How Late Can You Buy Powerball Tickets in Texas Before the Drawing?

Texans chasing Saturday’s record $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot must move fast. Ticket sales in Texas close at 9 p.m. Central Time. The drawing happens later at 10:12 p.m. CT, but sales end almost an hour before.

The Texas Lottery warns that even a single minute can make the difference. A ticket bought at 9:05 p.m. will not count for that night’s game. Instead, it rolls into the next draw. That rule catches many last-minute players by surprise.

Powerball Cutoff Times and Rules Explained

Powerball drawings take place three nights a week — Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The official time is 10:12 p.m. CT, broadcast live from Tallahassee, Florida. In Texas, however, players must purchase tickets before 9 p.m. CT.

Other states set different deadlines. California cuts off at 7 p.m. PT. Florida stops at 10 p.m. ET. Illinois ends at 9 p.m. CT. Pennsylvania gives buyers until 9:59 p.m. ET. According to the Associated Press, the variation depends on state lottery rules.

The rule exists to process all sales before the official draw. Retailers must lock systems to send ticket data to central computers. That prevents last-minute confusion or delays.

Texas Rules: In-Person Only, No Online Sales

Texas once allowed third-party apps to sell tickets. That changed in June 2025. Lawmakers banned all online lottery sales. Tickets must now be purchased face-to-face from licensed Texas retailers.

The new law followed disputes over courier services. Officials said the ban protects consumers from fraud and errors. Today, every Texas Powerball ticket must come from a gas station, grocery, or local store.

Each play costs $2. Adding the Power Play option costs $1 more. That multiplies non-jackpot wins up to five times. Texans have no way to buy legally on apps or websites.

Why Cutoff Times Matter for a $1.8 Billion Jackpot

The record prize has sparked huge crowds at Texas stores. Many players wait until the last hour. But experts advise buying early. Retailers often see long lines as the 9 p.m. deadline approaches.

If you miss the cutoff, you cannot play until the next draw. That means another three-day wait. For a jackpot of this size, waiting could cost someone the winning ticket.

Across the U.S., billions in sales are expected. Texas is one of the largest Powerball markets. That makes the state cutoff a key detail for millions of hopeful players.

Texans asking “How late can you buy Powerball tickets?” should mark 9 p.m. Central in bold. After that, Saturday’s dream slips away until the next draw.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time is the Powerball drawing in Texas?

The drawing takes place at 10:12 p.m. Central Time. It is the same for every state.

Q2: How late can you buy Powerball tickets in Texas?

Sales stop at 9:00 p.m. Central Time. Any ticket after that counts for the next draw.

Q3: Can you buy Powerball tickets online in Texas?

No. A new law in 2025 banned online sales. Tickets must be bought in person from licensed retailers.

Q4: How much does a Powerball ticket cost in Texas?

Each play costs $2. The Power Play option adds $1 to boost non-jackpot prizes.

Q5: What states do not sell Powerball tickets?

Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, and Utah do not take part in Powerball.