The next Powerball drawing in Wisconsin will be held on Wednesday night at 9:59 p.m. Central Time. Powerball drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday evening in Wisconsin.
How to Play Powerball in Wisconsin
To play Powerball in Wisconsin, players must be at least 18 years old. Tickets can be purchased for $2 at over 3,000 retailers across the state. Players select five main numbers between 1-69 and one Powerball number between 1-26. The Power Play add-on feature can also be purchased for an additional $1 per play to multiply non-jackpot prizes.
To win the Powerball jackpot, players must match all five main numbers and the Powerball number. The minimum Wisconsin Powerball jackpot starts at $40 million and continues growing until a winning ticket is sold. Prizes can be claimed up to 180 days after the drawing date.
Wisconsin Powerball Drawings
Powerball drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday night at 9:59 p.m. CT. Here is the schedule for upcoming Powerball drawings in Wisconsin:
| Drawing Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|
| November 2, 2022 | Wednesday |
| November 5, 2022 | Saturday |
| November 9, 2022 | Wednesday |
| November 12, 2022 | Saturday |
| November 16, 2022 | Wednesday |
To play the next Powerball drawing on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, tickets must be purchased by 9:00 p.m. CT on drawing night. Tickets can be purchased in person at authorized retailers or online through the Wisconsin Lottery website or mobile app.
Wisconsin Powerball Winners
Since Powerball expanded to Wisconsin in 1992, there have been several major jackpot winners in the state:
- In March 2019, a Milwaukee resident won a $768.4 million Powerball jackpot, the third largest in U.S. lottery history at the time.
- In June 2016, a Hartland resident won a $487 million Powerball prize.
- In August 2006, twelve coworkers in West Allis split a $208 million jackpot.
- In August 2003, a group of 17 hospital workers in Watertown shared a $214 million Powerball prize.
In addition to these huge jackpots, there have been many Wisconsin winners of $1 million or $2 million Powerball prizes over the years. With strong Powerball sales, Wisconsin residents have excellent odds of winning a major prize.
Purchasing Powerball Tickets in Wisconsin
Powerball tickets can be purchased at thousands of authorized retailers across Wisconsin, including gas stations, grocery stores, convenience stores, and more. Players can also purchase tickets online at http://wilottery.com for Powerball drawings on Wednesday and Saturday nights.
To buy Powerball tickets in person:
- Find an authorized Wisconsin Lottery retailer. Retailers can be located using the retailer locator at http://wilottery.com.
- Ask for a Powerball quick pick or complete a play slip to select your own numbers.
- Pay $2 per Powerball play. Each play has 5 main numbers (1-69) and the Powerball (1-26).
- Optional: Add Power Play for $1 more per play to increase non-jackpot prizes.
- Check your ticket to ensure it reflects your selections accurately.
To purchase tickets online:
- Create an account at http://wilottery.com.
- Select the Powerball game.
- Choose your numbers manually or select Quick Pick.
- Indicate how many draws/weeks you’d like to play.
- Add to cart and complete transaction.
- Print or save your ePlays after purchase.
Claiming Powerball Prizes in Wisconsin
For prizes under $599, Wisconsin Powerball winners can redeem their tickets at any authorized lottery retailer. Retailers can cash tickets up to $600 or the retailer’s individual cashing limit.
For prizes over $599, tickets must be claimed at one of the Wisconsin Lottery’s regional offices or by mail. Here are the steps for redeeming larger prizes:
- Sign the back of the winning ticket immediately.
- Keep the ticket in a safe place and consider making a copy for your records.
- Call or visit a Wisconsin Lottery office to begin the claims process.
- Complete a claim form and IRS tax forms if required.
- Submit valid photo ID and Social Security or tax identification number.
- Allow up to 45 days for your claim to be reviewed and processed.
The Wisconsin Lottery currently has claimant centers in Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Wausau. Powerball jackpot prizes may have a longer claim review period before release of funds.
Wisconsin Powerball Game Details and History
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game formed in 1992 as Lotto America, renaming Powerball in 1997. Wisconsin became a participating member in 1992. Powerball jackpots start at $40 million and rollover when there is no jackpot winner. Drawings are held at 9:59 p.m. CT every Wednesday and Saturday.
To play Powerball, select 5 numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball from 1 to 26. Players can multiply non-jackpot prizes up to 10 times with the Power Play add-on for $1 more per play. Tickets cost $2 per play, or $3 with Power Play added.
The overall odds of winning a Powerball prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 292 million. Powerball is coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) with member lotteries like the Wisconsin Lottery.
Some key dates in Wisconsin Powerball history:
- June 1988 – Wisconsin approves lottery amendment to state constitution.
- September 1989 – First Wisconsin lottery tickets sold.
- April 1992 – Powerball begins in Wisconsin.
- March 2019 – $768.4 million Powerball jackpot won in Wisconsin.
Powerball generates significant funding for Wisconsin public programs and services. Over $1 billion in lottery ticket sales and $300 million in property tax relief funding comes from Powerball each year in Wisconsin.
Odds of Winning Powerball
The overall odds of winning a prize in Powerball are 1 in 24.9. The odds for winning each prize level are as follows:
| Prize Level | Odds |
|---|---|
| Match 5 + Powerball Jackpot | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| Match 5 (no Powerball) | 1 in 11,688,053.52 |
| Match 4 + Powerball | 1 in 913,129.18 |
| Match 4 (no Powerball) | 1 in 36,525.17 |
| Match 3 + Powerball | 1 in 14,494.11 |
| Match 3 (no Powerball) | 1 in 579.76 |
| Match 2 + Powerball | 1 in 701.33 |
| Match 1 + Powerball | 1 in 91.98 |
| Match Powerball | 1 in 38.32 |
A player’s overall chances of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9. With strong overall odds, Wisconsin Powerball players have an excellent chance to win a prize.
Powerball Jackpot Rollover
When the Powerball jackpot is not won, the prize money rolls over into the next drawing. This creates larger and larger jackpots over time as the rollover continues with no winners. Rollovers help create huge Powerball jackpots.
For a Powerball jackpot to be won, players must match all 5 main numbers (1-69) and the Powerball (1-26). If no tickets match all 6 numbers in a drawing, the jackpot rolls over into the next drawing.
Jackpots grow bigger with each consecutive rollover. For example, a $40 million minimum jackpot can roll to $60 million, then $80 million, and beyond with no winner. Powerball jackpots often reach the hundreds of millions before a ticket matches all 6 numbers.
The record Powerball jackpot reached $1.586 billion in January 2016 before a winning ticket was sold in California. Other large jackpots fueled by multiple rollovers include $768.4 million in 2019 and $758.7 million in 2017.
Rollover jackpots result in increased game sales and excitement. When the advertised annuitized jackpot reaches $100 million or more, ticket sales surge with players hoping to win big. Wisconsin sees major sales increases when the Powerball jackpot rolls into mega-millions territory.
Taxes on Powerball Prizes
Powerball prizes are subject to both federal and state taxes. Wisconsin also requires mandatory income tax withholding on lottery prizes over $2,000.
Federal taxes: Powerball prizes are subject to 24% mandatory federal tax withholding. This applies to the annuitized prize value, not just the cash option amount. Jackpots are taxed at the highest 37% federal rate.
State taxes: Wisconsin income tax is 7.65% for the highest tax bracket. This may apply for large Powerball prizes. Non-residents pay a lower 4.85% state tax on Wisconsin lottery winnings.
Tax withholding: For Powerball prizes over $2,000 in Wisconsin, the state lottery is required to withhold state tax at a rate of 5%, federal tax at 24%, and may withhold up to 7% more for the top tax bracket.
Other taxes like those for Social Security and Medicare may also apply to Powerball prizes. Winners should consult a tax professional to understand tax obligations on lottery prizes.
Powerball Winnings Cash Options
For Powerball jackpots, players have the choice between the annuitized prize paid over 29 years or the cash option paid in a lump sum. Almost all winners take the cash option.
The annuitized prize pays the full jackpot amount in graduated payments over 29 years. The cash option value is approximately 50-70% of the advertised jackpot. This single payment is subject to taxes.
Here are the advertised annuitized prize and estimated cash values for sample Powerball jackpots:
| Jackpot | Annuitized | Estimated Cash Value |
|---|---|---|
| $100 million | $100 million | $61.7 million |
| $500 million | $500 million | $308.6 million |
| $1 billion | $1 billion | $617.2 million |
Winners should consult financial advisors to determine if the cash or annuity option better suits their needs. But the immediate lump sum is usually preferred.
Using Lottery Winnings Responsibly
It’s important for Powerball winners to use their lottery prizes responsibly. Some tips include:
- Remain anonymous if allowed. Only 6 states let winners stay anonymous to avoid public attention.
- Work with financial planners and investment advisors.
- Pay off any existing debts.
- Set aside money for taxes to avoid end-of-year obligations.
- Create trust funds and educational funds for family.
- Don’t make large purchases right away. Take time to plan.
- Talk to estate planning and tax attorneys.
- Live within your means and budget wisely.
- Be generous to others but watch for scams.
Millions of dollars in lottery winnings can be life-changing. Setting priorities and getting professional help leads to the most positive outcomes.
Conclusion
Playing the next Powerball drawing is exciting for Wisconsin residents dreaming of a huge jackpot prize. Drawings take place every Wednesday and Saturday night. Tickets can be bought in person at authorized retailers or online through the state lottery. Players select 5 main numbers and 1 Powerball for a chance to win jackpots starting at $40 million. Rollovers cause jackpots to climb higher when no ticket matches all 6 numbers. Taxes and responsible financial planning are important considerations for winners. With strong overall odds and frequent winners, Wisconsin players will continue looking ahead to the next Powerball drawing.
