🎱What Is Powerball?
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game played across 45 US states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), Powerball holds the record for the world's largest lottery jackpot — a staggering $2.04 billion won in November 2022 in California.
Drawings take place three times per week — Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM Eastern Time. Tickets cost $2 per play, with an optional Power Play multiplier for an additional $1 that can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 10x.
Since its inception in 1992, Powerball has created hundreds of millionaires and generated billions of dollars for state education and public programs. The game's massive jackpots start at $20 million and roll over each drawing without a winner, frequently reaching hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars.
🎯How to Play Powerball
- 1
Pick 5 White Ball Numbers
Choose 5 different numbers from 1 to 69. These are your main numbers. You can pick your own numbers or use Quick Pick for random selections.
- 2
Pick 1 Powerball Number
Choose 1 number from 1 to 26. This is the red Powerball. It's drawn from a separate pool, so it can be the same as one of your white ball numbers.
- 3
Optional: Add Power Play ($1 more)
The Power Play multiplier can increase non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x (when the jackpot is under $150 million). The $1 million Match 5 prize becomes $2 million with Power Play.
- 4
Watch the Drawing
Drawings are Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET. Match all 5 white balls + the Powerball to win the jackpot!
Quick Pick vs. Self-Picked: About 70-80% of Powerball winners use Quick Pick (random computer-generated numbers). Statistically, your odds are identical either way — the drawing is completely random regardless of how the numbers were chosen.
📊Powerball Odds & Prize Tiers
Powerball has 9 different ways to win, from matching just the Powerball for $4 up to hitting all numbers for the jackpot. Here are the complete odds and prizes for each tier:
| Match | Prize | Odds | w/ Power Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 + Powerball | JACKPOT | 1 in 292,201,338 | N/A |
| 5 white balls | $1,000,000 | 1 in 11,688,053 | $2,000,000 |
| 4 + Powerball | $50,000 | 1 in 913,129 | $100,000–$500,000 |
| 4 white balls | $100 | 1 in 36,525 | $200–$1,000 |
| 3 + Powerball | $100 | 1 in 14,494 | $200–$1,000 |
| 3 white balls | $7 | 1 in 580 | $14–$70 |
| 2 + Powerball | $7 | 1 in 701 | $14–$70 |
| 1 + Powerball | $4 | 1 in 92 | $8–$40 |
| Powerball only | $4 | 1 in 38 | $8–$40 |
Overall odds of winning any Powerball prize: approximately 1 in 24.9
⚡The Power Play Option Explained
For an extra $1 per play, the Power Play multiplier can dramatically increase your non-jackpot winnings. Before each drawing, a Power Play multiplier is randomly selected:
Key detail: The Power Play does NOT multiply the jackpot. However, it automatically doubles the Match 5 prize from $1 million to $2 million, regardless of the multiplier drawn. For all other prize tiers, your winnings are multiplied by the Power Play number drawn.
Is Power Play worth it? Mathematically, Power Play provides slightly better expected value for the extra $1 when the jackpot is small and the 10x multiplier is in play. For most players, it's a reasonable add-on that makes smaller wins more exciting.
💰Taxes on Powerball Winnings
Understanding taxes is critical before claiming a Powerball prize. Here's what happens to your winnings at different levels:
Prizes Under $600
No automatic withholding. You're responsible for reporting these on your tax return, but the lottery doesn't report it to the IRS.
Prizes $600 to $5,000
Reported to the IRS via W-2G form, but no automatic withholding. You must report and pay taxes when filing your return.
Prizes Over $5,000
24% is automatically withheld for federal taxes. State taxes (if applicable) are also withheld. You'll likely owe additional federal tax (up to 37% bracket) when filing.
Jackpot Winners
Large jackpot winners will be taxed at the highest federal rate of 37% on most of their winnings. Combined with state taxes of up to 10.9%, you could lose 40-48% of your prize to taxes depending on where you live.
Example: $500 Million Powerball Win
Lump Sum Option
- Cash value: ~$250M
- Federal tax (37%): ~$92.5M
- State tax (varies): $0–$27M
- Take-home: $130M–$157M
Annuity Option (30 years)
- Total received: $500M
- Federal tax: ~$185M
- State tax: $0–$54M
- Take-home: $261M–$315M
🏆Biggest Powerball Jackpots in History
| # | Jackpot | Date | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.04 Billion | Nov 7, 2022 | California |
| 2 | $1.765 Billion | Oct 11, 2023 | California |
| 3 | $1.586 Billion | Jan 13, 2016 | CA, FL, TN |
| 4 | $1.326 Billion | Apr 6, 2024 | Oregon |
| 5 | $1.08 Billion | Jul 19, 2023 | California |
| 6 | $842.4 Million | Jan 1, 2024 | Michigan |
| 7 | $768.4 Million | Mar 27, 2019 | Wisconsin |
| 8 | $758.7 Million | Aug 23, 2017 | Massachusetts |
| 9 | $731.1 Million | Jan 20, 2021 | Maryland |
| 10 | $699.8 Million | Oct 4, 2021 | California |
Note: Several of these jackpots were won in California, which doesn't tax lottery winnings at the state level — making it one of the best states to win.
📺Drawing Schedule & Where to Watch
Powerball drawings are broadcast live on local TV stations in participating states. You can also watch live at powerball.com or check results on our site immediately after each drawing.
Ticket sales cut-off: Most states stop selling Powerball tickets 1-2 hours before the drawing. Check with your state lottery for exact cutoff times.
💡Powerball Strategy & Tips
Reality check: No strategy can improve your odds of winning Powerball. The drawing is completely random. However, these tips can help you play smarter.
- 1
Set a Budget and Stick to It
Treat lottery tickets as entertainment, not an investment. Only spend what you can afford to lose. The odds are always against you.
- 2
Consider Joining a Pool
Office pools or lottery clubs let you buy more tickets for less money individually. While you'd split the jackpot, you dramatically increase your number of entries.
- 3
Avoid Common Number Patterns
Many people pick birthdays (1-31), which means numbers 32-69 are less commonly chosen. While this doesn't change your odds, it reduces the chance of splitting the jackpot with many other winners.
- 4
Check Your Tickets
Billions of dollars in lottery prizes go unclaimed every year. Always check your numbers after every drawing and sign the back of your ticket.
- 5
Know Your State's Claim Deadlines
Each state has different deadlines for claiming prizes, typically 90 days to 1 year. Don't let a winning ticket expire!
❓Frequently Asked Questions
What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?▼
The odds of matching all 5 white balls plus the Powerball are 1 in 292,201,338. To put that in perspective, you're more likely to be struck by lightning (1 in 15,300) or become a movie star (1 in 1,505,000) than win the Powerball jackpot.
Can I buy Powerball tickets online?▼
Some states allow online ticket purchases through their official lottery websites or authorized apps. Availability varies by state. Popular options include Jackpocket and state lottery apps. Always use official or authorized services to avoid scams.
What happens if nobody wins the Powerball jackpot?▼
If no one matches all numbers, the jackpot rolls over to the next drawing and increases. This is how jackpots grow to record-breaking sizes. There is no cap on how large the jackpot can grow.
Can I remain anonymous if I win Powerball?▼
It depends on your state. Some states (like Delaware, Kansas, and Maryland) allow winners to remain anonymous. Others require public disclosure of your name and city. Some states allow winners to claim through a trust or LLC for privacy.
How long do I have to claim a Powerball prize?▼
Claim periods vary by state, typically ranging from 90 days to 1 year from the drawing date. For large jackpots, you usually have 60 days after claiming to decide between lump sum and annuity.
See What You'd Actually Take Home
Use our free calculator with today's Powerball jackpot to see your after-tax winnings.
Calculate Powerball Winnings