How to Play USA Powerball Lottery
The Powerball lottery spans 42 states as of 2011 and offers progressive jackpots in the millions of dollars. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot stand at 195,249,054-1. Many lesser prizes give the game overall odds of one win in 35.11 plays. Each basic play costs $1, but additional options may increase the cost. The Multi-State Lottery Association holds Powerball drawings on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
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Instructions
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Visit a local Powerball retailer. Many gas stations, grocery stores and drinking establishments offer Powerball services. The Multi-State Lottery Association maintains a list of Powerball locations at its website to assist in finding an authorized retailer.
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Choose a Quick Pick option or list your own set of five numbers and a separate Powerball number. The basic numbers range from one to 59, and Powerball choices span the numbers one to 39. Quick Pick options generate the numbers randomly for you. Each set of numbers costs $1 per entry.
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Choose whether to enable the Power Play option on the ticket. The lottery multiplies Powerball winnings by a modifier ranging from two to five times the value for winning tickets with Power Play. Each set of numbers with an added Power Play option costs an additional dollar. Power Play modifiers do not affect jackpot payouts.
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Select the duration of the ticket. All tickets remain valid for the next drawing, but Powerball also offers additional increments of two, five and 10 drawings. These increase the cost of the ticket by multiplying the duration by the cost of one play. Thus, a basic play without Power Play for two drawings costs $2. A single Power Play ticket for five drawings would cost $10.
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Tips & Warnings
Powerball slips and equipment vary greatly by state. Ask a sales representative to manually enter your numbers or for assistance with filling out tracking slips.
Be responsible with your play. Never risk more than you're willing to lose on any game of chance.
