Understanding Powerball
Powerball is one of America's most popular lottery games, available 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, though specific times vary by state.
For more detailed information on how to play Powerball, visit the official Powerball website.
State-Specific Deadlines
Eastern Time Zone
- Connecticut: 9:50 PM
- Florida: 10:00 PM
- Georgia: 10:00 PM
- Maine: 9:50 PM
- Maryland: 9:55 PM
- New York: 9:45 PM
- Pennsylvania: 9:59 PM
- Virginia: 10:00 PM
Central Time Zone
- Illinois: 9:00 PM
- Iowa: 8:59 PM
- Kentucky: 9:55 PM
- Minnesota: 8:59 PM
- Missouri: 8:59 PM
- Texas: 9:00 PM
- Wisconsin: 9:00 PM
Mountain Time Zone
- Colorado: 7:30 PM
- Montana: 7:30 PM
- New Mexico: 8:00 PM
- Wyoming: 7:59 PM
- Arizona: 6:59 PM (Note: Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time)
Pacific Time Zone
- California: 7:00 PM
- Oregon: 7:00 PM
- Washington: 6:45 PM
Other Regions
- Puerto Rico: 10:00 PM (Atlantic Time)
- U.S. Virgin Islands: 10:00 PM (Atlantic Time)
Important Considerations
Sales Cutoff vs. Drawing Time
There's typically a buffer between when ticket sales stop and the actual drawing to allow for:
- Processing all transactions
- Verifying ticket data
- Securing all entries in the system
Online Purchase Options
Many states now offer online lottery ticket purchases through official state lottery websites or approved apps. Visit your state's lottery website (e.g., California Lottery or NY Lottery) for specific information about digital purchasing options.
Tips for Purchasing Tickets
Best Practices
- Buy tickets well before the deadline to avoid technical issues
- Keep tickets in a safe place
- Take a photo of your ticket for backup
- Sign the back of your ticket immediately after purchase
Where to Buy
- Authorized lottery retailers
- Gas stations
- Convenience stores
- Grocery stores
- State lottery offices
Note: Purchase deadlines may vary during holidays or special events. Always check your local lottery retailer or state lottery website for the most current information.
Verification Methods
After the drawing, check your numbers through:
- Official lottery websites
- State lottery apps
- Local news stations
- Lottery retailers
For more information on state-specific lottery rules and regulations, visit the Multi-State Lottery Association website or download the Powerball mobile app to stay up-to-date on the latest news and deadlines.
Remember: Deadlines are subject to change, and individual retailers may stop selling tickets earlier than the official state deadline. Always verify current cut-off times with your local retailer or state lottery website.