POWERBALL© is one of the most recognized draw games in the United States, including in the state of West Virginia. If you’re looking to try your chances on one of the most popular multi-state draw games, this article is for you. We’ll cover the most common questions about POWERBALL gameplay in West Virginia.
What is POWERBALL© and how does it work?
POWERBALL© is a multi-state draw game that’s played in 48 Lottery jurisdictions. In each draw, five white ball numbers are drawn from a pool of 69, plus one red POWERBALL© number from a separate pool of 26.
You’ll pick five main numbers and one POWERBALL© number. To win, all six numbers must match those drawn. But there are eight other prize levels too so always check your ticket at the end of the draw.
When are the POWERBALL© draws held?
Drawings happen three times a week—every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 11:00 PM ET. Results usually appear shortly after on the West Virginia Lottery’s official website and app.
Can you play POWERBALL© online in West Virginia?
You can play POWERBALL© online through the West Virginia Lottery’s official website and mobile app if you’re in the state. Online, you can securely buy POWERBALL© tickets and manage your entries from anywhere you have internet access. You’ll need to register an account, verify you’re eligible, and set up your secure payment methods.
How much does it cost to play POWERBALL©?
A standard POWERBALL© ticket costs $2 per play, but for an extra $1, you can add the Power Play feature, which has the potential to multiply non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five, or sometimes even 10 times. The 10X multiplier only applies when the advertised jackpot is $150 million or less. The POWERBALL© jackpot starts at $20 million and grows with each draw if no one wins.
What are the odds of winning a prize?
There are nine ways you could potentially win in POWERBALL©, from matching just the red POWERBALL© to all five white balls plus the POWERBALL© itself. Your overall odds of winning any prize are roughly one in 24.9. The odds of hitting the jackpot are about one in 292.2 million.
Can you use Quick Pick to play POWERBALL©?
When you’re buying your POWERBALL© tickets, whether that’s online or in-person, you can choose the Quick Pick option to randomly select your numbers for you if you wish. Remember, this doesn’t change the odds and has no influence on the outcome of the game.
How do you check POWERBALL© results in West Virginia?
Results for each draw are posted on the West Virginia Lottery website and mobile app. If you’ve played online, you’ll get notifications in your account if your ticket matches any winning numbers. For tickets bought in-store, you can scan them using the app or check results online or at participating retailers.
What happens if you win?
For smaller prizes, online winnings are usually credited straight to your West Virginia Lottery account. Larger prizes might need extra verification, so you’ll get specific instructions on what to do in this scenario. Check the claiming process on the official Lottery site to make sure your prize is claimed correctly and securely.
Is it safe to play POWERBALL© online?
When you use the official West Virginia Lottery website or app your gameplay and personal details are safe and secure. These platforms are regulated, which means secure payments, account protection, and responsible gaming features. These include deposit limits, session time alerts, and self-exclusion options to help you manage your play.