How to Buy Powerball Tickets: Simple Guide for First-Time Players

The Powerball jackpot is now at $750 million. The next drawing is Monday, August 25, 2025. If you’re new to the lottery, here’s what to know.

You can walk into most gas stations or convenience stores to buy a ticket. But if you’ve never played before, it helps to know what to say and how to choose your numbers.

How to Buy a Powerball Ticket In Person or Online

Buying a Powerball ticket is simple. Tell the cashier, “I want a Powerball Quick Pick.” The computer will choose numbers for you. Or, you can say, “I’ll pick my own numbers.”

You’ll choose five numbers between 1 and 69. Then pick one Powerball number between 1 and 26. You can fill out a slip on your own before you reach the counter.

You can also add the “Power Play” option for $1 extra. This multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times.

There’s another option called “Double Play.” This adds a second chance to win with the same numbers. It costs another $1.

A regular Powerball ticket costs $2. If you choose both Power Play and Double Play, the total is $4.

Where and When to Buy Powerball Tickets

Powerball tickets are sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and many grocery stores. Some airports also offer lottery sales.

Ticket sales usually stop 1–2 hours before the drawing. Powerball drawings happen at 10:59 p.m. ET on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

If you’re in one of the supported states, you can also buy tickets online using the Jackpocket app. The app is available in places like New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and several others.

This lets you choose numbers, see your ticket, and collect winnings from your phone.

According to USA TODAY, the last Powerball winner was on May 31, 2025. That winner took home over $200 million. Now the prize is even bigger.

What Happens After You Buy Your Ticket?

Once you buy a ticket, keep it safe. You can check your numbers live during the drawing or later online.

Visit the official Powerball website to match your ticket. Only winning numbers are shown.

Drawings are streamed live from the Florida Lottery studio. You can also watch them on YouTube or local TV stations.

If you win, follow your state’s rules for claiming the prize. In some states, you can remain anonymous.

Now is a great time to learn how to buy Powerball tickets. The jackpot is big. The steps are simple. And you never know—your lucky numbers could change your life.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How do you buy a Powerball ticket?

Go to a store that sells lottery tickets. Ask for a “Quick Pick” or pick your own numbers. Pay $2 per ticket.

Q2: What is Power Play?

Power Play is an extra $1 feature. It multiplies your non-jackpot winnings by up to 10 times.

Q3: When is the Powerball drawing?

Drawings happen at 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights.

Q4: Can I buy Powerball tickets online?

Yes, if you’re in a state that supports digital sales. Use the Jackpocket app to buy and manage tickets.

Q5: How much can one Powerball ticket cost?

Basic ticket costs $2. Adding Power Play and Double Play makes it $4 in total.