The US Powerball lottery holds the world record for the “biggest lottery jackpot” ever awarded, in the world, with it’s record jackpot of USD2.04 Billion!
This North-American lottery often offers hundreds of millions of dollars in prizes. Moreover, because the jackpot has no cap, this means it can grow indefinitely! This also means that the future may hold an even larger record jackpot… Find out more about the US Powerball right here!
How to play US Powerball? | Power Play | How to play online? | Benefits of playing online | How to win? | Prizes & Odds | Top jackpots | Taxes | Results | US Powerball FAQ
How to play US Powerball?
To play US Powerball, you need to:
| > Select 5 main numbers, from 1 to 69 | > Select 1 additional number, also known as the Powerball, from 1 to 26 |
You can choose your numbers manually or let the lottery terminal randomly pick your numbers (when you play online, you can use the Quick Pick option to select random numbers for you).
What is the US Powerball Power Play?
The Power Play is Powerball’s own multiplier that can significantly increase your secondary winnings.
The principle is simple: if you add the Power Play to your US Powerball ticket and win the second prize, you get USD2 Million instead of USD1 Million; if you win one of the other secondary prizes, the amount you receive can increase up to 10 times !
* – Note that the multiplier X10 is only available until the jackpot reaches USD150 Million.
However, this option does not affect your odds of winning a prize. You also don’t have to guess any number for it. Its only function is to determine how many times the secondary prizes of players that selected this amazing American multiplier will increase.
Enabling the “Power Play” option will slightly increase the price of your ticket, but as you can see from our table, a small addition to the cost can result in a huge difference in the prize you scoop.
Find out below how US Powerball prizes can increase with the Power Play option:
| Matching Balls | Prize | X2 | X3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪+🔴 | Jackpot | Jackpot | Jackpot |
| ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪ | USD1 Million | USD2 Million | USD2 Million |
| ⚪⚪⚪⚪+🔴 | USD50,000 | USD100,000 | USD150,000 |
| ⚪⚪⚪⚪ | USD100 | USD200 | USD300 |
| ⚪⚪⚪+🔴 | USD100 | USD200 | USD300 |
| ⚪⚪⚪ | USD7 | USD14 | USD21 |
| ⚪⚪+🔴 | USD7 | USD14 | USD21 |
| ⚪+🔴 | USD4 | USD8 | USD12 |
| 🔴 | USD4 | USD8 | USD12 |
| Matching Balls | X4 | X5 | X10* |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪+🔴 | Jackpot | Jackpot | Jackpot |
| ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪ | USD2 Million | USD2 Million | USD2 Million |
| ⚪⚪⚪⚪+🔴 | USD200,000 | USD250,000 | USD500,000 |
| ⚪⚪⚪⚪ | USD400 | USD500 | USD1,000 |
| ⚪⚪⚪+🔴 | USD400 | USD500 | USD1,000 |
| ⚪⚪⚪ | USD28 | USD35 | USD70 |
| ⚪⚪+🔴 | USD28 | USD35 | USD70 |
| ⚪+🔴 | USD16 | USD20 | USD40 |
| 🔴 | USD16 | USD20 | USD40 |
The Power Play is drawn from a separate drum containing 42 or 43 balls depending on the value of the jackpot.
When the jackpot does not exceed USD150 Million, the Power Play X10 is added to the game. Here are the odds of each being drawn:
| Power Play | Number of Balls | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 24 | 1:1.79 |
| 3 | 13 | 1:3.3 |
| 4 | 3 | 1:14.3 |
| 5 | 2 | 1:21.5 |
| 10 | 1 | 1:43 |
| Total | 43 |
When the big jackpot exceeds USD150 Million, the Power Play X10 is removed from the multiplier drum.
Here are the odds of each Power Play:
| Power Play | Number of Balls | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 24 | 1:2 |
| 3 | 13 | 1:3.2 |
| 4 | 3 | 1:14 |
| 5 | 2 | 1:21 |
| Total | 42 |
To play US Powerball with the Power Play, all you need to do is tick the box with the Power Play option on your ticket.
How to play US Powerball online?
The process of playing US Powerball online is the same as if you would purchase your ticket physically: you need to select 5 main numbers and a Powerball number. If you lack inspiration you can always let the Quick Pick option select some random numbers for you.
On theLotter Australia, players are entering a PowerLuck draw for which each entry will be matched by a Powerball ticket.
Time needed: 7 minutes
Here are the 5 steps to follow to play US Powerball online:
- Select main numbers
Once you have selected the PowerLuck page, you will have to choose 5 main numbers from 1 to 69. You can do so manually or use the Quick Pick option that randomly selects numbers for you. - Select additional number
Once you have selected the main numbers, you will have to choose the additional number known as the Powerball number, from 1 to 26. - Select (or not) the multiplier
Before finalizing your purchase, you can add a multiplier to the ticket. You can also decide to particpate to future draws with a Multi-Draw or a Subscription. - Create your account
Once you hit the “Play” button, you will be asked to sign up. Enter your details so you can create an account on the lottery messenger platform. - Finalize your purchase
You can choose from a variety of payment methods. Choose the most convenient for you and finalize the purchase. Confirm your order and we’ll buy offical entries that correspond to your order, on your behalf.
theLotter Australia customers are not purchasing lottery tickets or participating in lotteries directly. theLotter Australia uses third-party agents to purchase lottery tickets; customers are purchasing for the opportunity to receive monies equivalent to prize winnings
The benefits of playing US Powerball online
- Enter the game from anywhere: A ticket to a US lottery must not leave the US as to be valid. Once you confirm your order on a lottery couriers platform such as theLotter, third-party agents will buy official entries which will correspond to your order, on your behalf. These will be purchased from official retailers and kept in a safe within the US borders. Before the draw takes place, you will receive a digital ticket as proof of purchase.
- Easy process: In just a few steps you can participate to the best world lotteries. You can also check lottery results or receive notifications when jackpots arrive to the amount that interests you.
- Automatic Win Notifications: Once the draws took place, the numbers you entered are automatically checked and when you win, you receive a notification via email or SMS.
How to win US Powerball?
Matching all the right numbers (5 main numbers from 1 to 69 + Powerball number from 1 to 26) will bring you the Jackpot; but this is not the only way to become a millionaire with this lottery. By guessing only 5 main numbers, you guarantee yourself a prize of USD1 Million (that can become USD2 Million if you ticked the Power Play option on your ticket).
US Powerball prizes
Overall, there are 9 ways to scoop a prize at the US Powerball. Except the jackpot, all prizes are set cash amounts. The jackpot starts at USD20 Million and has no maximum cap, this is one of the reasons that make this North-American lottery one of the most popular ones in the world!
If you win the jackpot, you will have 2 options for receiving the prize: – you can receive the prize in a single lump payment, this is known as the Cash option – or you can choose to get it as 30 annual payments over 29 years also known as annuity.
Here is a table with all US Powerball prizes:
| Prize | Matching Balls | Odds of winning | Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Prize | ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪+🔴 | 1:292.201.338 | Jackpot |
| 2nd Prize | ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪ | 1:11,688,053 | USD1 Million |
| 3rd Prize | ⚪⚪⚪⚪+🔴 | 1:913,129 | USD50,000 |
| 4th Prize | ⚪⚪⚪⚪ | 1:36,525 | USD100 |
| 5th Prize | ⚪⚪⚪+🔴 | 1:14,494 | USD100 |
| 6th Prize | ⚪⚪⚪ | 1:579 | USD7 |
| 7th Prize | ⚪⚪+🔴 | 1:701 | USD7 |
| 8th Prize | ⚪+🔴 | 1:92 | USD 4 |
| 9th Prize | ⚪🔴 | 1:38 | USD 4 |
Powerball sometimes seems like an unattainable mirage, but it is much easier than it seems at first glance. You have an odd in 24.87 of winning a prize of the US Powerball. You should know that the smallest prize is only USD4, but you have an odd in 55.41 to scoop it!
To win the jackpot you have a one in 292,201,338 chance, but you have a one in 11,688,054 chance of winning the second prize which can still bring you a nice jackpot if you opted for the Power Play multiplier when purchasing your ticket.
Top US Powerball jackpots
Edwin Castro
California
USD2.04 Billion
November 7, 2022
A single winner from California won a Powerball jackpot worth $2.04 billion on November 7, 2022 after matching all six numbers drawn (10-33-41-47-56/ 10). The drawing was delayed after the Minnesota Lottery requested more time to securely complete the required pre-draw procedures.
This drawing brought the 6th Powerball jackpot winner of 2022 and made quite a few winners. Overall, $98.1 million was awarded to more than 11.2 million tickets on the final draw of this epic jackpot run.
Edwin Castro took his time and only came forward to claim his prize on February 14, 2023. He did not participate to the press conference in which his name was shared with the world, instead he chose to share a statement through the California Lottery spokesperson. He let us know that he is shocked but also ecstatic about his win. He commented on the fact that his win helps California’s Education system and how happy that makes him.
Theodorus Struyck & Co
California
USD1.765 Billion
October 11, 2023
This amazing jackpot reached USD1.765 Billion after a series of rollovers (35 draws without a winner). The final draw took place on October 11th, 2023.
The jackpot was initially estimated at $1.73 Billion but great sales made it jump to this incredible amount.
Five months after the draw took place, a man by the name Theodorus Struyck came forward to claim the prize in the name of a syndicate.
We do not know many details except that he purchased the winning ticket 400 meters to his home in Frazier Park (California).
Marvin & Mae AcostaMaureen Smith & David KaltschmidtLisa & John Robinson
CALIFORNIA + FLORIDA + TENNESSEE
USD1.58 BILLION
January 13, 2016
Lottery fans from all over the world tried to participate in this historical draw on January 13, 2016. Three of these fans turned out to become the biggest winners in lottery history!
* A third of the prize, USD528 Million, went to John and Lisa Robertson of Muntford, Tennessee. They came to collect their prize with their daughter Tiffany and their dog Abby, who slept the whole time.
* The Nickel 95 Trust, created by a 70-year-old woman, Maureen Smith of Florida, also won a third of the jackpot. She chose to receive her prize in a lump payment.
The last of the three winning tickets belonged to the Acosta couple from Southern California. They came to collect their prize after 7 months. As Marvin and Mae explained, they used this time to consult with lawyers and financial advisers before actually making a move.
Still has to come forward
Oregon
USD1.326 Billion
April 6, 2024
On April 6, 2024, a historic event occurred when a lone ticket in Oregon scooped a staggering USD1.326 billion jackpot.
This prize not only secured a spot in the Powerball Hall of Fame for the largest winnings but also set a record as the highest amount ever won in the state of Oregon.
Mike Wells, the Oregon Lottery director, expressed his excitement: “I want to congratulate the winner on this life changing moment. No one in Oregon has ever won a prize on this scale, and it’s very exciting for our staff and players,”.
Yanira Alvarez
CALIFORNIA
USD1.08 BILLION
July 19, 20123
Yanira Alvarez, from California, emerged as the sole player who correctly matched all the winning numbers (7, 10, 11, 13 and 24, with the Powerball 24), joining the exclusive circle of lottery winners who have claimed prizes exceeding $1 billion.
The lucky ticket was bought at Las Palmitas Mini Market, located in the heart of Los Angeles. Surpassing the initial projection of $1 billion, the jackpot swelled due to a surge in ticket purchases just before the deadline.
Mrs Alvarez chose the Cash option of $558.1 Million (before taxes).
Still has to come forward
CALIFORNIA
USD1.08 BILLION
July 19, 20123
On January 1, 2024, a player living in Michigan became a big Powerball winner by winning a large jackpot worth $842.4 Million. If he claims his prizeunder the Cash option, after taxes, the prize will amount to $425.2 million.
Another surprising news is that, since 1992, no Powerball jackpot had ever been won on January 1st! Additionally, the Power Play was x3, so second prize winners, who opted for this option on their entry, tripled the amount of their winnings. The winning combination in this draw: 12-21-42-44-49 and 01 for the Powerball number.
Manuel Franco
Wisconsin
USD768.4 Million
March 27, 2019
It was on March 27, 2019 that a player from Wisconsin by the name of Manuel Franco won USD768.4 Million by playing the numbers 16, 20, 37, 44 and 62 with the Powerball 12.
Manuel Franco said he didn’t want to waste his money. He was confident in the future, and wanted to take advantage of his new fortune to travel. We only know a few things about him as he preferred not to reveal too much.
He was 24 when he scooped this US Powerball jackpot. He had been playing the American lottery since he was 18. Manuel said he didn’t want to make crazy plans but he wanted to help some members of his family to finish their studies. Besides, he wanted to take advantage of this money, but without exaggerating. He also stated that as he won, he wouldn’t buy anymore lottery tickets.
Mavis Wanczyk
Massachusetts
USD758.7 Million
Аugust 23, 2018
August 23, 2017 is a historic date for Mavis Wanczyk, from Massachusetts: she scooped USD758 Million!
Mavis Wanczyk won the largest jackpot in the world until Manuel Franco took over that place of honor. She didn’t share her prize with anyone, being the only holder of a winning US Powerball ticket in this draw!
She was a caregiver for 32 years, before winning. She had since to learn to take care of herself. She started by quitting her hard job. The last we heard, she wanted to take a vacation as to breathe and enjoy her winnings.
Becky Bell
Washington
USD754.6 Million
February 6, 2023
A single ticket from Auburn, Washington scooped the USD754.6 Million Powerball jackpot on February 6, 2023. This was the first Powerball jackpot to be won in 2023.
Becky Bell decided to push her luck by purchasing an extra ticket when she saw that the estimatedPowerball jackpot had reached USD747 Million.
Being a Boeing employee for over 36 years, she knew the last Boeing 747 had just been sold and found it was a funny coincindence. It paid off as she ended up winning USD754.6 Million (or USD309.5 Million after selecting the Cash option & taxes).
The “Power Pack” syndicate
Maryland
USD731.1 Million
January 20, 2021
On January 20, 2021, a new Powerball syndicate entered our top US Powrball jackpots list.
It was the first time in the history of North-American lotteries that the two American giants, Powerball and Mega Millions, both exceeded 700 Million US dollars at the same time!
This jackpot happens to be the largest lottery jackpot ever scooped in Maryland. The lucky members of this syndicate chose to remain anonymous.
They still declared that they wanted to help their community prosper and take care of their families.
US Powerball taxes
Like other American lotteries, US Powerball lottery winnings are taxed. Federal taxes are deducted from the amount owed to the players before the prize is paid out.
The US Powerball tax percentage depends on 2 main factors: 🔵 the amount won 🔵 the US state in which the US Powerball ticket was purchased.
Indeed, the federal tax depends on the amount you win. If you win under USD600, you don’t have to pay any federal tax. Otherwise, you will have to pay between 24 and 30 % of federal tax, depending on wether you live in the States or not. See below:
You will also have to pay statal taxes. These vary in function of the State in which the US Powerball ticket was purchased (up to 10.9%). If you do not reside in the United States, you may have to add a local tax depending on the laws on lottery winnings, where you live.
We strongly encourage players to check with a financial advisor all about the tax laws in their country of residence before claiming a large prize.
US Powerball results
Want to know if your numbers are lucky?! You can do it right here! The results of the last 10 US Powerball draws are published here and you can find the latest results shortly after the draws take place. Matching 5 main numbers and the Powerball number will bring you the jackpot, but matching only 5 main numbers will still make you a millionaire thanks to the US Powerball’s second prize
When checking your tickets, you should make sure that the date of the draw on your ticket matches the date of the draw you are checking. Your ticket is only entered in one specific draw and is not valid for other draws.
10 latest US Powerball results
US Powerball FAQ
Yes you can! You can play online just the same as if you would purchase your US Powerball ticket physically: you will have to select 5 main numbers and a Powerball number. If these numbers match, you scoop the jackpot. Make sure to choose a safe and secure platform of lottery couriers such as theLotter to do so. Good luck!
US Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 PM, ET. Shortly after they took place, you can find the results right here.
The condition for winning the US Powerball jackpot is that all 6 numbers on your ticket (5 main numbers + Powerball number) match the numbers of the balls drawn in the draw to which you participate. If only the main numbers match (without the Powerball), you will win the second prize, worth USD1 Million (that could turn to USD2 Million if you selected the Power Play option when buying your US Powerball tickets).
The Power Play is an optional multiplier that you can add to your ticket for a small fee. With this option, if you are lucky enough to win the second prize, it will turn to USD2 Million instead of USD1 Million. The Powerball Power Play also increases the size of all other secondary prizes up to 5 times (if the jackpot exceeds USD150 Million) or up to 10 times (if the jackpot doesn’t exceed USD150 Million).
In November 7, 2022, the US Powerball lottery offered a USD2.04 Billion jackpot. This is the largest lottery jackpot in history! However, since the first prize of this amazing US lottery has no upper limit, it is possible that this record will, one day, be broken.
Lotteries Worlwide
Eventhough no lottery worldwide has achieved the jackpots of the US Powerball, there are a few games that you shouldn’t miss out on. Europe’s biggest lotto is the EuroMillions. It offers much better odds and record jackpots that exceeded USD200 Million! Another pan-European lottery is the EuroJackpot with even better odds! For the impatient ones, there are daily lotteries available with draws every day like the Italy MillionDAY for instance, or almost every day like the Spain BonoLoto (with a draw every day of the week, except on Sundays).