Powerball is a multi-state, mega-jackpot lotto game that is played in 29 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game is administered by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). For each drawing, five white balls are picked out of a drum containing 55 balls and one red ball out of another drum containing 42 red balls. Powerball offers players nine ways to win. The jackpot, won by matching all five white balls in any order and the red Powerball, is either an annuitized prize paid out in 30 graduated installments over 29 years or a lump sum payment. The jackpot is always at least $15 million. If there is no jackpot winner for a drawing the amount increases for the next draw. The second prize, won by matching five white balls in any order, is $200,000. Any time you match the red Powerball, you win. The overall odds of winning a prize in the game is approximately 1 in 36.6.

When Are The Drawings?
Drawings can be seen live on KOB TV 4, the official station of the New Mexico Lottery, Wednesday and Saturday evenings at 8:59 p.m. Tickets can be bought until 8:00 p.m. (MT) for that night’s drawing. Winning numbers are also available in many newspapers, at all Lottery retailers, on our player hotline at (505) 342-PLAY (7529) or by clicking here.

Cash vs. Annuity
The advertised jackpot is the annuitized amount, which is paid out in 30 graduated installments over 29 years, minus applicable taxes.  A cash option is also available, which is about 50% of the advertised jackpot amount before any applicable taxes.  You no longer have to select the payment option at the time of purchase. The tax law has changed to give you up to 60 days after you claim the prize to decide whether you want cash or the annuity option.  Annuity payments are guaranteed upon death to a designated beneficiary or trust.

What are the Odds?