The object of Powerball is pick a total of six (6) numbers and hope
that the numbers drawn match the ones you picked.
The easiest and quickest way to play is to choose a "quick
pick," which is set of numbers randomly selected by the lottery
machine.
If you choose to specify the numbers yourself, you select five
distinct numbers between 1 and 59, and one "Powerball"
number between 1 and 39. The Powerball can be the same as
one of the first five numbers, because it is drawn from a separate number pool from the first five numbers.
When you play Powerball, you must select either Cash Option
or the Jackpot Annuity. With Cash Option you choose to
receive your portion of the Present Cash value of the advertised
jackpot in one lump sum. The Jackpot Annuity awards you your
portion of the full amount of the estimated jackpot, payable in 30
annual installments (over 29 years). Note: in some states you do not specify the cash option until you redeem your winning ticket.
Drawings are held at 11:00 PM Eastern Time on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Tickets may be purchased up to approximately 10:45 PM Eastern Time the night of the
drawing. (5:00 PM Eastern Time if you play Powerball online.) Check with a lottery retailer in your state for the precise ticket cutoff time.