Understanding Powerball and Drawing Times
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Known for its massive jackpots, players select five numbers from 69 white balls and one number from 26 red Powerballs. To win the jackpot, all six numbers must match the drawn numbers.
Powerball drawings occur three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM Eastern Time. The drawings are held at the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee.
State-by-State Purchase Deadlines
Most states stop selling tickets approximately 59 minutes before the drawing, though specific times vary by time zone and state regulations:
Eastern Time Zone
- New York: 10:00 PM ET
- Florida: 10:00 PM ET
- Pennsylvania: 9:59 PM ET
Central Time Zone
- Illinois: 9:00 PM CT
- Texas: 9:00 PM CT
- Missouri: 8:59 PM CT
Mountain Time Zone
- Colorado: 7:30 PM MT
- New Mexico: 8:00 PM MT
Pacific Time Zone
- California: 7:00 PM PT
- Oregon: 7:00 PM PT
How to Purchase Tickets
Powerball tickets can be purchased through:
- Authorized lottery retailers (convenience stores, gas stations, supermarkets)
- Official state lottery websites (where available)
- Approved lottery apps
Important: Third-party lottery websites may not be legal in your jurisdiction. Always purchase through authorized retailers or official state lottery platforms.
For official information, visit the official Powerball website or your state's lottery website.
Payment Methods
Most retailers accept:
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Lottery gift cards
Note: Credit cards are prohibited in many states for lottery purchases
Tips for Buying Powerball Tickets
- Don't wait until the last minute
- Keep your ticket in a safe place
- Sign the back immediately after purchase
- Take a photo of your ticket for backup
- Check your state's specific rules and regulations
Special Considerations
Holiday Schedules
Purchase deadlines may vary during holidays. Always check your local lottery retailer for modified schedules during:
- New Year's Day
- Christmas
- Thanksgiving
- Other major holidays
Multi-Draw Tickets
Consider multi-draw tickets that cover multiple drawings if you're planning to be away. Benefits include:
- Convenience
- No missed drawings
- Often available up to 26 drawings in advance
Responsible Gaming
Remember to:
- Set a budget
- Only spend what you can afford to lose
- Know your state's gambling addiction resources
- Contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline if needed
For more information on responsible gaming, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Always verify specific times with your local lottery retailer, as rules and deadlines can change without notice. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!