Powerball Alert: $1 billion jackpot. Here's how to play.
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Lottery players across the country are hoping to cash in on their luck by winning the near-record Powerball jackpot estimated at $1 billion.
While record jackpots prompt non-regular players to come out and try their luck, some might not know how to play.
How do I play Powerball?
- Visit a lottery retailer, or purchase online if your state allows it.
- Powerball tickets cost $2
Either:
- Select five numbers from 1 to 69 for the white balls
- Select one number from 1 to 26 for the Powerball
Or:
- Use an easy-pick option and let the lottery terminal randomly select your numbers
Several state lottery websites have tools to help if you are looking to strategize. For example, the Michigan Lottery site offers a tool to look up previous drawing results, evaluate "hot" or "cold" numbers, or generate random "lucky" numbers.
Multi-Draw Option:
Players have the option to purchase additional drawing for future dates. This is especially handy if you tend to be forgetful or you selected what you believe to be perfect Powerball numbers. When purchasing your ticket, chose the number of Multi-Draw or Advance Play drawings you wish to do. Some states or jurisdictions limit the amount of advance drawing you can buy.
How do I increase my prize?
Powerball players have options to increase their non-jackpot prizes by opting for a Power Play when purchasing a ticket. For an additional $1 per play, players have the option to multiply their winnings up to 10 times. The multiplier number is randomly chosen before each drawing.
"The 10X multiplier is only in play when the advertised jackpot annuity is $150 million or less," the Powerball website reads. "The Match 5 prize with Power Play is always $2 million."
How do I win the Powerball?
There are nine ways to win a prize playing Powerball. If you match only the red ball on a regular $2 ticket, you win $4. From there, the prizes stagger based on the combination of white or red balls you match, with prizes ranging from $4 to the grand prize.
For each of the three Powerball drawings each week, if no one matches the five white balls and the Powerball, the jackpot rolls over and continues to grow.
The last time the Powerball jackpot was won was August 3, when a Pennsylvania player won $202 million.
If someone wins the Halloween Powerball jackpot it will be the second-largest jackpot in the 30-year history of the game and the fifth-largest jackpot in U.S. history. Tonight's $1 billion jackpot has a cash option of $497.3 million or players have the option to receive the full amount through the annuity.
"Jackpot winners may choose to receive their prize as an annuity, paid in 30 graduated payments over 29 years, or a lump sum payment," the Powerball site reads. "Both advertised prize options are prior to federal and jurisdictional taxes. The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million."
Powerball holds a world record for the largest jackpot prize when a $1.586 billion jackpot was shared by winners in California, Florida and Tennessee in 2016.
When is the drawing?
Powerball drawings occur when the Florida Lottery drawing takes place — 10:59 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Take note: the ticket sale cutoff times vary by state or jurisdiction but are typically an hour or two before the scheduled drawing.
Don't forget to plan ahead: If you are lucky enough to win the lottery, to set yourself up for life.
If you find yourself in a position where you are betting more than you can afford to lose, remember there are resources and help available.
The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-522-4700). The network is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem. The network consists of 28 call centers that provide resources and referrals for all 50 states, Canada and the US Virgin Islands. Help is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network also includes text and chat services. These features enable those who are gambling online or on their mobile phone to access help the same way they play. One call, text, or chat will get you to problem gambling help anywhere in the U.S. 24/7/365.
Help is also available via an online peer support forum at www.gamtalk.org.
