Powerball Lottery FAQs

  1. Home
  2. Faqs

You don't want to wade through pages of detail? Our Powerball FAQs covers everything you need to know in bite-sized chunks – 35 questions and answers, to be precise. From questions about playing online to questions about the prize divisions, our FAQs cover almost all bases. And if they don't, feel free to contact us anytime and we'll answer.

Can I play Powerball from Canada?

Yes. There are no restrictions that prohibit non-US citizens or residents from playing the Powerball lottery.

How can I play Powerball online?

All you have to do is pick your numbers, the same as you would do if you physically had the ticket in front of you, and then purchase the ticket.

Do I have to share the jackpot with anyone else?

You only have to share the prize money if there are more winners.

When does the Powerball draw take place?

Powerball is played every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

At what time does the Powerball draw take place?

The Powerball draw takes place at 22:59 EST on Monday, Wednesday and on Saturday.

In Canada the draw times are:

When do ticket sales stop?

The official cut-off time for ticket sales is described as 'at least 59 minutes before the draw takes place'. This is the same when you play online.

How do I play Powerball?

Choose five main draw numbers from 1 to 69, and one Powerball from 1 to 26. Tickets cost US $2, with US $1 extra for the Power Play option (see below for more details).

What are the prize divisions for Powerball?

Prizes range from the jackpot for matching all five main numbers and the Powerball, to a payout for matching only the Powerball. There are also prizes for matching 3, 4 or 5 main numbers without the Powerball.

Matched Numbers Prize Odds
5 + Powerball Jackpot 1 in 292,201,338
5 US $1,000,000 1 in 11,688,054
4 + Powerball US $50,000 1 in 913,129
4 US $100 1 in 36,525
3 + Powerball US $100 1 in 14,494
3 US $7 1 in 580
2 + Powerball US $7 1 in 701
1 + Powerball US $4 1 in 92
0 + Powerball US $4 1 in 38

What is Power Play?

For an extra US $1 per ticket you can add Power Play. This is one extra number selected by a random number generator from a pool of 42 and marked with a multiplier from 2x to 5x (a 43rd number marked 10x is added if the main draw jackpot is less than US $150 million). Power Play doubles the US $1 million prize to US $2 million, and increases all other non-jackpot wins according to the number on the multiplier.

Jackpot is over US $150m - Without 10x multiplier (42 multipliers in pool)
Power Play Multiplier 2x 3x 4x 5x
Odds 1 in 1.75 1 in 3.23 1 in 14 1 in 21
5-ball prize: US $2 million. All other prizes multiplied by the number on the selected multiplier.
Jackpot is under US $150m - With 10x multiplier (43 multipliers in pool)
Power Play Multiplier 2x 3x 4x 5x 10x
Odds 1 in 1.79 1 in 3.31 1 in 14.33 1 in 21.5 1 in 43
5-ball prize: US $2 million. All other prizes multiplied by the number on the selected multiplier.

How do I claim my prize?

Most prizes can be claimed automatically online, without the need to visit the US in person.

What is the maximum jackpot?

There is no jackpot limit for the Powerball game. It keeps growing until it's won.

What is the starting jackpot?

The starting jackpot has been removed. The value is now set based on ticket sales and interest rates.

How old do I have to be to legally play Powerball?

To play Powerball online you need to be at least 18 years old. In most provinces the minimum age limit is also 18 years old. However, we strongly advise that you respect the rules of the province in which you reside.

What are the odds of winning the jackpot?

There is a 1 in 292,201,338 chance for you to win the Powerball jackpot.

What are the general odds of winning any prize in the Powerball game?

Your overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.87.

Where is Powerball played?

Powerball is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What was the biggest jackpot ever won?

The largest Powerball until now was won on and was worth US $2.04 billion.

Are Powerball prizes taxable?

No, there is no tax on lottery wins in Canada.

What is the prize claim period?

A major benefit of playing Powerball online is that your winnings are paid directly into your account, with the exception of multimillion-dollar wins, which in some cases may need to be collected in person.

What happens to unclaimed prizes?

Usually the money is used to fund educational programs or future prize pools. This type of info is available on the website of each state lottery operator.

Does this website sell Powerball tickets?

No, we don’t sell or resell any Powerball tickets whatsoever. We simply provide advice and access to online lottery services.

Do the rules of the game change when I play online?

No. The rules stay the same regardless of whether you purchase tickets online or from traditional outlets.

Do I have to pay a commission to this website if I win?

Absolutely not. Powerball.ca doesn’t ask you for any commissions regardless of whether you win or not.

Can I buy tickets for multiple draws?

Most online messenger services allow you to buy tickets for future draws. This is especially true when you subscribe to a service.

What is a syndicate and how does it work?

A syndicate is a group of people buying a large amount of lines. You pay a small fee which buys you a share in a syndicate. In turn, the syndicate buys multiple lines, usually 50-100, in a given draw.

What are the benefits of playing in a syndicate?

The benefits are simple: You get to play more lines, which improves your chance of winning. The downside is you’ll have to share your winnings with other people.

How can I join in a syndicate?

Most online lottery services operate syndicates. Register as normal and select the syndicate option.

Will players have two separate sets of numbers?

No. Players will play the same set of numbers in the Powerball draw and Double Play one.

Will Powerball tickets with the Double Play add-on feature be eligible to win prizes in both the Powerball and Double Play draws?

Yes. Powerball tickets that include the Double Play add-on feature will be eligible to win prizes in both the Powerball and Double Play draw.

Will the Power Play add-on feature apply to prizes won in the Double Play draw?

No, Power Play is not affected by any of the changes. The Power Play add-on feature will only apply to non-jackpot prizes won in the Powerball draw.

What is the difference between Power Play and Double Play?

Power Play multiplies non-jackpot prizes. By adding Power Play for $1 per ticket, a multiplier of 2X, 3X, 4X or 5X (or 10X when the jackpot is $150 million or less) is randomly selected on your ticket.

Double Play is an additional draw following the Powerball draw. Players will have an additional chance to match their numbers to the Double Play numbers for a chance to win a top cash prize of $10,000,000 or other prizes.

Can a Powerball ticket include both the Power Play add-on feature and Double Play add-on feature?

Yes, a Powerball ticket can include both add-on features for a total price of $4 per play. Players may also elect to purchase one or none of the add-on features:

Powerball - $2

Powerball + Power Play - $3

Powerball + Double Play - $3

Powerball + Power Play + Double Play - $4

What are the overall odds to win a prize in the Double Play draw?

The Double Play draw has the same odds as the Powerball one—1 in 24.87—since the two pools of numbers from which the winning numbers are drawn are the same (5/69 + 1/26).

We use cookies to personalize content and ads, and to analyze our traffic. By using our site, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.