Can You Buy Powerball Tickets Online? Yes, Here’s How!

By Josh Miller

Last Updated: September 1, 2025

Powerball is one of the biggest lotteries in the U.S., famous for its massive jackpots and nationwide appeal.

In the past, players had to visit a store to buy tickets, but now many are asking the same question: can you buy Powerball tickets online? The answer is yes.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to buy Powerball tickets online, which platforms are safe to use, and the benefits of going digital.

We’ll also highlight the states where online Powerball ticket sales are allowed, so you’ll know whether you can play directly from your phone or computer.

States Where You Can Buy Powerball Tickets Online

We’ve broken this down into three categories for clarity and ease of use:

1. Official lottery websites or iLottery platforms

These states let you buy Powerball tickets directly through their state-run online platforms.

Purchases require you to be physically located within the state:

Illinois – First state to allow online lottery sales via its official platform
Michigan – Offers Powerball tickets and other draw games online
Virginia – Online sales launched July 1, 2020; includes Powerball and other games via website or app
Additional jurisdictions with iLottery that typically include Powerball: Georgia, Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C.

2. Courier apps (e.g., Jackpocket)

These services order physical tickets on your behalf and send you a digital scan.

They operate only in certain states, and you must be present in-state at the time of purchase:

Jackpocket is available in:

Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana
Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, West Virginia
Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico

3. Jackpot.com

A convenient alternative, Jackpot.com lets you order Powerball tickets entirely online (where licensed).

Winnings are credited directly to your account, and tickets are entered straight into the official lottery system.

It’s currently available in select states, including Massachusetts, New York, and others, with availability continuing to expand.

Key points to remember

You must be physically located within the specific state or jurisdiction when purchasing online.
Each method has unique advantages; for example, Jackpocket allows mobile ordering, while iLottery platforms offer direct access to official systems.
Jackpot.com provides a streamlined experience and should be your first option where available.

How to Buy Powerball Tickets Online

Buying Powerball tickets online is straightforward.

The exact process depends on whether you’re using an official state lottery site, a courier app like Jackpocket, or Jackpot.com.

Here are the steps you can expect:

Choose a licensed platform: Start by selecting a trusted option. If you’re in a state where it’s available, Jackpot.com is the simplest choice. Otherwise, use your state lottery’s official website or a courier app approved in your area.
Create an account: You’ll need to register with your name, date of birth, and email. Most platforms require you to confirm you’re at least 18 years old.
Verify your location: Online lottery platforms use geolocation to confirm you’re physically within an eligible state. If you’re out of state, you won’t be able to purchase.
Pick your numbers: Select five main numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Most platforms also let you use a quick pick option for randomly generated numbers.
Pay for your ticket: Add funds or use a payment method accepted by the platform. Ticket prices are the same as retail: usually $2 per play.
Receive confirmation: After checkout, you’ll see a digital ticket or receipt. With Jackpot.com and courier apps, your ticket is entered into the official system, and winnings are automatically credited to your account.

Why Buy Powerball Tickets Online Instead of In-Store?

Many players still buy Powerball tickets at gas stations or convenience stores, but online options offer clear advantages.

Here’s why more players are making the switch:

Convenience: You can buy tickets from your phone or computer in minutes, without driving to a store or waiting in line.
Security: Online purchases are tied to your account. That means no lost or damaged paper tickets, and no risk of missing out on a prize because you misplaced your slip.
Automatic prize payouts: Winnings are credited straight to your account. You don’t need to visit a store to claim smaller prizes, and you’ll always be notified if you win.
Exclusive promotions: Some platforms, like Jackpot.com, run special offers for online players, such as discounts on bundles or free ticket entries.
Access anywhere in-state: As long as you’re physically in an eligible state, you can play from your home, office, or while traveling.

Is It Safe to Buy Powerball Tickets Online?

Yes, buying Powerball tickets online is safe as long as you use licensed and regulated platforms.

Official state lottery websites are directly managed by the lottery commission, which guarantees your ticket is entered into the draw.

Courier apps like Jackpocket are also approved in several states, where they purchase physical tickets on your behalf and upload a secure digital copy to your account.

Platforms such as Jackpot.com take safety a step further by eliminating the need for paper tickets entirely. Every purchase is recorded digitally, and your winnings are automatically credited to your account. This removes the risk of losing a ticket or missing a prize claim.

All legitimate providers use encryption to protect personal details, require age verification, and employ geolocation checks to ensure players are within eligible states.

As long as you stick with trusted platforms, buying Powerball tickets online is as secure as playing in-store and far more convenient.

How Powerball Works

Powerball is a multi-state lottery game played across 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

It is known for producing some of the largest jackpots in history. Here’s a breakdown of how the game works:

Ticket cost: Each Powerball play costs $2. You can add the Power Play option for an extra $1, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times.
Drawings: Draws are held three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights.
Numbers: Players choose five white ball numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26.
Jackpot: To win the jackpot, you must match all six numbers. If no one wins, the jackpot rolls over and continues to grow until there is a winner.
Other prizes: There are nine total ways to win, starting from $4 for matching just the Powerball, up to the multi-million-dollar jackpot.
Odds: The overall odds of winning a prize are about 1 in 24.9, while the odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 292 million.

When you buy online through platforms like Jackpot.com or an official lottery site, your numbers are entered into the same draw as players who buy at retail stores. The rules and prize tiers are identical.

Powerball Drawings

Powerball drawings take place three times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET.

Players can watch the live drawings on the official Powerball YouTube channel or tune in to local TV stations that carry lottery results.

Online players who use platforms like Jackpot.com or state lottery apps will also receive automated updates about winning numbers.

Powerball Jackpots and Prizes

Each drawing selects five white balls from a pool of 69 and one red Powerball from a pool of 26. Matching all six numbers wins the jackpot, which starts at $20 million and can grow into the billions when there are no winners.

Alongside the jackpot, there are eight additional prize tiers. Non-jackpot prizes can be boosted with the Power Play option. This multiplier increases winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x when the jackpot is under $150 million.

For example, a $100 prize could grow to $500 with Power Play, while a $50,000 prize could reach $500,000. The only exception is the Match 5 prize, which doubles to $2 million with Power Play instead of multiplying further.

Powerball Odds

The odds of winning any Powerball prize are about 1 in 24.9, while the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338.

Each prize tier has its own chances:

Matching just the Powerball has odds of 1 in 38.32.
Matching one number plus the Powerball has odds of 1 in 91.98.
Matching two numbers plus the Powerball has odds of 1 in 701.33.
Matching three numbers has odds of 1 in 579.76.
Matching three numbers plus the Powerball has odds of 1 in 14,494.11.
Matching four numbers has odds of 1 in 36,525.17.
Matching four numbers plus the Powerball has odds of 1 in 913,129.18.
Matching five numbers has odds of 1 in 11,688,053.
Matching all five numbers plus the Powerball (the jackpot) has odds of 1 in 292,201,338.

How Secondary Prizes Are Paid

Smaller prizes are usually paid out automatically online.

If you buy tickets through Jackpot.com or an official lottery app, winnings under $600 are credited directly to your account.

Prizes above $600 typically require additional steps.

Most states ask you to complete a claim form and provide identification before releasing the funds. Depending on the state, this can be done online, by mail, or at a lottery office.

How the Grand Prize Is Paid

Jackpot winners have two options:

Lump sum payment: A one-time cash payout equal to the current jackpot’s cash value.
Annuity payment: Annual installments spread out over 29 years, with each payment increasing by 5% to offset inflation.

Most players choose the lump sum, but the annuity offers long-term stability and a higher total value over time.

Powerball Jackpot Tecords

Powerball holds the record for the largest lottery prize ever awarded in the U.S.

In November 2022, a ticket sold in California won $2.04 billion, with the winner taking a lump sum of nearly $1 billion before taxes.

Other historic jackpots include:

$2.04 billion (2022)
$1.765 billion (2023)
$1.585 billion (2016)
$768.4 million (2019)
$758.7 million (2017)
$687.8 million (2018)
$590.5 million (2013)
$587.5 million (2012)
$564.1 million (2015)
$559.7 million (2018)

States that participate in Powerball

Powerball is available in 45 states plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The only states where Powerball is not offered are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.

Here is the full list of participating states:

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

FAQs

Can you buy Powerball tickets online?

Yes, you can buy Powerball tickets online in states that allow it. Licensed platforms like Jackpot.com, official lottery websites, and approved courier apps make it possible.

Can you play Powerball online?

Yes. Players can choose numbers, purchase entries, and receive results entirely online when using legal platforms in eligible states.

What states sell Powerball tickets online?

States with official iLottery sales include Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. In addition, courier services like Jackpocket and Jackpot.com operate in several other states, including New York, Texas, and Massachusetts.

How to buy Powerball tickets online?

Choose a licensed platform, create an account, verify your location, select your numbers, and complete payment. Your ticket will then be entered into the official Powerball draw.

What is the minimum age to play Powerball online?

You must be at least 18 years old to play Powerball online, though a few states set the minimum age at 21. Verification is required during signup.

Is it legal to buy Powerball tickets online?

Yes, it is legal in states that have authorized online lottery sales or approved courier services. Always use regulated platforms to ensure your ticket is valid.