History and Overview

Powerball Power Play is an optional add-on feature to the main Powerball game, offering players the chance to increase their non-jackpot winnings. It was introduced on March 7, 2001, and is available in all jurisdictions where Powerball is played. The Power Play feature enhances the excitement by multiplying certain prize amounts, except for the jackpot.

How to Play

Playing Powerball with Power Play is straightforward and follows the same format as the main Powerball game. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Your Numbers:

   • Players select five main numbers from a pool of 1 to 69.
   • Additionally, players select one Powerball number from a pool of 1 to 26.

2. Purchase a Ticket:

   • Tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers in participating states.
   • Each standard entry costs $2.00 per play.

3. Power Play Option:

   • For an additional $1.00 per play, players can add the Power Play feature.
   • The Power Play number (multiplier) is drawn separately from a pool of 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x.
   • The multiplier applies to all non-jackpot prizes, increasing the prize amount by the drawn multiplier.

4. Quick Pick Option:

   • Players can choose their own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the numbers are randomly generated by the lottery terminal.

5. Multi-Draw Option:

   • Players can opt to play the same numbers for multiple draws in advance.

Draw Time

• Draw Days: The Powerball draws take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
• Draw Time: Draws are held at 10:59 PM ET (Eastern Time).

Prize Structure

The Powerball Power Play game features nine prize tiers, with jackpots starting at $40 million and rolling over until there is a winner. Here’s a breakdown of the prize structure:

1. Jackpot:

   • Match 5 numbers + Powerball: Jackpot prize, starting at $40 million and increasing with rollovers.

2. Other Prizes:

   • Match 5 numbers: $1,000,000 (with Power Play, could be multiplied up to $2,000,000)
   • Match 4 numbers + Powerball: $50,000 (with Power Play, could be multiplied up to $250,000)
   • Match 4 numbers: $100 (with Power Play, could be multiplied up to $500)
   • Match 3 numbers + Powerball: $100 (with Power Play, could be multiplied up to $500)
   • Match 3 numbers: $7 (with Power Play, could be multiplied up to $35)
   • Match 2 numbers + Powerball: $7 (with Power Play, could be multiplied up to $35)
   • Match 1 number + Powerball: $4 (with Power Play, could be multiplied up to $20)
   • Match Powerball only: $4 (with Power Play, could be multiplied up to $20)

Odds of Winning

The odds of winning in the Powerball Power Play game vary by prize tier:

• Jackpot (Match 5 numbers + Powerball): 1 in 292,201,338
• Second Prize (Match 5 numbers): 1 in 11,688,053
• Third Prize (Match 4 numbers + Powerball): 1 in 913,129
• Fourth Prize (Match 4 numbers): 1 in 36,525
• Fifth Prize (Match 3 numbers + Powerball): 1 in 14,494
• Sixth Prize (Match 3 numbers): 1 in 580
• Seventh Prize (Match 2 numbers + Powerball): 1 in 701
• Eighth Prize (Match 1 number + Powerball): 1 in 92
• Ninth Prize (Match Powerball only): 1 in 38

Claiming Prizes

• Small Prizes: Can be claimed at any authorized retailer.
• Larger Prizes: Must be claimed at a lottery office in the state where the ticket was purchased.
• Jackpot Prizes: Require special arrangements for claiming, and winners may need to provide identification and proof of ticket purchase. Winners may choose between annuity payments or a lump-sum cash option.

Important Points

• Players must be 18 years or older to participate.
• Tickets must be purchased before the cut-off time on draw days, typically at 10:00 PM ET.
• Winnings are subject to federal and state tax regulations, and winners should consult with a tax advisor if they win significant amounts.

Powerball Power Play offers an exciting way to potentially multiply your non-jackpot winnings. With the chance to increase prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x with the Power Play feature, it adds extra excitement and value for lottery players while contributing to good causes supported by the state lotteries across participating jurisdictions.