If you’re new to playing Powerball, this is your step-by-step tutorial for buying your first ticket, understanding how to play, and hoping for that Powerball jackpot.
If you’ve watched friends and family get excited about Powerball, never having played yourself, you might be curious about how it all works. And if you’ve decided it’s time to venture away from the sidelines to get in on the excitement for yourself, keep reading. Today, we’re outlining the step-by-step process for Powerball gameplay, from buying your first ticket and understanding the drawn numbers to seeing if you’ve won.
Knowing the Rules
While most US states authorize Powerball, not all do. And each state has its own rules about timelines for collecting prize money and disclosing your identifying information when you win. Visit your state’s Powerball website to learn more about the rules and guidelines for gameplay.
Otherwise, the game of Powerball is simple. Buy a ticket. Choose your numbers. Wait to see if you’ve won!
Finding an Authorized Powerball Retailer
To buy a Powerball ticket, you can either go online and make your purchase digitally, or you can go in person to any authorized Powerball retailer. Depending on location, you might purchase your tickets from a convenience store, a neighborhood gas station, or a grocery store. Look for signage that Powerball tickets are sold there, or just ask the clerk if Powerball tickets are available there.
Buying Your First Ticket
Playing one ticket in any Powerball drawing will only cost you $2. And affordability and convenience are just some of the reasons why so many people play. You can choose to boost your winning potential for an extra dollar with the Power Play option. With Power Play, you can double the payout for any non-jackpot prize amount that you win.
Choosing Your Numbers
You can either select your own numbers for the draw by filling in the spaces on your ticket for each corresponding number. Remember, choose between one and 69, a total of five, along with one Powerball number between one and 26. If you want to take your ticket home to think about it, you can. But to be eligible, you'll need to bring it back and have the clerk register your ticket. If you’d prefer not to choose your own numbers, you can have the Powerball terminal choose numbers at random for you. The odds of winning are the same either way you play.
Powerball Drawings
When you buy your first Powerball ticket, be sure to make note of the drawing for which your ticket will be eligible. Powerball drawings happen every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee will randomly select the game’s official drawing numbers at 10:59 PM EST.
Seeing If You’ve Won
Many Powerball drawings are televised and announced through your local news programs. But if you miss the broadcast, don’t worry. You can always verify the numbers on your ticket against the drawn numbers for that game on the Powerball website. If you’re still not sure, you can always take your ticket to an authorized Powerball retailer to have the clerk “run” your ticket through the computer to verify.
Collecting Your Prize
Powerball is one of the most winningest games available. And just matching some of your numbers can result in some kind of prize money. For those Powerball prizes below $600, your authorized Powerball retailer can pay you on the spot. If your prize amount is more than $600, you’ll need to complete some paperwork and contact your regional lottery office. They’ll verify your ticket and the prize before paying you accordingly.
Keep this guide handy as you venture out to play Powerball for the first time. And remember to have fun! Sometimes, the excitement and anticipation can be just as rewarding as a Powerball win.