The Powerball lottery is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States. Players pick 5 main numbers from 1 to 69, and 1 Powerball number from 1 to 26. To win the jackpot prize, players must match all 5 main numbers and the Powerball. However, there are also smaller prizes available for matching some of the numbers. So what is the Powerball prize for matching 4 numbers?
Powerball Prizes Overview
Here is a quick overview of the Powerball prizes:
- Match 5 numbers and the Powerball – Jackpot prize
- Match 5 numbers only – $1 million prize
- Match 4 numbers and the Powerball – $50,000 prize
- Match 4 numbers only – $100 prize
- Match 3 numbers and the Powerball – $100 prize
- Match 3 numbers only – $7 prize
- Match 2 numbers and the Powerball – $7 prize
- Match 1 number and the Powerball – $4 prize
- Match the Powerball only – $4 prize
As you can see, matching 4 main numbers without the Powerball offers a $100 prize. This is a nice little prize, but it is quite small compared to prizes like the jackpot and the $1 million prize for matching 5 main numbers.
Odds of Winning $100 for Matching 4 Numbers
The odds of winning $100 by matching 4 numbers in Powerball are about 1 in 913. That means if you buy 913 Powerball tickets, you can expect to win the $100 prize about once on average. Here is a breakdown of the odds:
- There are 69 main numbers to choose from
- You need to match 4 of them
- The odds of matching 4 specific numbers is 1 in 13,983,816 (calculated by 69*68*67*66/4*3*2*1)
- Since the order doesn’t matter, the odds improve to 1 in 913 (calculated by 13,983,816 / 26 * 25 * 24)
As you can see, the odds are quite high. Matching 4 numbers is not easy, but it can result in a nice little prize of $100.
Strategies for Winning $100 Prize
Here are some strategies you can use to improve your chances of winning the $100 prize for matching 4 numbers:
- Play multiple tickets – This increases your odds as you have more chances to match 4 numbers
- Use quick picks – This ensures your number selections are random
- Avoid consecutive numbers – Spread your picks across the number field
- Avoid all odd or all even numbers – Mix odd and even numbers
- Cover different number groups – Make sure your picks cover 1-30, 31-50, etc
- Use birthdays – Some people use lucky numbers from birth dates
- Check hot and cold numbers – See which numbers are frequently or infrequently drawn
These strategies can help, but luck also plays a big role. Powerball has pretty steep odds, so patience and persistence are needed when trying to win.
Payout Options
If you are lucky enough to match 4 numbers and win $100, you will have two options for collecting your prize:
- Cash option – You get your full $100 prize immediately in cash.
- Annuity option – You get your $100 spread out over 29 annual payments. Each payment would be about $3.45 before taxes.
The cash option is the most common choice, since a $100 prize is so small. The annuity option isn’t really practical for such a small amount.
Taxes on $100 Prize
Whether you take the cash or annuity, your $100 Powerball prize will be subject to both federal and state taxes. Here is how it works:
- Federal tax: You must pay 24% in federal tax. This equals $24 on a $100 prize.
- State tax: State taxes vary, but are around 5% on average. This equals around $5 on a $100 prize.
- After taxes: You are left with about $71 from your $100 Powerball prize.
The good news is that the lottery withholds taxes automatically before paying out the prize. So you don’t have to worry about handling the tax paperwork.
Claiming the $100 Prize
To claim a $100 Powerball prize, you need to do the following:
- Sign the back of your winning ticket immediately.
- Keep your ticket safe until ready to claim.
- Bring your ticket to an authorized lottery retailer or lottery office.
- Fill out a claim form and show valid photo ID.
- If your prize is over $600, also provide your Social Security number.
- Decide if you want cash or annuity payment.
- Your claim will be processed and winnings paid, minus taxes.
Make sure to claim your $100 prize within the required timeframe. For Powerball, you have 180 days from the draw date to claim. Otherwise your prize expires!
What to Do If You Lose Your Ticket
Losing your winning ticket is one of the worst feelings. Unfortunately, without the original ticket, you cannot claim a prize. However, here are some tips if you misplace your $100 winner:
- Retrace your steps – Carefully go back to all the places you think you may have lost the ticket.
- Look through belongings – Search through your wallet, bags, car, office desk, etc.
- Call lottery – Some lotteries can help verify a winning ticket with info from the retailer.
- Contact retailer – If you know the store, they may be able to review transactions and security footage.
- Run an ad – Place an ad offering a reward for returning your lost ticket.
If all else fails, unfortunately the lottery will keep your unclaimed $100 prize. But next time be sure to sign your ticket right after purchase and keep it very safe until claiming!
Using Lottery Winnings Wisely
While $100 may not seem like a life-changing amount of money, it’s still a great Powerball prize. Here are some smart ways to use your $100 lottery windfall:
- Save it – Put the $100 directly into your savings account.
- Pay down debt – Use it make an extra loan or credit card payment.
- Invest it – Put the $100 into an IRA, stocks, bonds, etc.
- Spend it – Treat yourself to something special like a nice dinner out.
- Donate it – Give the $100 to a charity you support.
No matter what you decide, just remember your tax bill and try not to spend the entire $100. Saving or investing even part of the money can help it grow.
Fun Facts About Winning $100 Prizes
Here are some interesting tidbits about scoring a $100 prize in the Powerball lottery:
- Your odds of winning $100 are 1,000 times greater than your odds of winning the jackpot.
- About 1 in every 43 Powerball tickets sold wins a $100 prize.
- Players win around $40 million total in $100 prizes annually.
- The $100 prize has been around since Powerball began in 1992.
- A family in NC once won $100 prizes 52 times on tickets bought from the same store.
So while the $100 prize may be modest compared to Powerball’s biggest jackpots, it has delivered quite a bit of excitement to players over the years!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about winning $100 for matching 4 numbers in Powerball:
Can you win more than once on the $100 prize?
Yes, you can definitely win multiple $100 prizes over time. Each Powerball drawing is a completely separate event, so you could potentially match 4 numbers in multiple drawings.
Are the odds of winning $100 in different states?
No, the odds are the same across all participating states. Powerball operates as one big national game, so the odds don’t vary for different states.
Do retailers get part of $100 prizes?
No, retailers do not get any portion of $100 prizes. Retailers only get a commission from ticket sales. The prizes fully go to the winning players.
Can you remain anonymous if you win $100?
Rules for remaining anonymous as a prize winner vary by state. Some states allow you to claim smaller prizes like $100 anonymously. But other states require your name be publicly released regardless of prize amount.
Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to claim a $100 prize?
No, U.S. citizenship is not required. Both citizens and non-citizens can claim Powerball prizes. The only requirement is you must be physically located in an eligible lottery jurisdiction when buying your ticket.
The Bottom Line
Matching 4 numbers is a nice way to win $100 playing Powerball. Just don’t count on winning that $100 prize frequently, since the odds are about 1 in 913. Have fun dreaming about what you might do with that $100, even if it’s not quitting your job money. From time to time, a Benjamin might land in your pocket thanks to your lucky Lotto numbers!
