Powerball is sold by every lottery in the United States: 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Since July 2026 it's also sold in the United Kingdom. Here's where you can buy a ticket legally, in person or online, and what to check before you do.
The 45 states that sell Powerball
Powerball is available in these states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands:
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Only five states don't sell it: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah. If you live in one of them, you can still play by buying a ticket in person while you're in a participating state.
Buying a ticket in person
Powerball is sold at authorized lottery retailers: convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies and other shops showing your state lottery's sign. Some states also have self-service lottery vending machines.
A play costs $2, plus $1 for Power Play and, where it's offered, $1 for Double Play. In Idaho, Montana and Puerto Rico a play costs $3, because Power Play is always included. Keep your printed ticket safe: it's your only proof of entry. How to fill in the slip is in how to fill out a Powerball ticket.
Buying Powerball online in the U.S.
15 states and Washington, D.C. sell Powerball on their own website or app: Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. You open an account, verify your age and identity, and your tickets and smaller prizes stay in the account.
In New York you can only buy online subscriptions, and in Massachusetts you must be 21 to play online.
There's a catch: online sales can't cross state lines. You have to be physically located in that state when you buy, and the site checks your location. Your state lottery's website will tell you whether it sells online.
Lottery courier services
In some states, licensed courier services take your order online, buy an official paper ticket at a retailer on your behalf and send you a scan. Rules vary a lot: a few states regulate couriers, while some, Texas among them, have banned them.
If you use one, check that your state allows it, that you receive an image of the actual ticket, and how prizes are paid.
Playing as a visitor or non-resident
You don't have to be a U.S. citizen or resident to play Powerball or to claim a prize. If you're visiting, buy a ticket at any retailer, just like a local.
Keep in mind that prizes are claimed in the state that sold the ticket, and non-resident winners usually have 30% federal tax withheld. Keep your ticket and receipt somewhere safe until the drawing.
Playing from outside the U.S.
Since July 21, 2026, players in the United Kingdom can buy Powerball through the National Lottery, with their own lower-tier prizes and the same jackpot as U.S. players. In other countries, no official lottery sells it.
Players elsewhere can take part through online lottery services, and the Play button on this site takes you to one of them. Before using any service like this, read its terms: who runs it and where it's licensed, whether you get an official ticket or a bet on the result, and how prizes are paid.
Before you play online, check
- That the site is your state lottery's official site or a service your state allows.
- A secure connection and clear contact details and terms.
- That you get a record of your entry: numbers, drawing date and add-ons.
- How prizes are paid, especially large ones.
- Be wary of anyone promising guaranteed wins or asking for fees to release a prize: see how to avoid Powerball scams.
Multi-Draw and subscriptions
Most lotteries let you buy your numbers for several future drawings at once, and some online lotteries offer subscriptions that renew automatically. The maximum number of drawings depends on the state. It's handy if you always play the same numbers, but set a budget first: see our tips for playing Powerball.
Frequently asked questions
Which states don't sell Powerball?
Five: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah. Every other state sells it, along with Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Can I buy Powerball in another state?
Yes, in person. Anyone of legal age can buy a ticket at a retailer in any participating state. If you win, you claim the prize from that state's lottery.
Can I buy Powerball tickets online?
Yes, on the lottery's own website or app in 15 states and Washington, D.C., but only while you're physically in that state; New York sells online subscriptions. Some states also allow licensed courier services, and others ban them.
Can tourists play Powerball?
Yes. You don't need to be a U.S. citizen or resident to play or win. Non-resident winners usually have 30% federal tax withheld.
Last reviewed: . Independent information: official results are published by the lottery that runs the game.