Powerball is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States, offering large jackpot prizes that can grow into the hundreds of millions of dollars. The game is coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association and is available in 45 states, including Idaho. Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about playing Powerball in Idaho.
How to Play Powerball in Idaho
To play Powerball in Idaho, you need to purchase a Powerball ticket from an authorized lottery retailer. Tickets cost $2 per play. On your playslip, choose five main numbers between 1 and 69, and one Powerball number between 1 and 26. You can let the lottery terminal randomly select your numbers by asking for a Quick Pick, or you can select your own numbers. Each Powerball ticket contains one play for the next drawing.
Powerball drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Sales cut-off times in Idaho are one hour before the draw at 9:59 p.m. MT. Tickets can be purchased until this time. To play, your ticket must be purchased by 9:59 p.m. on drawing days.
Powerball Prizes in Idaho
Match the following numbers to win prizes:
- Match 5 main numbers + Powerball = Grand prize jackpot
- Match 5 main numbers = $1 million prize
- Match 4 main numbers + Powerball = $50,000 prize
- Match 4 main numbers = $100 prize
- Match 3 main numbers + Powerball = $100 prize
- Match 3 main numbers = $7 prize
- Match 2 main numbers + Powerball = $7 prize
- Match 1 main number + Powerball = $4 prize
- Match just the Powerball = $4 prize
The Powerball jackpot starts at $40 million and continues to grow until there is a winner. Jackpots are advertised as annuity amounts, paid out over 29 years. However, most winners choose to take the cash option, which is the lump sum amount of the jackpot prize.
Power Play in Idaho
Except for the jackpot prize, all other prize levels can be multiplied by adding the Power Play option to your Powerball ticket for an extra $1 per play. The Power Play is a random multiplier between 2X and 5X drawn before each Powerball drawing. If you win a prize (excluding the jackpot) with the Power Play added, your prize will be multiplied by the Power Play number drawn. For example, if you match 4 main numbers plus the Powerball and the Power Play number is 3X, you would win $150,000 instead of the normal $50,000 for this prize level.
Where does the Powerball money go in Idaho?
In Idaho, Powerball ticket sales are collected into the State Lottery Fund. After administrative costs are deducted, the money is distributed to various state programs and services. Here is the lottery proceeds distribution for Idaho:
- Public Schools Building Fund – 45.82%
- Permanent Building Fund – 29.17%
- Public Schools Income Fund – 12.42%
- Bond Levy Equalization Fund – 11.10%
- Juvenile Corrections Fund – 0.87%
- Water Resource Board Bonds – 0.62%
Since the Idaho Lottery began in 1989, the state has received over $993 million in dividends from lottery games like Powerball. This money supports important public services and infrastructure.
Notable Powerball wins in Idaho
There have been several big Powerball winners from Idaho over the years. Here are some of the largest Powerball prizes won in the state:
| Winner | Year | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 22 co-workers | 2018 | $1 million |
| Robert Stuart Jr. | 2017 | $2 million |
| Paul Dixon | 2016 | $1 million |
| Apple Valley Country Store | 2013 | $1 million |
| Dale and Lori Bonner | 2011 | $2 million |
The biggest Powerball prize to someone from Idaho was in 2018 when 22 co-workers from the Treasure Valley matched 5 numbers to split a $1 million prize. Each person took home $45,454 after taxes.
Odds of winning Powerball in Idaho
Powerball has odds of 1 in 292 million of winning the jackpot prize. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9. Here are the detailed odds for each Powerball prize:
| Prize | Odds |
|---|---|
| Grand Prize | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| $1 million (Match 5) | 1 in 11,688,053 |
| $50,000 (Match 4 + PB) | 1 in 913,129 |
| $100 (Match 4) | 1 in 36,525 |
| $100 (Match 3 + PB) | 1 in 14,494 |
| $7 (Match 3) | 1 in 579 |
| $7 (Match 2 + PB) | 1 in 701 |
| $4 (Match 1 + PB) | 1 in 91 |
| $4 (Match PB) | 1 in 38 |
As you can see, matching more numbers improves your odds, but even matching 3 numbers gives you a decent chance to win a small prize. The Powerball odds are the same in every jurisdiction where the game is played.
Unclaimed Powerball prizes in Idaho
Sometimes Powerball prizes go unclaimed if players do not come forward with their winning tickets before the expiration date. Unclaimed prizes in Idaho can be searched on the Idaho Lottery website. Any cash prizes over $600 that are not claimed within 180 days of the drawing are forfeited. The unclaimed funds are then returned to the lottery prize pools to fund future games and promotions.
According to Idaho Lottery rules, you have 180 days from the date of the Powerball drawing to claim your prize. To collect a prize over $600, you will need to complete a claim form and provide photo ID and your Social Security number at any Idaho Lottery office. Prizes up to $600 can be claimed at any licensed lottery retailer in Idaho. Be sure to carefully check your tickets soon after the drawing so you don’t miss out on any prizes you might have won!
Getting help with gambling problems
For most people, playing the lottery is just harmless fun. But some individuals have trouble staying in control of their gambling. Know the signs of problem gambling and get help if you need it. Warning signs may include:
- Thinking constantly about gambling
- Needing to gamble more often or with larger bets to get the same feeling
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or feelings of sadness or anxiety
- Lying to conceal gambling activities
- Jeopardizing relationships or career opportunities due to gambling
Resources are available if you think you may have a gambling addiction:
- Call the Idaho Problem Gambling Hotline: (800) 822-4700
- Visit the Idaho Council on Problem Gambling website: www.idahocouncil.org
- Seek counseling and therapy to treat gambling addiction
- Use gamblingblocking software to restrict access to gambling sites
- Tell family and friends about the problem to help control urges to gamble
Playing the lottery responsibly means having fun without putting yourself or your finances in jeopardy. If gambling is taking over your life, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Conclusion
Powerball is an exciting lottery game that offers the chance to win jackpots in the hundreds of millions. In Idaho, playing is easy – just visit any lottery retailer and purchase a Powerball ticket by the sales cutoff time one hour before the drawings on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Tickets cost $2 per play. Select five main numbers and one Powerball number to play. Match all six and you’ll hit the jackpot! Payouts start at just $4 for matching the Powerball only.
Powerball generates significant funding for education, infrastructure, and other public services in Idaho. Over $993 million has been raised for the state since 1989. While the odds of hitting the jackpot are long, it only takes one ticket to win. Check those tickets carefully and claim any prizes you win within 180 days. Play responsibly and enjoy Powerball in Idaho!
