It may not have the kind of jackpots that the Mega Millions has to offer, but this other major US-based lottery is played in the 44 states at its rival, and still has a more than generous cash prize system. The lotto underwent a major change in how it was run in 2012, with the jackpot now fixed at $40 million.
In the past, the biggest ever jackpot scooped on the Powerball lotto was $590.5 million, which was won in May 2013, by a single player in Florida. Generally speaking, the jackpot prizes are paid out in 30 instalments, with each instalment larger than the last.
Powerball games takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11pm Eastern Standard Time. California and Wyoming are the latest states to join the Powerball lotto, signing up in April and May, 2013, respectively. The only states not to play the Powerball are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada and Utah.
How to play the Powerball
The Powerball is played with a total of 59 numbers, of which 5 are drawn from the machine. Players must therefore pick 5 numbers on their ticket. They will also be required to pick one Powerball number, hence where the lottery gets its name from. There are 35 Powerball numbers in the draw, and only one will be picked.
Prizes
The Powerball is absolutely critical if you wish to win the smallest prizes, or the largest ones. Landing just the Powerball on its own will see you win $4, as will landing 1 number plus the Powerball. If you land 2 numbers plus the Powerball, you can win $7, which is the same cash prize as landing 3 numbers.
If you pocket 3 numbers plus the Powerball, you will win a massive $100 prize, whilst the same is true for matching 4 numbers. Match 4 and the Powerball and you’ll win $10,000, whilst players can scoop $1,000,000 for landing 5 numbers. The top prize of $40,000,000 or more is reserved for players who match all 5 numbers plus the Powerball. In this game, there is a PowerPlay feature, where players could double their cash prizes (but not the jackpot), if you play this side-bet for an additional cost.
Lotto Atlas recommends playing the Powerball on The Lotter
The Powerball is a US lottery game, so if you don’t live in the USA, how are you supposed to play it? Fortunately, Lotto Atlas recommends that you join The Lotter. This lottery ticket purchasing site will permit players from across the globe to play the Powerball, by offering you opportunities to buy tickets with them. This totally legitimate website will charge you slightly more than the normal cost of a ticket (due to a handling fee), but you can easily withdraw your winnings at no cost at all.
And finally…
The US Powerball lotto costs the same as the Mega Millions. Yes, it may have smaller prizes, but you do have better odds of landing prizes in this game. Personally, it’s up to you which you go for. Do you prefer bigger jackpots but less chance of winning, or more chance of winning smaller jackpots? Either way, The Lotter can hook you up with tickets if you play with them.