The Powerball lottery is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States, offering players the chance to win huge jackpot prizes. To win the Powerball jackpot, players must match all 5 white ball numbers as well as the red Powerball number. However, players can also win smaller prizes by matching fewer numbers. So what is the prize for matching just 4 of the white ball numbers in Powerball?
How the Powerball Lottery Works
In the Powerball game, players select 5 numbers from 1-69 (the white balls) and 1 number from 1-26 (the red Powerball). To play, a ticket costs $2, or $3 with the Power Play option which can multiply non-jackpot prizes. Drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday night at 10:59 p.m. ET.
To win the jackpot, you must match all 5 white ball numbers plus the red Powerball number. The minimum Powerball jackpot begins at $40 million and continues growing until a ticket matches all 6 numbers. Jackpots can climb into the hundreds of millions before a winner is drawn.
Players can also win smaller prizes for matching some, but not all, of the numbers:
- Match 5 white balls – $1 million prize
- Match 4 white balls + Powerball – $50,000 prize
- Match 4 white balls – $100 prize
- Match 3 white balls + Powerball – $100 prize
- Match 3 white balls – $7 prize
- Match 2 white balls + Powerball – $7 prize
- Match 1 white ball + Powerball – $4 prize
- Match Powerball only – $4 prize
As you can see, matching 4 of the 5 white ball numbers wins a $100 prize in Powerball. This is one of the smaller secondary prizes available.
Odds of Matching 4 White Balls
Matching 4 of the 5 white balls is no easy feat. The odds of hitting 4 white ball numbers are 1 in 913. That means you have a 0.109% probability of matching 4 in a single play.
Here are the full Powerball odds for various prize levels:
| Match | Prize | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 5 white balls + Powerball | Jackpot | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| 5 white balls | $1 million | 1 in 11,688,053.52 |
| 4 white balls + Powerball | $50,000 | 1 in 913,129.18 |
| 4 white balls | $100 | 1 in 36,525.17 |
| 3 white balls + Powerball | $100 | 1 in 14,494.11 |
As you can see, while matching 4 numbers offers a nice $100 prize, the odds are quite high at 1 in 36,525. For perspective, that’s over 5 times less likely than matching 4 numbers + the Powerball for a $50,000 prize.
Ways to Improve Your Chances
While the odds seem daunting, there are a few things you can do to potentially improve your chances at matching 4 numbers:
Purchase multiple tickets
The easiest way is to simply buy more tickets. Each $2 Powerball ticket gives you an extra chance at hitting those 4 matching white balls. For a player buying 50 tickets, the odds of matching 4 numbers would increase to around 1 in 730.
Join a lottery pool or syndicate
Joining a lottery pool, where multiple players combine their money to purchase more tickets, can be a cost-effective way to increase your odds. 20 people combining for 100 tickets significantly increases the group’s chances.
Use a balanced ticket
Don’t choose all high or low numbers on your ticket. Mixing up your picks can help increase your chances of a 4-number match.
Take advantage of number patterns
Some people use formulas to pick numbers based on patterns, averages, and numerical combinations that can boost your probabilities ever so slightly.
Use lottery wheeling systems
Lottery wheeling systems use math and past drawings to help you pick number combinations methodically. Wheels can increase your chances of hitting 4 white balls.
While these tips may boost your probabilities to varying degrees, there is no secret trick to guarantee matching 4 numbers. In the end, Powerball is still primarily a game of chance.
Claiming Your $100 Prize
To claim a $100 Powerball prize for matching 4 numbers, you’ll need to do the following:
- Sign the back of your winning ticket – This establishes ownership.
- Check the winning numbers – Verify your numbers match the official drawing results.
- Choose cash or annuity – $100 prizes can be claimed as a lump sum or as annuity payments over time.
- Fill out a claim form – Available at lottery offices or online.
- Provide valid ID – This will be used to verify your identity, age and that you are qualified to play.
- Submit your claim – In person at a lottery office or by mail.
- Wait for your check – Once approved, your prize money will be mailed in check form within a few weeks.
Be sure to sign the back of your ticket right away and keep it very safe until ready to claim. If you happen to lose an unsigned winning ticket or have it stolen, you may be out of luck in claiming your $100 prize. Lottery offices cannot help with lost or stolen tickets.
Tax Withholding
It’s important to note that federal tax withholding applies to all lottery winnings over $600. This means 24% of your $100 prize will be immediately withheld for taxes, with the remainder issued by check. However, you may owe more at tax time. Consult a tax professional to determine your exact obligations.
Using Your $100 Powerball Prize
While $100 may pale in comparison to Powerball’s jackpots in the hundreds of millions, it’s still a nice chunk of change. Here are some fun ideas for using a $100 prize:
Play More Powerball
Why not put your $100 straight back into playing more Powerball? Buying 50 more $2 tickets could increase your odds even further in the next drawing.
Other Lottery Games
You can use your winnings to play other lottery games like Mega Millions, scratchers, Cash 5, or any state lottery games available in your area.
A Night Out
Have a nice dinner, catch a movie, play some mini golf – a $100 prize can pay for a fun date night or evening out with friends.
Save for a Rainy Day
It may not seem like much, but setting aside your $100 win in savings can help build your emergency fund.
Splurge Purchase
Use your prize cash for a little shopping therapy. Buy yourself those new shoes you’ve been eyeing or something special you wouldn’t normally buy.
Home Improvement
Put your $100 towards fixing things around the house – either a handyman service or supplies from the hardware store.
Donate to Charity
You can experience the joy of giving by donating some or all of your winnings to a charitable cause important to you.
However you choose to use your $100 Powerball prize money, enjoy it! Matching 4 out of 5 white balls is tough to do, so be sure to celebrate your win.
Increasing Your Wins
While winning $100 prizes consistently takes tremendous luck, there are things you can do to potentially increase your Powerball winnings over time:
Stick to a Budget
Only spend what you can afford on Powerball tickets. Remember, your odds of winning are extremely low. Set a sensible budget so lottery play stays fun, not financially damaging.
Join a Pool
Lottery pools allow you to spend less overall while increasing ticket quantity. More tickets means more chances at numbers matching.
Use Lucky Methods
Employ tricks like consistent numbers, significant digits, hot numbers, patterns, wheeling, or automatic lottery number generators to boost your potential payouts.
Play Power Play
Spend the extra $1 per ticket to activate Power Play. It can multiply your non-jackpot winnings by up to 10 times.
Sign Your Tickets
Immediately sign the back of tickets after purchase and keep them very safe. This ensures you can claim any prizes won.
Check Results
Be sure to check the latest Powerball results after every drawing. Approximately $2 million in prizes go unclaimed each year because players don’t check tickets.
With persistence and luck, your $100 wins could slowly start adding up. Just remember to always play responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do 4 matching numbers pay in Powerball?
Matching 4 out of 5 white balls in Powerball pays a fixed prize of $100. This does not include the red Powerball number.
What are the chances of getting 4 Powerball numbers?
The odds of matching 4 white numbers in Powerball are 1 in 36,525. This gives you about a 0.11% chance of hitting 4 numbers in a single $2 ticket.
Can you win money for 3 numbers in Powerball?
Yes, matching just 3 white numbers wins a $7 prize. Matching 2 numbers plus the Powerball also wins $7. Overall, there are 9 ways to win prizes in Powerball.
Has anyone ever won Powerball with 4 numbers?
While no one has won the jackpot with only 4 numbers, thousands of people win the $100 prize for matching 4 white balls every year. At minimum, several players hit 4 numbers in each drawing.
What is the best way to play Powerball?
There is no secret strategy to win Powerball every time. But you can improve your odds by playing more tickets across drawings, joining a pool, using a balanced number selection, and taking advantage of Power Play.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key points to remember about winning $100 for matching 4 numbers in Powerball:
- Hitting 4 out of 5 white balls wins a $100 set prize.
- The odds are about 1 in 36,525 for matching 4 numbers.
- To have the best shot, buy multiple tickets across drawings.
- Sign the back of tickets immediately after purchase.
- Check results carefully after each drawing.
- Claim winnings within the required timeframe.
- Consult a tax pro about withholdings on your $100 prize.
- Have fun spending your $100 Powerball cash!
Conclusion
Winning $100 for matching 4 of 5 white balls in Powerball can be a thrilling experience. While the odds are high, players have a reasonable shot at hitting 4 numbers if they play consistently. A $100 prize may not seem huge, but it can still be used for entertainment, savings, or everyday expenses. Following the right strategies and tips can help boost your chances of winning. Just remember to always play responsibly. And be sure to let the Powerball excitement begin as you put your $100 in winnings back into more tickets for the next drawing!
