How to Play California Powerball
$2 a play · Mon, Wed and Sat · 7:59 PM PT
- 1Pick 5 numbers from 1 to 69 and a Powerball from 1 to 26, or ask for a Quick Pick.
- 2Each play is $2.
- 3Choose how many drawings in a row to play, starting with the next one.
- 4Match all 5 numbers, in any order, and the Powerball to win the jackpot.
- 5Match the Powerball, or 3 or more numbers, to win a smaller prize.
You must be 18 or older to buy a ticket or claim a prize. Sales stop 59 minutes before each drawing. See every prize
More Powerball rulesHow it works · Jackpot · Prizes
- How it works
- Pick 5 numbers from 1 to 69 and a Powerball from 1 to 26. Win with any match that includes the Powerball, or with 3 or more of the 5 numbers. The 5 numbers match in any order.
- Jackpot
- The jackpot rolls over until a ticket matches all 6 numbers, and winning tickets share it equally. Since July 2026, players in the UK also play for the same jackpot. A U.S. winner chooses cash or an annuity: one payment now and 29 yearly payments, each 5% larger than the last.
- Prizes
- Prizes below the jackpot are set amounts everywhere except California, which pays them pari-mutuel. If one drawing has so many winners that the prize money runs short, set prizes can be paid pari-mutuel and come out lower. Each play wins only its highest prize.
Reviewed by Bishop Woosley, former Director of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery and NASPL President.
You can't change Powerball's odds.
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More for Powerball Players
When it’s drawn, where to cash a win, and how other games are played.
Good to know
- Before You PlayCalifornia Lottery Draw Times Drawn Mon, Wed and Sat at 7:59 PM PT. Sales stop at 7:00 PM PT.
- After You WinHow to Claim a California Lottery Prize Up to $599 at any lottery retailer. You have 180 days to claim.
- Keep MoreCalifornia Lottery Tax Calculator Taken as cash, the $538 million jackpot leaves about $139 million after taxes.
How other California games are played
California Scratchers
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about California Powerball rules
How do you play California Powerball?
Pick 5 numbers from 1 to 69 and a Powerball from 1 to 26, or ask for a Quick Pick. Each play is $2. Choose how many drawings in a row to play, starting with the next one. Match all 5 numbers, in any order, and the Powerball to win the jackpot. Match the Powerball, or 3 or more numbers, to win a smaller prize.
How much is a Powerball ticket in California?
$2 a play.
How late can you buy California Powerball tickets?
The California Powerball cutoff time is 59 minutes before each drawing: 7:00 PM PT for the 7:59 PM drawing.
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