Powerball is a multi-state game run by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) and sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Here is how a drawing works from start to finish.
When and where
Drawings are held three times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Eastern. They are conducted at the Florida Lottery’s studio in Tallahassee and are open to the public by livestream. Ticket sales close in advance of the drawing; the cutoff varies by state.
The balls and machines
Two separate machines are used. One holds 69 white balls and the other holds 26 red balls. Five white balls and one red ball are drawn at random. The red ball is the Powerball. The balls are mixed by the machine, and the draw is overseen by lottery staff and independent auditors.
What the numbers mean
- You play five white numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26.
- The white numbers can match in any order.
- The jackpot goes to the ticket that matches all six numbers.
Power Play and Double Play
For an extra $1, Power Play multiplies non-jackpot prizes. A multiplier is drawn before each drawing, and the $1 million prize for five white balls becomes $2 million with Power Play. Double Play, available in some states for an extra $1, gives a second chance with separate numbers drawn after the main game.
Jackpots and rollovers
A Powerball ticket costs $2. If no ticket wins the jackpot, it rolls over to the next drawing and grows. The advertised amount is an estimate of the annuity, paid as 30 graduated annual payments. Winners can choose the cash option instead, which is smaller. See today’s estimate on our Powerball results page.
How to follow a drawing
We post the winning numbers as soon as the official data is published, usually shortly after the draw. A countdown on each game page shows the time to the next one.
New to the odds? Read our odds explainer, then learn how to check your ticket.
GoWinLotto is an independent site and is not affiliated with any lottery. Figures above are published game rules and can change; confirm details with the official game website or your state lottery. Lottery drawings are random, no tool can predict them, and tickets should be treated as entertainment. Need help? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.