How Late Can You Buy Powerball Tickets? | $1.8B Jackpot Guide

Time is running out to claim your chance at Powerball history! The jackpot has reached an astonishing $1.8 billion—the second-largest prize in U.S. lottery history. This massive amount represents a life-changing opportunity for countless players across the nation. However, you can’t wait until the last second to purchase your ticket. Each state enforces strict cutoff times for ticket sales, typically occurring one to two hours before the drawing. Understanding these deadlines is crucial to ensuring your participation in this historic event. Let’s explore everything you need to know about how late you can buy Powerball tickets and maximize your chance at this incredible jackpot .

What Are the Powerball Ticket Purchase Cutoff Times?

State-by-State Deadline Variations

Powerball cutoff times vary significantly across participating states and territories. Generally, most states stop selling tickets one to two hours before the 10:59 p.m. ET drawing. For example, residents of Eastern Time Zone states typically face earlier deadlines than those in Central or Pacific zones. Unfortunately, residents of Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, and Utah cannot participate at all, as these states don’t offer Powerball tickets . Always check with your local lottery authority for precise cutoff times in your area.

Why Cutoff Times Matter

These deadlines exist to allow lottery officials sufficient time to process all ticket purchases and verify transactions before the drawing. This administrative buffer ensures the integrity of the entire process. Therefore, waiting until the last minute might cost you your chance at the jackpot. Planning ahead is essential, especially since peak purchase times can lead to long lines at retail locations. Remember, the cutoff time refers to when sales stop—not when you should arrive at the store .

How Large Is This Powerball Jackpot?

Historical Context

The current jackpot of $1.8 billion stands as the second-largest in U.S. lottery history, surpassed only by a $2.04 billion Powerball prize won in California in November 2022. This massive amount has accumulated through 41 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner, tying the game’s record for the longest jackpot roll sequence. The annuity option would distribute the prize through 30 payments over 29 years, though most winners opt for the cash alternative of approximately $826.4 million before taxes .

Growing Excitement

Interestingly, lottery officials increased the jackpot from $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion on Friday without explicit explanation, though historical patterns suggest strong ticket sales likely drove this adjustment. This prize continues to capture national attention, creating dreams of financial freedom across the country. However, players should remember the odds of winning the jackpot remain approximately 1 in 292.2 million—making it more likely someone would score a hole-in-one in golf than win Powerball’s top prize .

When Is the Next Powerball Drawing?

Drawing Schedule and Details

The next drawing occurs on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:59 p.m. ET. Powerball drawings take place three times weekly—every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday—at the same time. These events broadcast live from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee and stream simultaneously on Powerball’s official website. The drawing uses two machines: one containing 69 white balls and another with 26 red Powerballs. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white numbers (in any order) plus the red Powerball .

How to Participate

Participating jurisdictions include 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each ticket costs $2 per play, with an optional Power Play feature for an additional $1 that multiplies non-jackpot prizes. The overall odds of winning any prize are considerably better than hitting the jackpot—approximately 1 in 24.9. Various prize tiers reward matching different combinations of numbers, from $4 for matching just the Powerball up to the grand prize for matching all six numbers .

State Powerball Cutoff Times Table

Below is a comprehensive table of Powerball ticket purchase cutoff times for various U.S. states and territories. All times correspond to each location’s local time zone .

Note: Specific cutoff times vary by state. Check with your local lottery for exact deadlines.

What Happens If You Win?

Prize Claim Options

Winners face an important choice between the annuity option (30 graduated payments over 29 years) or a lump sum cash payment. The cash value for the current jackpot stands at approximately $826.4 million before taxes. Most winners choose the immediate cash option, though this decision depends on individual financial circumstances and tax considerations. Either way, winners should immediately sign their tickets, store them securely, and consult with financial and legal professionals before claiming their prize .

Recent Winning Patterns

While no one hit Wednesday’s jackpot, several players won substantial prizes. Eleven tickets matched all five white numbers to win $1 million prizes in California (2), Colorado, Florida, Georgia (2), Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Another four tickets won $2 million each by adding the Power Play option in Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Wyoming. Additionally, 117 tickets won $50,000 prizes, while 36 tickets won $100,000 prizes .

Conclusion

The historic $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot represents an extraordinary opportunity, but timing is critical to participation. Remember that ticket sales stop well before the 10:59 p.m. ET drawing—typically one to two hours earlier depending on your state. Always verify local cutoff times to avoid disappointment. While the odds are challenging, the potential reward justifies the $2 investment for millions of Americans. Check your numbers promptly after the drawing, and who knows? You might become the next billionaire overnight. Purchase your tickets early today to avoid the last-minute rush and secure your chance at this life-changing prize! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How late can I buy Powerball tickets in most states?

Most states stop selling Powerball tickets one to two hours before the 10:59 p.m. ET drawing. However, specific cutoff times vary by location, so check with your local lottery retailer for precise deadlines in your area .

2. Can I purchase Powerball tickets after the drawing begins?

No. All ticket sales must stop before the drawing occurs. Each state establishes its cutoff time to ensure all transactions process properly before the winning numbers selection .

3. Which states do not participate in Powerball?

Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, and Utah do not participate in Powerball. Residents of these states cannot purchase tickets unless they travel to a participating jurisdiction .

4. What is the cash option for the $1.8 billion jackpot?

The lump sum cash value for the current $1.8 billion jackpot is approximately $826.4 million before taxes. This amount represents the estimated immediate payout rather than the annuity option spread over 29 years .

5. What were the winning numbers from the last drawing?

The winning numbers from Wednesday, September 3, 2025, were 3, 16, 29, 61, 69, and the red Powerball 22. The Power Play multiplier was 2x. No one won the jackpot, creating the current record prize.

👉For more Entertainment news-> Click Here!