How Late Can You Buy Powerball Tickets?

You’ve no doubt heard the expression, You have to be in it to win it! With that said, you have recently decided to try your luck at the US Powerball but where can you buy a Powerball lottery ticket and how late can you buy your lucky tickets? Keep reading for these answers and a few more that will put you a few steps closer to a potentially big win!

When is the Powerball Draw?

Powerball Tickets

The Powerball live draw takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 pm ET. If a jackpot isn’t won, it rolls over until a lucky player wins.

When Do Ticket Sales Close for Powerball?

Whether you’re planning to buy your ticket from a retail outlet or you’re opting for the online option, it’s important to know when ticket sales close. Here’s what you need to know for each play method.

Cut-Off Times for Players Using Lottery Sites

Online lottery sites facilitating the Powerball have a sales cut-off time of at least 59 minutes before each draw. Since the draw takes place at 10:59 PM Eastern Time, the cut-off will be 10:00 PM Eastern Time.

Official Cut-Off Times for US States

Since ticket cut-off times vary in different states, it’s important to check cut-off times for your specific state. Here is a list of states with times that vary from the 10:00 pm cut-off.

  • Texas: 9:00 PM
  • Idaho: 9:54 PM
  • Pennsylvania: 9:59 PM
  • Montana: 8:00 PM
  • Massachusetts: 9:50 PM
  • Mississippi: 9:45 PM
  • New Mexico: 8:00 PM
  • Oklahoma: 8:59 PM
  • Vermont: 9:50 PM
  • California: 7:45 PM
  • Maine: 9:50 PM
  • Washington D.C: 6:45 PM
  • Arkansas: 8:59 PM
  • Rhode Island: 9:50 PM

If you’re playing Powerball for the first time, be sure to check the cut-off times in your state or online site.

Where Can You Play the Powerball? List of US States

Powerball is only available in 48 US states. Here’s a quick list of participating states and jurisdictions.

Arizona Virginia South Dakota Oregon
Colorado West Virginia U.S. Virgin Islands Rhode Island
Florida Arkansas Washington D.C Tennessee
Illinois Connecticut Wisconsin Vermont
Kansas Georgia California Washington State
Maryland Indiana Delaware Wyoming
Michigan Kentucky Idaho Texas
Missouri Maine Iowa Puerto Rico
New Hampshire Minnesota Louisiana North Dakota
New York Montana Massachusetts South Carolina
Ohio New Jersey Mississippi Oklahoma
Pennsylvania North Carolina Nebraska New Mexico

Currently, only Alaska, Alabama, Nevada, Hawaii and Utah are the only US states not to participate in the Powerball. International players can also take part via their favorite betting sites like theLotter. which will also notify them of their winnings.

Play Powerball at theLotter

Source: theLotter

Where Do You Buy Powerball Tickets?

The good news is that you have several choices when it comes to choosing the most convenient places to buy your Powerball tickets. Here are a few easy options for US locals:

  • Gas stations
  • Authorized lotto outlets
  • Online from your favorite lottery site

Several states sell tickets on their own websites such as the ones listed below:

  • Illinois
  • Georgia
  • Michigan
  • Kentucky
  • North Carolina
  • New Hampshire
  • North Dakota
  • Washington DC
  • Pennsylvania
  • Virginia

If you’re playing from elsewhere, use WinTrillions or other lottery agents to bet on a game or even use services that purchase an authentic ticket on your behalf.

Buy Powerball Tickets at WinTrillions

Source: WinTrillions

Final Thoughts

With all the basic Powerball questions answered, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be taking part in one of this week’s lucky draws! Opt for an online option because it’s not only quicker, but there’s no risk of you losing your ticket. No long lines and getting immediate notification of your winnings make the online option the easiest way to give yourself the chance to win big!

FAQ

How do you play Powerball?

Playing the US Powerball requires you to choose five numbers between 1 and 69 as well as one number between 1 and 26. Use lucky numbers or the Quick Pick option–the lottery terminal will randomly pick numbers for you. Then wait for the draw and claim any prizes within the prescribed time. If you’ve played online using lottery sites, you’ll be notified of your winnings.

Can my state change the cut-off time?

Yes. While many states have a ticket cut-off time of 10 pm ET, other states opt to close ticket sales earlier. Always check the lottery rules and cut-off times for the particular state you’re in to avoid losing out!

How long do you have to claim a Powerball Prize?

The number of days you have to collect your Powerball winnings depends on the state you’re in. Typically, the time period ranges anywhere from 90 days to one year. You can check the back of your ticket for the expiration date if you’ve bought an actual ticket.

Where is the Powerball draw held?

The Powerball draw is held in the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. The draw takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 pm ET.

I’m waiting in line at the cut-off time - can I still buy a ticket?

The sales cut-off for Powerball tickets is 59 minutes before the draw and there won’t be any leniency if you arrive late at the selling point. Some states have earlier cut-off times, so we recommend going to buy a ticket as early as possible. If anything delays you, you’ll still have enough time to complete the purchase in time.

Can you watch the Powerball draw live?

Live draws are screened on various US channels. You can also live stream the draw on the Powerball website or check the US Powerball results on our website.