POWERBALL© is a multi-state Lottery draw game in the United States, known for its large jackpots and multiple ways to potentially win a prize. The game starts with a $20 million jackpot, but what’s really interesting is that every one of the POWERBALL drawings has nine different prize tiers. These prize levels give you several opportunities to match numbers, and potentially walk away with something, even if you don’t hit the big one.
Let’s break down each prize tier, explain how it works, and highlight what you should know before you play.
Understanding the basics
When you play POWERBALL©, you pick five numbers from one to 69, plus one POWERBALL© number from one to 26. If your combination matches the winning draw, you win at different prize levels. Drawings happen every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evening, so there are three chances each week to take part.
You can also choose the Power Play option when you buy your ticket. Power Play multiplies non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five, or even ten times, depending on the draw.
The nine prize tiers in POWERBALL©
The nine prize levels are determined by how many of your chosen numbers match the winning numbers. Here’s how each tier works:
1. Match five numbers plus the POWERBALL© – Jackpot
This is the top prize tier. To win the jackpot, you’ll need to match all five white ball numbers and the red POWERBALL© number. The jackpot starts at $20 million and grows with each rollover until someone wins it.
2. Match five numbers – $1 million
Matching all five white ball numbers without the POWERBALL© gets you a fixed prize of $1 million. With the Power Play option, this prize jumps to $2 million.
3. Match four numbers plus the POWERBALL© – $50,000
If you match four white ball numbers and the POWERBALL©, you’ll win $50,000. With Power Play, this prize has the potential to multiply up to $500,000, depending on the multiplier drawn.
4. Match four numbers – $100
Matching four white ball numbers without the POWERBALL© gets you $100. With Power Play, the prize can go up to $1,000.
5. Match three numbers plus the POWERBALL© – $100
Landing three white ball numbers and the POWERBALL© also wins you $100. Power Play has the potential to multiply this prize up to $1,000.
6. Match three numbers – $7
If you match three white ball numbers, you’ll win $7. With Power Play, this prize goes up to $70.
7. Match two numbers plus the POWERBALL© – $7
Matching two white ball numbers and the POWERBALL© gives you a $7 prize. Power Play increases this to $70.
8. Match one number plus the POWERBALL© – $4
If you match one white ball number and the POWERBALL©, you’ll receive $4. With Power Play, this prize increases to $40.
9. Match only the POWERBALL© – $4
Even if you only match the POWERBALL© number, you’ll still win $4. With Power Play, the prize rises to $40.
What you should know
POWERBALL© offers multiple prize levels, but remember that the Lottery is always a game of chance. While nine prize tiers mean you have several ways to land a prize, no outcome is ever guaranteed.
If you decide to play, you can do so either in person at a licensed retailer or through your state’s official Lottery website or app. Choosing the Power Play option increases non-jackpot prizes, but the jackpot itself is never multiplied.
POWERBALL© remains one of the most popular draw games in the country because it combines big jackpots with multiple prize opportunities. With nine prize tiers, you have different ways to potentially land a winning combination, from $4 all the way up to the jackpot.
Before you play, make sure you’re of legal age and always use official Lottery providers. Play responsibly and within your means.
