How do I play Powerball?

(NEXSTAR) – You’ve probably heard about the supposed world record Powerball jackpot 1.6 billion dollars after 39 consecutive draws without a winner, according to the lottery. If you’re ready to try your luck for the biggest pot in history, but don’t know how to play, we’ve got you covered.

Powerball is one of the most popular lotteries in the United States, played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The game has been played since 1992.

Beginning in 2021, Powerball drawings are held three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday (previously the drawings were held on Wednesdays and Saturdays) at 10:59 PM ET.

The ticket, which can be purchased at various retailers, will set you back $2, plus an extra $1 if you sign up for Power Play (more on that in a bit). In some states, tickets can only be purchased with cash.

When you purchase a ticket, you can choose five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. When choosing numbers, you can choose to multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 times with Power Play options. The 10x multiplier is not available when the jackpot exceeds $150 million, as it is now.

Too much pressure to pick the numbers that could change your life? Instead, you can request a Quick Pick, which means the system will generate your numbers.

If you want to pay an extra $1, you can play your Powerball numbers again for the Double Play drawing that takes place after the Powerball drawing. This option is reportedly only available in 13 jurisdictions Powerball.

Ticket sales stop before each draw, usually half an hour to an hour, depending on your condition. Some lotteries also sell Powerball tickets online, but only to individuals who reside in their jurisdiction.

During the draw, five white balls are drawn first. Their order does not matter, only the number. The red Powerball number drawn must match the number on your ticket.

If any of your numbers match, hang up the ticket and sign it. If you lose your winning ticket and another person finds it, they can claim it, unless you signed it.

There is nine ways to win Powerball, from $4 to a jackpot that will grow until won. Where you can claim your prize and the length of time you have to claim it will also vary by jurisdiction.

If you’re lucky enough to hit the jackpot, you can get your pot as an annuity (30 payments with income over 29 years) or as a lump sum. Federal and local income taxes will apply to both.

However, you may want to think twice before collecting the cash option. Financial advisers say that winners of giant jackpots almost always take the money this could be a mistake.

Officials urge anyone lucky enough to win the Powerball jackpot to consult a financial advisor before showing up at the lottery office to pick up the big check.

Your overall odds of winning any prize while playing Powerball are 1 in 24.9. Your odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.