Your Powerball play starts with a play slip, the form you fill in, and ends with the printed ticket the retailer hands you, which is your only proof of entry. Here's how to fill in the first, what each play costs and what to check on the second. If you're new to the game, start with how to play Powerball.
The play slip at a glance
Slips vary a little from state to state, but they all have the same elements. Each panel (usually labeled A, B, C and so on, often up to five per slip) is one play, and in each one you can:
- Pick five numbers from 1 to 69 in the white-ball grid.
- Pick one Powerball from 1 to 26 in the separate red-ball grid.
- Mark QP (Quick Pick) to let the terminal choose the numbers for that panel.
- Add Power Play for $1 more per play.
- Add Double Play, where your state offers it, for $1 more per play.
- Choose Multi-Draw to play the same numbers in consecutive drawings.
- Mark VOID to cancel a panel you've filled in by mistake.
How to fill it out, step by step
- In panel A, mark exactly five numbers in the 1–69 grid and one Powerball in the 1–26 grid. No more, no less: that's one valid play.
- Use panels B, C and the rest for more plays. Leave any unused panels blank.
- Want random numbers? Mark QP in the panel instead, or just ask the clerk for Quick Picks without a slip.
- Tick Power Play and, if available, Double Play. On many slips, one box covers every play on the slip.
- Choose how many drawings you want to play. If you don't mark anything, the ticket is for the next drawing.
- Use a pen or pencil with dark ink, fill each box cleanly and avoid stray marks. A panel the terminal can't read may be rejected.
What a ticket costs
A play costs $2, Power Play and Double Play add $1 each per play, and the total is multiplied by the number of drawings. A few examples:
| Plays | Add-ons | Drawings | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | None | 1 | $2 |
| 1 | Power Play | 1 | $3 |
| 5 | None | 1 | $10 |
| 5 | Power Play | 1 | $15 |
| 2 | Power Play + Double Play | 3 | $24 |
Validation and your printed ticket
At a store, hand your slip to the clerk: the lottery terminal reads it and prints your ticket. Online, where your state allows it, you get an electronic record in your account instead. Either way, your ticket shows:
- The numbers for each play, including any Quick Picks.
- The drawing date or dates it's valid for.
- Whether it includes Power Play or Double Play.
- The total cost.
- A barcode and serial number used to validate it.
Check it before you leave the counter. Most lotteries won't cancel a ticket once it's printed, so any mistake has to be spotted there and then.
Keep it safe and sign it
A paper Powerball ticket is a bearer instrument: until you sign the back, anyone holding it can claim the prize. Sign it as soon as you get it, keep it somewhere dry and away from heat and sunlight, and don't post photos showing the barcode.
Without the ticket, you usually can't claim a prize, even if you remember the numbers. If you play online, the ticket stays in your account and prizes are usually paid there.
Checking your ticket
After the drawing, enter your numbers in our ticket checker to see your matches line by line, or look them up in Powerball results, where every drawing has its prize breakdown. Retailers also have self-service scanners, and most state lottery apps can check a ticket too.
If your ticket covers several drawings, keep it until the last one and check each drawing. Prizes from all of them are claimed together once the last drawing has taken place.
Frequently asked questions
How many plays can I put on one Powerball ticket?
It depends on the play slip, but most have several panels, often five (A to E), and each panel is one play. You can buy more plays on additional slips or as Quick Picks.
Can I cancel a Powerball ticket?
Usually not. Most lotteries don't cancel tickets once they're printed, so check your numbers, drawing dates and add-ons at the counter before you leave.
What happens if I lose my Powerball ticket?
A paper ticket is your only proof of entry, so a lost ticket usually can't be paid. That's why you should sign it and keep it safe. Tickets bought online are stored in your account.
Should I sign my Powerball ticket?
Yes. Until it's signed, a ticket belongs to whoever holds it. Signing the back protects you if it's lost or stolen.
Last reviewed: . Independent information: official results are published by the lottery that runs the game.