Powerball should be played for fun, not as a way to make money. For most people it's a couple of dollars and a bit of excitement before the drawing; for some, it can become a problem. Here's how to keep it a game, the signs that it's stopped being one, and where to find free, confidential help, day or night.
Adults only
Lottery tickets are for adults: you must be 18 in most states, 19 in Nebraska and 21 in Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana and Mississippi, and to play online in Massachusetts. Retailers can ask for ID, and online lotteries check your age when you sign up.
That also means tickets aren't a gift for children, even at the holidays, when scratch-offs and lottery tickets often end up in stockings.
Decide your limits before you play
The simplest rule is to set a budget you'd happily spend on any other entertainment, and stick to it. Decide how much you'll spend in a week or a month and how often you'll play, and don't raise the amount because the jackpot is huge.
- Only play with money you can afford to lose. Never with money for rent, bills or food.
- Don't chase losses. Every drawing starts from scratch: playing more won't win back what you've spent.
- Don't borrow to play, and don't play when you're stressed, upset or trying to solve a money problem.
- Keep track of what you spend. If you play online, your account history makes it easy.
Warning signs
It may be time to take a step back if you notice any of these:
- You spend more money or time on the lottery than you planned, again and again.
- You need to spend more to feel the same excitement.
- You keep playing to win back what you've lost.
- You borrow money, sell things or skip bills to buy tickets.
- You hide how much you play from people close to you.
- You feel restless or irritable when you try to cut back.
- It's causing arguments or getting in the way of work, school or family.
Tools to help you stay in control
If you play online through your state lottery, look at the responsible gaming settings in your account: many let you set spending or deposit limits, take a break for a while or exclude yourself altogether. Some state lotteries and problem gambling programs also offer self-exclusion from other forms of gambling.
At a store, the tools are simpler: decide your amount before you walk in, pay cash and leave the change for something else.
Where to get help
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available, and it's free and confidential:
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in every state. It's run by the National Council on Problem Gambling.
- Online chat: ncpgambling.org/chat, if you'd rather write than talk.
- Your state's program: most states fund local counseling and treatment. Your state lottery's website usually links to it.
- Peer support: Gamblers Anonymous meetings, and Gam-Anon for family and friends.
If you're worried about someone else
Talk to them calmly, at a good moment, about what you've noticed rather than about how much they play. Avoid lending money to cover gambling debts, and look after yourself too: the helpline and Gam-Anon also support family and friends.
How this site approaches the lottery
We publish results, statistics and tools like the Predictor to make the game easier to follow, not to promise wins. No system can predict the numbers, and the odds of each play are the same whatever you do. They're all in Powerball odds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the problem gambling helpline number?
Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), the National Problem Gambling Helpline. It's free, confidential and open 24/7 in every state. You can also chat at ncpgambling.org/chat.
Is 1-800-GAMBLER still the national helpline?
The national helpline is now 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738): the National Council on Problem Gambling adopted it in January 2026, and its previous number, 1-800-522-4700, still works. 1-800-GAMBLER is run by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey and is still used in some states. All of these lines are free and confidential.
How old do you have to be to buy lottery tickets?
18 in most states, 19 in Nebraska and 21 in Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana and Mississippi. In Massachusetts you must be 21 to play online.
Can I set limits on my online lottery account?
In most states that sell tickets online, yes: look for the responsible gaming settings in your account, where you can usually set spending limits, take a break or exclude yourself.
Is buying more tickets a good way to win back money?
No. Each drawing is independent, so what you've spent before doesn't make a win more likely. Chasing losses is one of the main warning signs of problem gambling.
Last reviewed: . Independent information: official results are published by the lottery that runs the game.