POWERBALL© is up there with the most popular Lottery draw based games in the US, and you can grab tickets through the West Virginia Lottery both online and at local retail locations. But before you pick your numbers for the POWERBALL jackpot, let’s uncover whether it’s the right game for your playing style.
The Basics of POWERBALL©
POWERBALL© operates as a multi-state draw game with nine different prize tiers. Playing is straightforward – you’ll pick five main numbers from one to 69, plus one POWERBALL© number from one to 26. The draws happen three evenings a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Starting at $20 million, the jackpot grows until the top prize is eventually won. For an extra dollar, you can add Power Play to multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times, depending on the draw.
What Sets POWERBALL Apart
Unlike West Virginia-only games with fixed prize pots, POWERBALL© features a rolling jackpot. This structure has made it a nationwide favorite. Beyond the jackpot, you’ve got multiple prize tiers, meaning you can potentially win something even if you just match the POWERBALL© number.
For instance:
- Match all five numbers plus the POWERBALL©, and you could bag the jackpot
- Match all five numbers (with no POWERBALL©), and you could win $1 million
- Match just the POWERBALL©, and you could win $4
With Power Play added those smaller prizes can grow substantially.
Playing Online in West Virginia
Thanks to the West Virginia Lottery’s digital platform, you can play POWERBALL© from any device, anywhere you have internet access – as long as you’re somewhere in the state. Here’s how to get started:
- Set up an account on the West Virginia Lottery website or download the app
- Confirm who you are and where you’re located (you’ve got to be in West Virginia)
- Add some funds to your account
- Choose your numbers or let the Quick Pick feature do it for you
- Add Power Play if you fancy attempting to multiply those non-jackpot prizes
- Submit your ticket and wait for the draw
After the drawing, your account will automatically flag any wins. Smaller prizes go straight into your balance, while bigger payouts may need extra steps to claim.
Things Worth thinking About Before you Play
POWERBALL© is ultimately a game of chance, so here are some key things to remember:
- You’ve got nine ways to win, so matching just a few numbers can still land you a prize
- Your odds of hitting the jackpot sit at one in 292,201,338 (yep, that’s millions)
- But your chance of winning something is much better at one in 24.87
- Standard tickets cost $2, or $3 if you add Power Play
Is POWERBALL Right for You?
If you’re looking for multi-state games with potentially massive jackpots and don’t mind waiting a few days between draws, POWERBALL© might be the game of chance for you.
On the flip side, if you prefer quicker results or more frequent wins, you might want to check out other draw games or iNSTANTS.
