Can You Buy Powerball Tickets Online? What to Know Before the $1.8B Drawing

The Powerball jackpot has soared to $1.8 billion. That makes it the second-largest prize in U.S. history. Many players now want to know: can you buy Powerball tickets online? The answer depends on where you live.

Some states allow online sales. Others require you to visit a store. Courier services are also changing the game. Here is what you need to know before the next big drawing.

Where Online Powerball Tickets Are Allowed

Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. But online buying is much more limited.

According to lottery officials, only 12 states and the District of Columbia currently let players buy Powerball tickets online. These include: Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Players can use official lottery websites or mobile apps in these states. Purchases are direct and secure. But outside these areas, you cannot buy tickets through state systems.

How Courier Services Work

New services have made online access easier. Companies like Jackpocket and Lotto.com act as couriers. They buy tickets for players from licensed retailers. Then they upload a digital copy into the app. The physical ticket is stored securely.

Jackpocket operates in states such as Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and more. Lotto.com covers states like Ohio, Massachusetts, and Nebraska. But both have limited coverage. Availability depends on your location.

Reuters and AP have reported that these apps are growing quickly. Still, they only work in approved states. Players should check rules before buying.

What Players Should Remember

Powerball tickets cost $2 each. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. The cash value for Saturday’s drawing is $826.4 million. Drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET.

Cutoff times to buy vary by state. Most stop sales one to two hours before the drawing. If you plan to buy online, do not wait until the last minute. Systems may close early.

Yes, you can buy Powerball tickets online in some states. But rules change depending on where you live. Check your local lottery or a licensed courier app before playing.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Can I buy Powerball tickets online everywhere?

No. Only 12 states and Washington, D.C. allow direct online sales. Other states require in-person purchases.

Q2: Which states sell Powerball tickets online?

Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Q3: What apps let you buy Powerball tickets online?

Jackpocket and Lotto.com are the biggest courier apps. They buy tickets on your behalf in select states.

Q4: What time is the next Powerball drawing?

Drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

Q5: How much is the jackpot now?

The current Powerball jackpot is $1.8 billion with a cash option of $826.4 million.