How to Play Powerball and Mega Millions
❓ How to Play
Complete guide to Powerball® and Mega Millions® — rules, odds, prizes, and tips
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❓ How to Play
Choose your game below for complete rules, odds, prize tiers, and tips
🔴
Powerball®
5 white balls (1–69) + 1 red Powerball (1–26)
Draws: Mon · Wed · Sat at 10:59 PM ET
Jackpot odds: 1 in 292,201,338
Draws: Mon · Wed · Sat at 10:59 PM ET
Jackpot odds: 1 in 292,201,338
$2/ticket
9 prize tiers
Power Play option
Full Powerball Guide →
🔵
Mega Millions®
5 white balls (1–70) + 1 gold Mega Ball (1–24)
Draws: Tue · Fri at 11:00 PM ET
Jackpot odds: 1 in 290,472,336
Draws: Tue · Fri at 11:00 PM ET
Jackpot odds: 1 in 290,472,336
$5/ticket
9 prize tiers
2×–10× multiplier built in
Full Mega Millions Guide →
Quick Comparison — Powerball vs Mega Millions
| Feature | 🔴 Powerball | 🔵 Mega Millions |
|---|---|---|
| White balls | 1–69 | 1–70 |
| Bonus ball | 1–26 (red) | 1–24 (gold) |
| Draw days | Mon · Wed · Sat | Tue · Fri |
| Ticket price | $2 | $5 |
| Multiplier | Power Play (+$1) | Built in (2×–10×) |
| Jackpot odds | 1 in 292M | 1 in 290M |
| Min jackpot | $20M | $50M |
| Cash payout | ~60% of jackpot | ~60% of jackpot |