Powerball
5 numbers (1-69) + Powerball (1-26)Min 1 · Max 25
About Powerball
Powerball is the largest multi-state lottery game in the country, with jackpots that regularly grow to hundreds of millions of dollars. Pick 5 numbers from 1–69 and one Powerball from 1–26. Draws take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET.
Tips for Playing Powerball
- The Powerball (green ball) is drawn from a separate pool of 1–26, completely independent from your main 5 numbers. Make sure both pools look right before heading to the retailer.
- Add Power Play for $1 more per ticket to multiply all non-jackpot prizes by 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×, or 10×. The 10× multiplier is only available when the advertised jackpot is under $150 million.
- Ticket sales cut off roughly 59 minutes before each drawing, though exact cut-off times vary by retailer. Always confirm the cut-off when you purchase.
Powerball: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Powerball jackpot odds?
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338. Secondary prizes range from $4 (matching only the Powerball) to $1 million (matching all 5 main numbers without the Powerball). With the Power Play add-on, that $1 million second prize becomes $2 million.
Does the order of my Powerball numbers matter?
No. Powerball main numbers are drawn in ascending order on the ticket, but the draw itself is unordered; only the set of 5 numbers and the Powerball value matter, not the sequence you picked them in.
What happens if no one wins the Powerball jackpot?
The jackpot rolls over to the next drawing, increasing the advertised amount. There is no cap on rollovers, which is why Powerball jackpots can climb into the billions. Once the jackpot is won, it resets to its $20 million starting point.
What is Power Play and is it worth the extra dollar?
Power Play is a $1 add-on that multiplies all non-jackpot prizes. The multiplier is drawn separately and can be 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×, or 10×. The 10× multiplier is only available when the advertised jackpot is below $150 million. The most valuable application is the second prize: matching all 5 main numbers without the Powerball normally pays $1 million, but with Power Play it becomes $2 million regardless of the multiplier drawn. Whether Power Play is worth it depends on how frequently you play and your preference for larger secondary prizes.
What are all the Powerball prize tiers?
Powerball has nine prize tiers. From top to bottom: 5+PB (jackpot), 5+0 ($1 million; $2 million with Power Play), 4+PB ($50,000), 4+0 ($100), 3+PB ($100), 3+0 ($7), 2+PB ($7), 1+PB ($4), and 0+PB ($4). The last three tiers are fixed amounts even with Power Play.
Is the Powerball jackpot paid as a lump sum or annuity?
Winners choose between a lump-sum (cash value) payment or an annuity paid over 29 years in 30 graduated payments. The cash value is significantly less than the advertised jackpot amount, which reflects the annuity's full value. Federal and state taxes apply to both options. Pennsylvania does not exempt lottery winnings from state income tax.
Can I play Powerball in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania is one of the participating states in the Powerball multi-state lottery. Tickets are available at licensed PA Lottery retailers statewide. You must be 18 or older to purchase a lottery ticket in Pennsylvania.
What is the Powerball ticket sales cut-off time?
Powerball ticket sales typically close about 59 minutes before the 10:59 PM ET draw on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. However, individual retailers may stop selling tickets earlier. Always confirm the current cut-off at your retailer before your purchase, particularly on draw nights when the jackpot is large and lines may be long.
Play Responsibly
Lottery play is entertainment. Set a budget before you play and treat ticket purchases as the cost of that entertainment, not an investment or income strategy. No number generator, system, or selection method can change lottery odds. If gambling stops being fun, free and confidential help is available 24/7:
- PA Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
This site is not affiliated with the Pennsylvania Lottery. Always verify draw times, ticket prices, and official rules at palottery.state.pa.us.