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!


Powerball home page: http://www.powerball.com/

Editors Note - May 15, 2013

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

  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Residents of Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands are also eligible to play.