The Powerball lottery game has quickly become one of the nation’s favorite multi-state lotteries since its introduction in 1992. Offering jackpot prizes up to $150 million, players choose five white ball numbers between one and 69 as well as one red Powerball number between one and 26 for this popular multi-state lotto game. Players may add the Power Play option which multiplies non-jackpot winnings 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 times for a fee of $1 per play.
The game is run by a consortium of 46 lottery operators. A portion of proceeds from every base ticket purchased ($1 per play) are contributed to a prize pool that funds the jackpot; if not won in one drawing, it rolls over into another drawing. Furthermore, this prize pool funds lower-tier prizes awarded when matching smaller number combinations.
To win the jackpot, a player must match all five white ball numbers and the red Powerball. The odds of doing so are one out of 69; in jurisdictions that do not participate in Multi-State Lottery Association, winning tickets may receive their jackpot prize as a lump sum payment; otherwise it will be distributed as an annuity payment plan.
Additionally to the main white ball numbers and Powerball, a second prize division includes an array of multiplier numbers known as Power Play multipliers that will be randomly drawn from a separate barrel after white balls and Powerball have been selected. Each multiplier ball bears an indication of how often its secondary prize will be multiplied; depending on the size of jackpot and previous secondary prizes won, different numbers of Power Play multipliers may appear with every drawing.
Players purchasing Powerball tickets have the option to add on an additional $1 per play for an added $1 Power Play feature, and winnings from both selections combine to determine an overall prize pool.
Prize amounts listed represent estimates of what would be made available to winners if they chose the annuity option, based on factors including estimated jackpot value, total sales volume of Powerball tickets sold so far and expected sales for the upcoming drawing; as well as market interest rates on securities used to fund an annuity plan. If actual sales exceed expectations, actual jackpot value may exceed estimated payout amounts and create more income than expected payout.
Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday night at 10:59pm Eastern Standard Time (EST). A ticket costs $2 and to purchase Power Play options you must mark this box on their ticket; by paying an additional $1 per play your non-jackpot winnings can increase considerably; sometimes your Power Play winnings can even be divided among several people!
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