Powerball Rules

Powerball is simple to play, but it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the rules of the lottery so that there are no issues when it comes to buying tickets or claiming prizes. Individual states may have slightly different rules in certain areas – regarding ticket cut-off times, for example – so in these cases, it is advisable to contact the relevant state lottery for clarification. See the How to Play page for more information on how to participate in the Powerball lottery.

Rules for Buying Tickets

• The minimum age for buying Powerball tickets depends on the state in which you play. In most cases this is 18, but in Nebraska you must be over the age of 19 and in Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana and Mississippi you must be at least 21.
• When you buy a ticket from a retailer, it is your responsibility to check that the ticket is valid for the draw date of your choice. You are then responsible for keeping the ticket safe, as it acts as proof of purchase in the event of any prize claims.
• Different ticket sale cut-off times apply in each of the participating states. Contact your state lottery for details of ticket cut-off times.
• Lottery tickets must be paid for in full prior to the draw taking place.
• Lottery tickets are non-refundable.
• You must have a valid winning ticket to claim Powerball prizes.
• Powerball costs $2 per line to play. The Power Play costs an additional $1 per line.
• You must specify which Powerball draw(s) you want to enter in advance. You may enter multiple draws in advance, as determined by individual state lottery rules.
• If you wish to play the Power Play, you must elect to do so at the point you purchase your ticket by marking the option on your playslip. You cannot opt-in to play the Power Play at a later date.

Game Rules

• You must select five main numbers from a pool of 1 to 69 plus one Powerball from 1 to 26. Your playslip will be invalidated if you attempt to select greater or fewer numbers.
• During each Powerball draw five numbered balls between 1 and 69 will be randomly drawn. These numbers represent the five main winning Powerball numbers for that draw. One further ball numbered between 1 and 26 will be randomly drawn from a separate pool of balls. This represents the winning Powerball number for that draw.
• As the Powerball is drawn from a separate pool, it may be the same as one of the five main numbers drawn.
• The five main lottery numbers drawn can be presented as the ‘winning’ lottery numbers in any order, but they are not interchangeable with the Powerball number drawn from the second pool.
• Before each Powerball draw, a Power Play number will be drawn. A number between 2 and 10 is randomly selected, and any non-jackpot prizes won by players who opted in to the Power Play are multiplied by that number. At their discretion, state lotteries may change one or more of these Power Play numbers for special promotions.
• Power Play applies to non-jackpot prizes only.
• Power Play will multiply the Match 5 prize by a maximum of x2, regardless of which Power Play number is selected in the draw.
• To win a Powerball prize, you must match your chosen lottery numbers with those drawn in the Powerball draw. The five main lottery numbers can be matched in any order, but the Powerball drawn must match the Powerball number stated on your ticket for any prizes to be valid.
• Your chosen Powerball numbers are only valid to play in the draw(s) stated on your ticket. If you enter multiple draws in advance, the same ticket will be used for each draw you have entered. Lapsed tickets cannot be used to claim prizes.

Prize Rules

To claim a Powerball prize, you must present a valid winning ticket. If you lose your ticket, you will be unable to claim any prizes. The procedures for claiming Powerball prizes can vary by state. See our How to Claim page for more information.