Powerball

Powerball - It's America's Game

A multi-state lottery in the United States whose major competitor is currently The Big Game's Mega Millions. Has featured several jackpots in excess of $100 million, although those were split between multiple winners. A typical jackpot usually ranges between $30 million and $40 million.

States/Territories where you can play Powerball

Note that you do not need to be a resident of these states to play, but you must buy tickets in these states. Border towns often experience runs on tickets shortly after the announcement of a big jackpot.

1. Arizona
2. Colorado
3. Connecticut
4. Washington, D.C.
5. Delaware
6. Indiana
7. Idaho
8. Iowa
9. Kansas
10. Kentucky
11. Louisiana
12. Minnesota
13. Missouri
14. Montana
15. Nebraska
16. New Hampshire
17. New Mexico
18. Oregon
19. Pennsylvania
20. Rhode Island
21. South Carolina
22. South Dakota
23. U.S. Virgin Islands
24. Vermont
25. West Virginia
26. Wisconsin

How to play

Choose five numbers from a field of 53, and one number (the Powerball) from a field of 42. You can also have the computer choose pseudo-random numbers for you. Each play costs $1.00. To win, match one of the following combinations. Note that "Any n numbers" does NOT include the number you chose as the Powerball.

1. All 5 numbers and the Powerball: Jackpot (120,526,770 to 1)
2. All 5 numbers but not the Powerball: $100,000 (2,939,677.32 to 1)
3. Any 4 numbers and the Powerball: $5,000 (502,194.88 to 1)
4. Any 4 numbers but not the Powerball: $100 (12,248.66 to 1)
5. Any 3 numbers and the Powerball: $100 (10,685.00 to 1)
6. Any 3 numbers but not the Powerball: $7 (260.61 to 1)
7. Any 2 numbers and the Powerball: $7 (696.85 to 1)
8. Any number and the Powerball: $4 (123.88 to 1)
9. Just the Powerball: $3 (70.39 to 1)

An interesting statistical sidenote: notice that although you pick the Powerball from a field of 42, your odds of winning ninth place are about 70 to 1. That's because you have to discount all of the situations where you would win more than $3 because of additional numbers matched. Only one prize can be won per ticket.

Good luck!

Editors Note - May 15, 2013

In addition, the following States also offer you the chance to become a millioniare via Powerball.

Residents of Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands are also eligible to play.

A powerball is a special pinball that is made out of a ceramic material as opposed to steel. Several classic pinball machines (such as Kiss), use a powerball for a bonus round.

You might wonder why it would matter what a pinball is made out of? That is simple. Pinball machines are usually loaded with magnets that effect the movement of the normal steel ball (which is why it always seems like the ball heads straight for the gap between your flippers). A ceramic ball is unaffected by the magnets, and allows for a much higher scoring game. Some people even replace all the balls in their machines with powerballs (it makes pinball a lot less frustrating that way).

Replacement powerballs are very expensive, and can easily cost upwards of $100 (USD) per ball (yes thats right, $100 for a little ball).