Powerball is a popular lottery game in the United States, known for its massive jackpots that can reach hundreds of millions of dollars. To participate, players must purchase tickets before the drawing occurs. However, the latest time to buy Powerball tickets varies depending on the state in which you are playing. Each state has its own rules regarding ticket sales cut-off times, and it’s crucial to be aware of these deadlines to ensure your participation.
Powerball Drawing Schedule
Powerball drawings take place three times a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evenings at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). This consistent schedule allows players to plan their ticket purchases accordingly.
State-by-State Ticket Purchase Deadlines
The cut-off times for purchasing Powerball tickets vary by state, typically ranging from 6:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time on drawing nights. It’s essential to know your state’s specific deadline to avoid missing out on the chance to win. Below is a comprehensive list of states and their respective ticket sales cut-off times:
| State | Cut-off Time (Local Time) |
| Alabama | 9:00 p.m. |
| Alaska | 9:00 p.m. |
| Arizona | 6:59 p.m. (Mar-Nov); 7:59 p.m. (Nov-Mar) |
| Arkansas | 8:59 p.m. |
| California | 7:00 p.m. |
| Colorado | 7:30 p.m. |
| Connecticut | 9:50 p.m. |
| Delaware | 9:45 p.m. |
| District of Columbia | 9:50 p.m. |
| Florida | 9:50 p.m. |
| Georgia | 9:59 p.m. |
| Hawaii | 6:00 p.m. |
| Idaho | 8:59 p.m. |
| Illinois | 8:59 p.m. |
| Indiana | 9:49 p.m. |
| Iowa | 8:59 p.m. |
| Kansas | 9:00 p.m. |
| Kentucky | 10:00 p.m. |
| Louisiana | 9:45 p.m. |
| Maine | 9:50 p.m. |
| Maryland | 9:50 p.m. |
| Massachusetts | 9:50 p.m. |
| Michigan | 9:45 p.m. |
| Minnesota | 9:00 p.m. |
| Mississippi | 9:53 p.m. |
| Missouri | 8:59 p.m. |
| Montana | 8:59 p.m. |
| Nebraska | 9:00 p.m. |
| New Hampshire | 9:50 p.m. |
| New Jersey | 9:58 p.m. |
| New Mexico | 9:00 p.m. |
| New York | 9:00 p.m. |
| North Carolina | 10:00 p.m. |
| North Dakota | 8:59 p.m. |
| Ohio | 9:49 p.m. |
| Oklahoma | 9:00 p.m. |
| Oregon | 7:00 p.m. |
| Pennsylvania | 9:59 p.m. |
| Rhode Island | 9:50 p.m. |
| South Carolina | 10:00 p.m. |
| South Dakota | 9:00 p.m. |
| Tennessee | 10:00 p.m. |
| Texas | 9:00 p.m. |
| Vermont | 9:50 p.m. |
| Virginia | 10:00 p.m. |
| Washington | 7:00 p.m. |
| West Virginia | 9:59 p.m. |
| Wisconsin | 9:00 p.m. |
| Wyoming | 9:00 p.m. |
Tips to Ensure Timely Ticket Purchase
To maximize your chances of participating in the Powerball drawing, consider the following tips:
Purchase Tickets Early: Aim to buy your tickets at least 30 minutes before the stated cut-off time. This practice allows for any unforeseen delays, such as long lines or technical issues at the retailer.
Verify Retailer Hours: Some retailers may have varying operating hours or may stop selling lottery tickets earlier than the official state cut-off time. It’s advisable to confirm the retailer’s hours, especially on drawing nights.
Stay Informed About Time Zones: If you’re traveling or residing near state borders, be mindful of different time zones and their impact on ticket sales deadlines.
Utilize Online Resources: Many state lottery websites provide up-to-date information on ticket sales deadlines and other pertinent details. Regularly checking these resources can help you stay informed.
Consequences of Missing the Cut-Off Time
Purchasing a Powerball ticket after the sales cut-off time means your ticket will be eligible for the next drawing, not the intended one. This delay can be particularly disappointing if you’re aiming for a rapidly growing jackpot. Therefore, adhering to the purchase deadlines is crucial for timely participation.
Conclusion
To maximize your chances of winning, it’s important to buy your Powerball tickets before the state-specific cut-off times. These deadlines vary, but by purchasing your tickets early and staying informed, you can avoid missing out on a chance to win the jackpot.
Whether you’re buying in person or online, always double-check the cut-off time for your state to ensure your entry is valid for the upcoming drawing. Don’t wait until the last minute—plan ahead and get your ticket in time!
