If you have your lucky numbers ready, the most important question on your mind is likely: when is Powerball drawn? Missing a deadline could be the difference between a normal evening and becoming an overnight multi-millionaire.
In this guide, we break down the official drawing schedule, ticket cutoff times, and how you can play from the comfort of your own home.
The Official Powerball Drawing Schedule
The US Powerball draws take place three times a week. Having three opportunities to win every single week has made the jackpot grow faster than ever before. The drawings occur every:
- Monday at 10:59 PM ET
- Wednesday at 10:59 PM ET
- Saturday at 10:59 PM ET
The drawings are held at the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. While the numbers are drawn just before 11:00 PM Eastern Time, it may take a little time for the official results to be processed and displayed online.
What Time is the Drawing in My Time Zone?
Since the Powerball is a national lottery, the drawing happens simultaneously across the country. Depending on where you are, here is when Powerball is drawn in your local time:
| Time Zone |
Drawing Time |
| Eastern Time (ET) |
10:59 PM |
| Central Time (CT) |
9:59 PM |
| Mountain Time (MT) |
8:59 PM |
| Pacific Time (PT) |
7:59 PM |
Don’t Miss the Cutoff: When to Buy Your Tickets
Knowing when Powerball is drawn is only half the battle. You also need to know the ticket sales cutoff time. Typically, sales stop 1 to 2 hours before the drawing, depending on the state or the platform you use.
If you wait until 10:58 PM ET on a Monday night, you will likely be buying a ticket for the next available drawing. To ensure you are in the running for the current jackpot, we recommend securing your lines at least a few hours in advance.
Play Powerball Online at Smart Winners
Why rush to a gas station or a convenience store when you can play from your phone or computer? At Smart Winners, we make it easy to join the world's biggest lottery without the hassle.
Whether it’s Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday, you can pick your numbers, choose your Power Play, and wait for the results to roll in. We notify our winners directly, so you’ll never have to wonder if you’ve struck it rich.
Common Questions About Powerball Drawings
Can I watch the drawing live? Yes, many local news stations broadcast the drawing live, or you can watch the livestream on the official Powerball website.
What happens if the drawing is delayed? On rare occasions, technical difficulties or security protocols can delay a drawing. If this happens, the drawing is performed as soon as the issue is resolved, and all tickets remain valid.
How much does a Powerball ticket cost? A standard Powerball play costs $2, with the option to add the "Power Play" for an additional $1 to multiply non-jackpot prizes.
Now that you know exactly when Powerball is drawn, there is nothing standing between you and your dreams. Head over to our Powerball ticket page and get your entries in before the next 10:59 PM cutoff!
