Powerball is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States, with players hoping to win massive jackpot prizes that can climb into the hundreds of millions of dollars. The game is coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association and is available in 45 states, including Missouri. Playing Powerball in Missouri costs $2 per ticket, with the option to add on features like Power Play to increase non-jackpot prizes. The price per ticket is the same across all participating states.
Powerball Basics
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game that holds drawings twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:59 PM CT. To play, players choose 5 main numbers from 1 to 69, and 1 Powerball number from 1 to 26. The Power Play add-on feature, available for an extra $1 per play, can multiply non-jackpot prize amounts. Tickets can be purchased until 9:00 PM CT on draw days.
How to Play
To play Powerball in Missouri:
- Choose 5 numbers from 1 to 69 on the playslip or have the retailer’s terminal randomly select them
- Choose 1 Powerball number from 1 to 26 or have the terminal randomly select it
- Optional: Add Power Play for an extra $1 per play to increase non-jackpot winnings
- Pay $2 per play, or $3 if adding Power Play
- Receive ticket with chosen numbers, Powerball number, and draw date
Powerball tickets can be purchased at over 3,000 retailers in Missouri. Tickets must be bought from an official retailer located within the state.
Prizes and Odds
The Powerball jackpot starts at $40 million and continues growing until a ticket matches all 6 numbers. Non-jackpot prizes range from $4 to $1 million. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9. Here are the odds per prize:
| Prize | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jackpot | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| $1 million | 1 in 11,688,053.52 |
| $50,000 | 1 in 913,129.18 |
| $100 | 1 in 91.98 |
Adding Power Play for an extra $1 per ticket can multiply non-jackpot prizes by a factor of 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times, depending on the drawing. This does not apply to the jackpot or $1 million prize.
Powerball Ticket Prices in Missouri
The cost to play Powerball is $2 per ticket in Missouri, same as in all other participating states. Here is a breakdown of Powerball ticket pricing in Missouri:
- Each standard play costs $2
- Add Power Play for an extra $1 per play to boost non-jackpot prizes
- Play up to 10 consecutive draws on one ticket by multiplying purchase amount by number of draws
- Minimum purchase is $2
- No maximum purchase limit
- Ticket price includes a 50 cent contribution to education programs in Missouri
Some examples of Powerball ticket costs in Missouri:
- Single ticket with 5 numbers + Powerball: $2
- Single ticket with Power Play: $3
- 5 plays on one ticket: $10
- 10 plays on one ticket: $20
- 20 plays on one ticket with Power Play: $60 ($3 per play x 20 plays)
Ticket prices are consistent across all authorized Missouri Powerball retailers, whether in convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, or other approved locations. Players can buy tickets in person at retailers or use options like Online Play or the official app to purchase tickets online. However, online sales have the same $2 per ticket price.
Factors Affecting Powerball Ticket Sales and Prizes in Missouri
Several factors can influence Powerball ticket sales and prizes awarded to Missouri players:
Jackpot Size
Larger Powerball jackpots tend to spur more ticket sales as the potential prize increases. When the jackpot reaches high amounts, players who don’t normally buy lottery tickets may be enticed to try their luck. This was evidenced in 2016 when a $1.586 billion jackpot drove extraordinary ticket demand across all participating states.
Changes to Game Structure or Odds
Adjustments to the game matrix or ball pool can impact the frequency of jackpot wins or overall chances of winning. For example, in 2015 the pool of main numbers expanded from 59 to 69 while the Powerball pool shrank from 35 to 26. This made jackpots bigger but overall odds longer.
Winning Streaks or Droughts
If the jackpot isn’t won for many consecutive draws, publicity around the growing prize usually boosts ticket sales. Long jackpot droughts tend to culminate in frenzied ticket demand like in 2016. On the flip side, frequent jackpot wins can dampen sales as the perceived potential declines with each successive win.
Competing Lotteries
Advertisement and jackpot levels for games like Mega Millions can siphon off some Powerball sales in Missouri when Mega Millions is very high. Cross-selling lottery products allows states to maximize revenues.
Retailer Commissions and Promotions
Retailers can drive Powerball sales through promotions, jackpot signage, and earning commissions on tickets sold. This incentivizes pushing Powerball ticket sales when jackpots are elevated.
Economy and Disposable Income
Powerball sales tend to track closely with the economy. When times are good, players have more disposable income to spend on the lottery. Weak economic conditions can suppress ticket sales.
How Lottery Revenues Are Used in Missouri
By law, all profits from the Missouri Lottery are earmarked for public education programs in the state.
Education Programs Funded
Since 1987, lottery proceeds have provided over $7 billion in funding for various education initiatives:
- K-12 public schools – The largest beneficiary, receiving aid for construction projects, transportation, and teacher retirement plans
- Higher education scholarships and grants – Includes Bright Flight, Access Missouri, A+ Schools scholarships, and more
- Early childhood education – Funding for programs like Parents as Teachers, Early Head Start, and First Steps
- Job training programs – For vocational opportunities after high school or college
Without the lottery, these programs would need to find funding elsewhere or face major cutbacks. Lottery profits provide a stable funding source.
Contribution Rates
For every $2 Powerball ticket sold in Missouri:
- 50 cents goes to retailer commissions
- 50 cents goes to education programs
- $1 goes towards prizes and administrative costs
On average, 24 cents of every dollar spent on the Missouri Lottery benefits education. Powerball sales are a major driver due to the game’s popularity and ability to offer giant jackpots.
Strategies for Playing Powerball on a Budget in Missouri
Powerball is designed to provide big jackpot thrills, even for players on a budget. Here are some tips to keep costs down:
Buy Single Tickets
Stick to quick picks or choosing your own numbers one play at a time instead of buying multiple tickets. This controls spending and still offers a chance at prizes.
Don’t Add Power Play Every Time
Power Play increases the cost to $3 per ticket. Select this feature occasionally as a splurge versus every ticket.
Split Costs with an Office Pool
Pitch in $2-$5 to a shared work pool when jackpots are very high. This lets you share possible winnings.
Set a Powerball Budget
Determine an affordable budget like $5 or $10 a week to use on Powerball tickets. Never play with rent or grocery money.
Buy When Jackpots Are Biggest
You have the best chance to win a life-changing prize when Powerball jackpots exceed $150 million or more. But stick to your budget.
Use Rewards Programs
Some Missouri retailers offer rewards programs that give you store credits for buying Powerball tickets. Ask your local retailers if they offer rewards.
Responsible Play Guidelines for Missouri Lottery Games
Like any form of gambling, playing the lottery carries a risk of developing unhealthy habits. Here are some tips from the Missouri Lottery for playing responsibly:
- Treat the money spent on tickets as entertainment, not a path to wealth
- Set a budget for lottery expenditures and stick to it
- Don’t chase losses or bet money needed for daily expenses
- Play for fun, not as a way to recover from financial troubles
- Balance lottery play time with other enjoyable activities
- Don’t play under pressure or let others push excessive spending
- Only use discretionary income, not bill or household money
If gambling becomes problematic, resources are available, including calling the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Conclusion
In Missouri, playing the popular Powerball game costs $2 per ticket. Players can boost non-jackpot prizes up to 10 times by adding the Power Play feature for an extra $1 per play. All profits from the Missouri Lottery, including Powerball sales, provide funding for education programs in the state. By following savvy strategies and responsible play guidelines, Missourians can enjoy Powerball on a budget. The lucky winner of the next massive Powerball jackpot could come from the Show Me State!
