The simple answer is yes. However, it also depends on what you match in the draw. Remember that Powerball deals with two ball color types, the white balls and the Powerball. Matching either or both can either win you something or leave you waiting for the next draw.
In this article, we will discuss the prize payout for matching one ball in the Powerball and how the Power Play multiplier can increase your prize.
Contents
Understanding Powerball Prize Structure
Powerball, alongside Mega Millions, pays the highest jackpots in the lottery scene. The jackpot starts at $20 million and grows with rollovers from subsequent drawings. However, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338, which is pretty steep.
Your overall odds of winning any prize are actually much better, approximately 1 in 24.9. By understanding the lower-tier payouts, you can better appreciate the value of your ticket, even if you don’t hit the big jackpot.
Check out the table below to view the Powerball payout structure.
| Match | Odds | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 5 WB + PB | 1 in 292,201,338 | Jackpot (Starts at $20 million) |
| 5 WB | 1 in 11,688,054 | $1,000,000 |
| 4 WB + PB | 1 in 913,129 | $50,000 |
| 4 WB | 1 in 36,525 | $100 |
| 3 WB + PB | 1 in 14,494 | $100 |
| 3 WB | 1 in 580 | $7 |
| 2 WB + PB | 1 in 701 | $7 |
| 1 WB+ PB | 1 in 92 | $4 |
| 0 WB+ PB | 1 in 38 | $4 |
There are three possible combinations for picking one number. Let’s talk about them.
Matching the Red Powerball
Matching the red Powerball wins you $4. That is double the cost of your ticket. It is enough to cover your ticket costs and a $2 profit. You might want to use your profit to buy another ticket or for something else.
The odds of matching the red Powerball alone is 1 in 38. This is still the most favorable among the different prize tiers.
Matching One White Ball
Unfortunately, matching only one white ball will not win you anything from the draw. Don’t give up yet. You might be lucky in the next draw.
Matching One White + Red Powerball
Matching one white ball and the red Powerball also wins you $4. It’s the same as matching just the red ball, but with odds of 1 in 92. It is the second most favorable odds among the different prize categories.
How the Power Play Multiplier Changes the Game
The US Powerball offers a special play option called the ‘Power Play’ for an extra $1. Adding it to your ticket can randomly increase any non-jackpot prize by 2, 3, 4, or 5. If the jackpot is less than $150 million, you may also receive a 10x multiplier.
Suppose you match either the white ball or one white or red Powerball. In that case, the multiplier will also multiply your prize.
| Match | Power Play Multiplier | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2x | 3x | 4x | 5x | 10x ( When the jackpot is less than $150 million) | |
| 1 WB + PB | $8 | $12 | $16 | $20 | $40 |
| 1 PB | $8 | $12 | $16 | $20 | $40 |
Can You Guarantee a One-Number Match on Powerball?
Theoretically, yes. Since there are 26 possible Powerball numbers, buying 26 tickets (each with a different red ball number) guarantees you will match the Powerball at least once.
- Cost: 26 tickets × $2 = $52
- Minimum Prize: $4
- Total Loss: $48
Unless you happen to match several white balls on those tickets, you will consistently lose money. You are better off with your lottery strategies or lottery prediction software and hope luck shines on you.
Final Note
Matching one number in the Powerball draw wouldn’t make you quit your job and retire. But it is enough to cover your ticket for the next game. Plus, if you use a Power Play multiplier, you may not need to pay for the next few draws out of your own pocket.
FAQs
If I match only the red Powerball number, how much do I win?
You win $4 for matching the red Powerball in the draw. Suppose you include the Power Play option in your ticket. In that case, you can win up to $40 depending on the multiplier.
I matched one white ball but not the Powerball. Do I get anything?
You do not win anything for matching just one white Powerball. You might be luckier in the next draw, so keep playing on the best lottery sites like theLotter, LottoAgent, LottoGo, and WinTrillions.
Does it matter which white ball I match?
It matters which white ball you match. You need to match all or any of the five winning white balls to qualify for a prize.
If I match one white ball and the red Powerball, is the prize bigger?
You get the same prize for matching both one white ball and the red Powerball and just one red Powerball. Despite their different odds, the prize is equal.
Can the $4 prize for one number be increased?
You can increase the $4 prize with the Power Play multiplier. Your prize can get up to 10 times the original payout. All you have to do is include the Power Play option for an extra $1.