Powerball is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States, with tickets sold in nearly every state. But what about Wyoming – can you purchase Powerball tickets there? The quick answer is yes, Powerball tickets are available for purchase in Wyoming.
Powerball Overview
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). It is offered in 45 states, as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Powerball draws occur twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and feature a starting jackpot of $40 million. Players select five main numbers between 1-69 and one Powerball number between 1-26. The odds of winning the jackpot are incredibly slim, at 1 in 292.2 million, but smaller prizes are awarded for matching some of the numbers.
The game has produced some massive jackpots over the years, including the current record $1.586 billion prize won in January 2016. Powerball is well known for its ability to continue rolling over and building huge jackpots that captivate players across the country.
Powerball in Wyoming
Wyoming has participated in Powerball since the game began in 1992. The Wyoming Lottery Corporation oversees Powerball and other lottery games offered in the state.
There are over 175 licensed lottery retailers across Wyoming that sell Powerball tickets. Players can choose their own numbers or select quick pick and let the computer randomly generate the numbers.
Powerball tickets in Wyoming cost $2 per play. Tickets can be purchased at lottery retailers, self-service kiosks, or via the Play On app. The app allows you to scan your tickets to see if you have a winner.
Tickets can be bought right up until 9:59 p.m. MT on draw nights. Players must be at least 18 years old to play.
Some of the places you can buy Powerball tickets in Wyoming include:
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Convenience stores
- Liquor stores
- Large retail outlets
- Lottery kiosks
Powerball tickets cannot be purchased online in Wyoming. You must visit a licensed lottery retailer in order to play.
Notable Wyoming Powerball Winners
There have been several sizable Powerball winners from Wyoming over the years:
- In March 2019, a $1 million Powerball prize was claimed by a player in Cheyenne. The ticket was purchased at a Maverik gas station.
- In August 2017, a resident of Laramie won $2 million on a Powerball ticket purchased at Albertsons.
- A Powerball ticket worth $1 million was sold in Jackson in January 2016 at a Loaf ‘N Jug store.
- In May 2013, a $1 million Powerball prize was won by a player in Green River.
The largest Powerball prize ever won in Wyoming was a $40 million jackpot shared by 12 drilling crew members in February 2012. The lucky co-workers had pooled their money to buy tickets together.
While no one from Wyoming has won the Powerball jackpot, local players have still managed to take home some exciting prizes over the years. The opportunity to play for huge jackpots continues to drive interest and ticket sales in the state.
The Benefits of Playing Powerball in Wyoming
There are several benefits Wyoming residents enjoy by having access to Powerball:
- Huge jackpots – Powerball regularly produces enormous jackpots, sometimes exceeding half a billion dollars. Wyoming players have a chance to win life-changing sums of money.
- Good odds versus Mega Millions – Powerball has better overall odds compared to Mega Millions, its other giant jackpot game counterpart. The starting jackpot odds of 1 in 292 million are more favorable than Mega Millions’ 1 in 302 million.
- Prize money supports the state – Funds generated from Powerball ticket sales go to support vital programs and services in Wyoming. Over $2.7 million is transferred annually to the state’s General Fund.
- Playing is convenient – With nearly 200 retailers across the state, it’s easy to find a location to buy tickets.
- Can play other games – Buying a Powerball ticket allows you to play other Wyoming lottery games on the same ticket.
The combination of mammoth jackpots and good odds makes Powerball an attractive choice for Wyoming lottery players seeking the chance to win big. Proceeds from the game also help the community by supporting valuable state initiatives.
The Powerball Drawing
The Powerball drawing is held twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday nights, at 10:59 p.m. ET. It is conducted and drawn live at the Florida Lottery studios in Tallahassee.
Here is an overview of how the Powerball drawing works:
- Prior to the drawing, all sales for the current draw are halted. No more tickets can be sold until the next draw period.
- Lottery officials estimate the jackpot amount based on recent sales figures. The advertised jackpot is the annuitized amount paid out over 30 years.
- On draw nights, lottery officials confirm that the draw equipment is functioning properly and has passed inspection.
- Five white balls numbered 1-69 are loaded into one drawing machine, while red Powerballs numbered 1-26 go into a second machine.
- The machines begin mixing the balls utilizing compressed air. Eventually, a single ball will be sucked through a tube where it can be called.
- A lottery official draws the first five main numbers, followed by the Powerball. The resulting combination becomes that draw’s winning numbers.
- The drawing machines are inspected once more to confirm the results. The winning numbers are also checked against ticket sales to make sure there are winners.
- Officials then inform the public of the winning numbers and jackpot amount if won. The next estimated jackpot is also announced.
Millions of players tune in to watch the Powerball drawing live on TV or check their tickets soon after. For the lucky few who match all the numbers, an extraordinary payday awaits.
How to Play Powerball in Wyoming
Playing Powerball in Wyoming is easy – simply visit any authorized lottery retailer and place your wager. Here is an overview of how to play:
- Find a lottery retailer – Locate an authorized Powerball retailer in Wyoming. Over 175 convenient stores, gas stations, markets and other outlets sell tickets.
- Pick five main numbers – On a play slip, choose five numbers between 1-69. You can select your own digits or use a quick pick and get computer-generated numbers.
- Select your Powerball number – In the Powerball field on the play slip, pick one number between 1-26. This is the Powerball number and cannot match your main numbers.
- Choose number of draws – Decide if you want to play one draw or subscribe to consecutive draws on multiple tickets.
- Take your ticket – Present your completed play slip and payment to the retailer. You will receive a ticket with your number selections.
- Check for winners – After the drawing, check your ticket to see if you matched any numbers to win a prize. Sign the back of winning tickets.
You can increase your chance to win by purchasing multiple tickets, but keep in mind gambling responsibly. Good luck playing Powerball in Wyoming!
The Power Play Option
Except when the jackpot is particularly large, Wyoming Powerball players can add the Power Play option for an extra $1 per ticket. Activating Power Play can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times.
Here’s how it works:
- Mark the Power Play box on your play slip or ask for it when purchasing a quick pick ticket. The Power Play costs $1 extra per ticket.
- A random multiplier between 2X-10X is drawn before the main numbers.
- Non-jackpot prizes (not the jackpot or Match 5 level) are multiplied by that number, boosting your lower tier winnings.
- The 10X multiplier is only in play when the jackpot is under $150 million. After that, the max multiplier drops to 5X.
- Power Play does not apply to the jackpot. That prize always starts at the advertised annuitized amount, regardless of Power Play.
With Power Play, a $50,000 prize can suddenly become $500,000. While it does not improve your odds of winning, it provides the chance to radically increase your secondary Powerball prizes for a small extra cost.
Claiming Powerball Prizes in Wyoming
So you’ve finally won a Powerball prize in Wyoming, now what? Here are some key steps to properly claim your lottery windfall:
- Sign the back of your ticket – Put your signature on the back of your original ticket. This establishes ownership of your claim.
- Protect the ticket – Keep the ticket somewhere very safe. Never allow anyone else to take possession of it.
- Contact the lottery – Call or visit the Wyoming Lottery Corporation headquarters to begin the claims process.
- Choose your prize option – Decide if you want lump sum cash or annuity payments for large prizes. Lump sum equals roughly half the advertised amount.
- Complete a claim form – Provide your official winners claim form and original ticket to the lottery.
- Provide identification – Supply a valid government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to verify your identity.
- Collect your earnings – You will receive a check or direct deposit after required tax withholding.
Be sure to sign the ticket right away and keep it someplace secure until ready to claim. You have 180 days from the draw date to submit your winning Powerball ticket.
Follow the claiming steps carefully to ensure you receive your Powerball prize money from the Wyoming Lottery Corporation. Congratulations!
Powerball Statistics and Odds
The extreme unlikelihood of winning Powerball’s top prize contributes heavily to the game’s appeal. Here are some statistical Powerball odds to consider as you dream about that huge jackpot:
| Prize Level | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|
| Jackpot | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| Match 5 + 0 | 1 in 11,688,053.52 |
| Match 4 + 1 | 1 in 913,129.18 |
| Match 4 + 0 | 1 in 36,525.17 |
| Match 3 + 1 | 1 in 14,494.11 |
| Match 3 + 0 | 1 in 579.76 |
| Match 2 + 1 | 1 in 701.33 |
| Match 1 + 1 | 1 in 91.98 |
| Match 0 + 1 | 1 in 38.32 |
Some key statistics:
- Your odds of matching the Powerball alone are 1 in 26
- The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9
- 20% of all prizes awarded are between $4 – $200
- Tickets that match just the Powerball win $4
- There are 9 ways to win a prize in Powerball
The huge odds make your chances of winning the jackpot basically infinitesimal. However, smaller prizes are still awarded frequently. Thousands of people win free tickets or modest cash amounts, keeping players hooked.
Powerball FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about playing Powerball in Wyoming and beyond:
Can you buy Powerball tickets online in Wyoming?
No. All Powerball ticket purchases must be made in-person at authorized retailers. There is no legal way to buy them online while in Wyoming.
When did Powerball start in Wyoming?
Powerball began in Wyoming upon the game’s formation in 1992. The state was one of the original participants.
What do I win for matching just the Powerball?
Tickets that match only the Powerball number win $4. Matching the Powerball alone has odds of 1 in 38.
Where does the money from Powerball sales go in Wyoming?
A portion of every Powerball ticket sold helps fund Wyoming public education, state parks, highway funds, and other initiatives. Approximately $2.7 million is transferred annually to Wyoming’s General Fund.
What if I lose my Powerball ticket?
Lost or damaged tickets are a problem. The Wyoming Lottery has no way to verify the original numbers or ownership without the physical ticket. Always keep your ticket in a safe place.
Can Powerball numbers be randomly quick picked?
Yes. Players can either choose their own numbers manually or request random quick pick selections generated by the lottery terminal. Both methods have the same odds.
What is the biggest Powerball jackpot ever won?
The current U.S. record Powerball jackpot stands at $1.586 billion. The prize was split between 3 winning tickets in January 2016. Two tickets were sold in California and one in Florida.
Conclusion
Powerball continues to be immensely popular across Wyoming, providing residents the chance to win truly staggering sums of money. While the jackpot seems almost impossible to win, smaller prizes are claimed by thousands each drawing. With tickets readily available across the state, Powerball offers an exciting and convenient way to take a gamble on joining the millionaire club. Just don’t spend more than you can afford, and be sure to play responsibly.
