger prizes are claimed at lottery offices, and jackpots at your state lottery's headquarters. You'll choose between a 30-payment annuity and a lump-sum cash option — see the FAQ for how that works. Claim deadlines range from 90 days to a year depending on the state.

Checking results

Winning numbers appear on our Powerball results page within minutes of each drawing, with the full prize breakdown per draw and jackpot history.