Understanding Powerball Lottery
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM Eastern Time, with ticket sales cutting off at least 59 minutes before the drawing.
For more detailed information on how to play Powerball, visit the official Powerball website.
State-by-State Ticket Purchase Deadlines
Eastern Time Zone
- New York: 9:45 PM ET
- Florida: 10:00 PM ET
- Georgia: 10:00 PM ET
- Pennsylvania: 9:59 PM ET
- Michigan: 9:45 PM ET
- Connecticut: 9:50 PM ET
- Virginia: 10:00 PM ET
Central Time Zone
- Texas: 9:00 PM CT
- Illinois: 9:00 PM CT
- Missouri: 8:59 PM CT
- Wisconsin: 8:59 PM CT
- Minnesota: 8:59 PM CT
- Arkansas: 8:00 PM CT
- Iowa: 8:59 PM CT
Mountain Time Zone
- Colorado: 7:30 PM MT
- Arizona: 7:00 PM MST
- New Mexico: 8:00 PM MT
- Montana: 7:30 PM MT
- Idaho: 7:55 PM MT
- Wyoming: 7:00 PM MT
Pacific Time Zone
- California: 7:00 PM PT
- Washington: 7:00 PM PT
- Oregon: 7:00 PM PT
Other Regions
- District of Columbia: 9:45 PM ET
- Puerto Rico: 10:00 PM Atlantic Time
- U.S. Virgin Islands: 10:00 PM Atlantic Time
Online Purchase Options
Some states allow online ticket purchases through official lottery websites or approved apps:
Tips for Purchasing Tickets
- Check Local Regulations: Always verify the cut-off time with your local lottery retailer
- Purchase Early: Avoid last-minute rushes
- Keep Tickets Safe: Store in a secure location
- Sign Immediately: Sign the back of your ticket after purchase
- Document Purchase: Take a photo of your ticket for backup
Always check with your local lottery retailer for the most up-to-date cut-off times, as they may change during holidays or special events.
Factors Affecting Purchase Times
- Heavy sales volume near drawing times
- Technical issues with lottery terminals
- Weather-related delays
- Holiday schedules
Safety and Responsible Gaming
Remember to play responsibly and within your means. For gambling addiction help, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Note: Players must be 18 or older in most states, and 21 or older in others. Tickets cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.