How to Play North Carolina Powerball
$2 a play · Mon, Wed and Sat · 10:59 PM ET
- 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.
Add-ons
- Power Play$1 moreMultiplies every prize below the jackpot by up to 10X, and a match of all 5 numbers pays $2 million.
- Double Play$1 moreA second drawing right after each Powerball drawing, with your same numbers and prizes up to $10 million.
You must be 18 or older to buy a ticket or claim a prize. Sales stop an hour before each drawing. See every prize
More Powerball rulesHow it works · Jackpot · Power Play · Double Play · 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.
- Power Play
- The Power Play multiplier is drawn before each Powerball drawing. With Power Play, matching all 5 white balls pays $2 million whatever the multiplier, and every other prize below the jackpot is multiplied. 10X is only in the drawing when the advertised jackpot is $150 million or less; without it, the odds are 24 in 42 for 2X, 13 in 42 for 3X, 3 in 42 for 4X and 2 in 42 for 5X.
- Double Play
- Double Play is a separate drawing after every Powerball drawing, using the same numbers, with set prizes up to $10 million cash and no jackpot. The $10 million top prize is split equally if more than one play wins it. One ticket can win in both drawings. Power Play doesn't multiply Double Play prizes, and only some states sell Double Play.
- 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.
You can pick better scratch-offs.
The best North Carolina scratch-offs right now have up to x73.8 better jackpot odds for $50K to $5M+ jackpots.
Every North Carolina scratch-off ranked by today's odds- The best tickets for your budget and the prize you want
- A free app, built on official North Carolina Lottery data
More for Powerball Players
When it’s drawn, where to cash a win, and how other games are played.
Good to know
- Before You PlayNorth Carolina Lottery Draw Times Drawn Mon, Wed and Sat at 10:59 PM ET. Sales stop at 9:59 PM ET.
- After You WinHow to Claim a North Carolina Lottery Prize Up to $599 at any lottery retailer. You have 180 days to claim.
- Keep MoreNorth Carolina Lottery Tax Calculator Taken as cash, the $538 million jackpot leaves about $130.2 million after taxes.
How other North Carolina games are played
North Carolina Scratch-Offs
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about North Carolina Powerball rules
How do you play North Carolina 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.
What is Power Play in North Carolina Powerball?
Multiplies every prize below the jackpot by up to 10X, and a match of all 5 numbers pays $2 million.
What is Double Play in North Carolina Powerball?
A second drawing right after each Powerball drawing, with your same numbers and prizes up to $10 million.
How much is a Powerball ticket in North Carolina?
$2 a play. Add-ons: Power Play ($1 more), Double Play ($1 more).
How late can you buy North Carolina Powerball tickets?
The North Carolina Powerball cutoff time is an hour before each drawing: 9:59 PM ET for the 10:59 PM drawing.
Still have questions? Email our support team
Download Free
Ready to Play Smarter?
Join 50,000+ players who've stopped guessing and started winning more. Download free—no credit card, no commitment. Your state's best games are waiting.
Free forever - No card requiredFree forever - No credit card required
Real-time odds from 41+ statesReal-time odds - Updated daily from 41+ states
Optimized for your budget & goalSmart recommendations - Optimized for your budget and goal
Find best game in 30 secondsSimple & fast - Find the best game within 30 seconds
Scan to Download
iOS & Android
100% Legal & Free Forever100% Legal & Transparent•Free forever plan available