Powerball Lottery Official Information 2025

What Is Powerball Lottery?

Powerball is America's most popular multi-state lottery game, launched on April 19, 1992, and operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). Available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Powerball offers some of the largest lottery jackpots in the world, with prizes starting at $20 million and growing until someone wins.

Powerball made lottery history in 1992 by becoming the first lottery to use a revolutionary two-drum system. This innovative format uses two separate machines: one drum contains white balls numbered 1-69 (from which 5 are drawn), and a second drum contains red Powerball numbers 1-26 (from which 1 is drawn). This two-drum design creates better odds for secondary prizes while maintaining exciting jackpot odds, and has since been adopted by lotteries worldwide including Mega Millions, UK Thunderball, and Australia's Powerball.

The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) is a non-profit government-benefit association formed in December 1987 by seven state lotteries. MUSL coordinates Powerball drawings, manages the prize pool, purchases annuity bonds for jackpot winners, and ensures game integrity across all participating jurisdictions. Each member lottery sells tickets through its own retail network and contributes to the shared jackpot pool.

How to Play Powerball

Playing Powerball is simple. For $2 per play, you select five numbers from 1 to 69 (white balls) and one Powerball number from 1 to 26 (red ball). You can choose your own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the lottery terminal randomly selects numbers for you. To win the jackpot, you must match all five white balls in any order plus the red Powerball.

Power Play Option: For an additional $1 per play, the Power Play feature multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X. The 10X multiplier is only available when the jackpot is $150 million or less. The Match 5 prize (second tier) is always multiplied to $2 million with Power Play, regardless of which multiplier is drawn. Power Play does not apply to the jackpot. Note: Power Play is not available in California due to state pari-mutuel laws, and is automatically included in Idaho and Montana (making the minimum ticket cost $3 in those states).

Double Play Option: Launched in August 2021, Double Play is an add-on feature available in 27 jurisdictions for an additional $1. Your same numbers are entered into a separate drawing held after the main Powerball drawing, with a top prize of $10 million cash. This prize is fixed and does not roll over. Double Play offers nine prize tiers, with six of the nine prize levels paying more than equivalent Powerball prizes. Power Play does not apply to Double Play prizes. Available in: Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington.

Powerball Prize Structure

Powerball offers nine ways to win, with prizes ranging from $4 for matching just the Powerball to the multi-million dollar jackpot for matching all six numbers. Approximately 50% of total ticket sales are allocated to the prize pool. Here's the complete prize breakdown:

Jackpot Payment Options

Powerball jackpot winners have two payment options to choose from, and must make their selection within 60 days of claiming the prize:

Annuity Option: Receive the full advertised jackpot amount paid over 30 graduated annual payments spanning 29 years. Each payment increases by 5% annually to account for inflation. The annuity is funded by government bonds purchased by MUSL with the jackpot's cash value. The first payment is made immediately upon claiming the prize.

Cash Option: Receive a one-time lump sum payment equal to the cash value of the jackpot, which is typically about 52% of the advertised annuity amount. For example, a $100 million advertised jackpot has a cash value of approximately $52 million before taxes. Most winners choose the cash option for immediate access to their funds.

Taxes: All lottery winnings over $5,000 are subject to a mandatory 24% federal tax withholding. Winners will likely owe additional federal taxes when filing their return, as lottery winnings put winners in the top 37% tax bracket. State taxes vary by jurisdiction, ranging from 0% (states like Florida, Texas, California, Washington) to around 10% in high-tax states. Winners should consult with financial and tax advisors before claiming their prize.

Powerball Financial Overview

Powerball generates significant revenue across participating states, with total U.S. lottery sales (including all games) reaching $103 billion in 2023. Here's how Powerball revenue is distributed:

Top State Lottery Revenues (2023): The largest lottery markets in the United States generated substantial revenue from all lottery games including Powerball:

• California: $9.2 billion total lottery revenue
• Florida: $9.2 billion total lottery revenue
• New York: $8.8-$10.5 billion total lottery revenue

How Lottery Proceeds Benefit States: Each participating state determines how lottery profits are used. Common beneficiaries include:

• Education: 23 states direct lottery profits specifically to education programs, including K-12 schools, higher education, scholarships, and school construction. Examples include California (public schools and colleges), Georgia (HOPE Scholarship program), Florida (Educational Enhancement Trust Fund), and Texas (Foundation School Fund).
• General Fund: 13 states contribute lottery revenue to their general fund, which supports various state services including education, roads, health services, and public safety.
• Senior Citizens Programs: Pennsylvania dedicates lottery profits to programs benefiting older residents.
• Veterans Services: Texas and other states fund veterans assistance programs with lottery proceeds.
• Environment and Parks: Colorado and Oregon allocate portions of lottery revenue to environmental conservation and outdoor recreation.
• Economic Development: Some states use lottery funds for infrastructure, tourism, and economic growth initiatives.

When Are Powerball Drawings?

Powerball drawings are held three times per week: every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM Eastern Time. The Monday drawing was added in August 2021, expanding from the previous twice-weekly schedule. All drawings are conducted at the Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee and are supervised by Carroll & Company, CPA to ensure integrity and fairness.

Ticket sales close at different times depending on the state, typically 1-2 hours before the drawing. Check with your state lottery for specific cut-off times. Tickets for the next drawing go on sale immediately after each drawing is completed.

How to Check Powerball Results

Powerball results are published immediately after each drawing through multiple channels:

• Official Powerball Website: Visit Powerball.com or Powerball.net for the latest winning numbers
• State Lottery Websites: Each participating state lottery posts results on their official website
• Lottery Retailers: Check your tickets at any authorized Powerball retailer using their terminal scanner
• News Media: Local and national news outlets report Powerball results, especially for large jackpots
• Powerball App: Download your state lottery's mobile app for instant result notifications
• Lottery Courier Services: Some authorized online lottery courier services (available in select states) notify users automatically

Always verify winning numbers through official sources before claiming a prize. Keep your ticket in a safe place and sign the back of it immediately to establish ownership.

How to Claim Powerball Prizes

Prize claim procedures and deadlines vary by state. Here's a general guide:

Claim Deadlines: Most states allow 180 days (approximately 6 months) from the drawing date to claim prizes. Some states have shorter periods (90 days in New Mexico) while others allow up to one year. Check your state lottery's specific deadline to avoid forfeiting your prize.

Small Prizes (typically up to $599-$600): Can be claimed at any authorized Powerball retailer in your state. The retailer will validate your ticket and pay you immediately in cash.

Medium Prizes (typically $600 to $50,000-$100,000): Claim at regional lottery offices or by mail. You'll need to complete a claim form and provide identification. Some states require Social Security numbers for tax reporting.

Large Prizes (above $50,000-$100,000): Must be claimed at your state lottery headquarters. You'll need to provide the original winning ticket, valid government-issued photo ID, Social Security card or documentation, completed claim form, and potentially additional documentation depending on your state.

Jackpot Claims: Contact your state lottery immediately. Do not sign the back of your ticket until meeting with lottery officials. Consult with financial advisors, tax attorneys, and potentially estate planning professionals before claiming. Consider whether to remain anonymous if your state allows it.

Required Documentation: Winners must provide original winning ticket (unsigned until validated), government-issued photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, completed claim form, and in some cases, proof of residency.

Frequently Asked Questions