The $2 ticket that could change your life
Feeling lucky? Powerball is the ultimate “what if” game—one ticket and you could be set for life. The cost to get in? Just $2 per play, whether you pick your own numbers or let the machine do a Quick Pick.
But that’s just the starting price. If you’re curious about add-ons like Power Play or Double Play—or if you’re wondering whether you can grab your ticket online—let’s walk through it all.
What’s the deal with power play?
Want to beef up your winnings without hitting the jackpot? That’s where Power Play comes in. For an extra $1 per ticket—making your ticket $3 total—non-jackpot prizes can be multiplied by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x (the 10x multiplier only shows up when the jackpot is under $150 million).
Heads up: if you live in Idaho or Montana, your tickets automatically come with Power Play, so you’ll always pay at least $3 per play. Sorry, Californians—Power Play isn’t available in your state.
Double play: A second shot at winning
If one drawing isn’t enough, Double Play might be your style. For another $1 add-on, your same set of numbers goes into a second drawing with a top prize of $10 million. This feature is only offered in 16 states, including Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, and Tennessee.
A ticket with Double Play is $3 total. Add both Power Play and Double Play, and you’re at $4 per ticket. Just remember—the Power Play multiplier doesn’t apply to Double Play prizes.
Can you buy Powerball tickets online?
If you’re constantly on the go, good news—in some states, you can buy tickets online through apps like Jackpocket. The cost is the same as buying in person: $2 for the base ticket, plus $1 for each add-on if you choose them.
Jackpocket does charge a small fee when you load your account, but they never increase the price of the ticket itself. And the best part? You’ll get an instant notification if you win.
When are Powerball drawings?
Powerball drawings happen three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM EST. Don’t cut it too close, though. Most states stop sales about 1–2 hours before the drawing, so check your local cutoff time.
Where does all that lottery money go?
Ever wonder what happens to the money from all those tickets? About half goes straight to prizes for players. The rest goes toward running the lottery and supporting public programs—everything from college scholarships in Arkansas to firefighter pensions in New Jersey.
Every state decides where its share of Powerball revenue goes, but it’s always put back into community projects. So even if you don’t win, your money helps fund something worthwhile.
Quick cost recap:
- Base Powerball ticket – $2
- With Power Play – $3
- With Double Play – $3
- With Both Add-Ons – $4
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Ready to take your shot?
Whether you’re chasing that massive jackpot or just testing your luck, Powerball is easy to play—and the price is flexible depending on which features you choose.
Grab your ticket at a store or on Jackpocket, cross your fingers, and get ready for the drawing. Who knows? Your $2 investment could turn into millions—now that’s a pretty good return.
