Powerball is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States, offering jackpots that can reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Many people dream of winning big in this multi-state game. If you live in Missouri, you can easily purchase Powerball tickets online as long as you register with an authorized lottery website. Here is a step-by-step guide to playing Powerball online in Missouri.
Is It Legal to Play Powerball Online in Missouri?
Yes, it is completely legal for Missouri residents to purchase Powerball tickets online. In 2020, the state passed legislation allowing online lottery sales. As long as you play through an authorized lottery website licensed by the Missouri Lottery, you can safely and legally buy Powerball tickets over the internet.
There are currently only a handful of lottery websites authorized to sell online tickets in Missouri. These include Jackpocket, Lotto.com, and PlayAmbetter. By law, a minimum of 50% of all profits from online ticket sales go towards supporting Missouri education programs.
Requirements to Play Powerball Online in Missouri
To play Powerball online in Missouri, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Physically located within the state of Missouri when purchasing tickets
- Register for an account with an authorized lottery website
- Deposit funds to purchase tickets
You must prove your age and identity by providing your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and physical address when creating your lottery account. This ensures you meet the minimum age requirements.
You also must be physically present within the borders of Missouri to buy tickets online. Lottery websites use geolocation technology to confirm your location each time you access your account or make a ticket purchase. Under Missouri law, lottery tickets cannot be sold across state lines.
Step 1: Choose a Lottery Website
The first step is to select an authorized online lottery website to create an account with. As mentioned above, your options are currently limited to Jackpocket, Lotto.com, and PlayAmbetter in Missouri.
Jackpocket is a popular choice trusted by over 600,000 players across the United States. The app makes playing Powerball easy with a user-friendly interface. Lotto.com is another reputable option that has been selling official state lottery tickets online for years.
Take some time to explore each website and choose the one you feel most comfortable with. Make sure they clearly display approval to operate in Missouri. Consider factors like:
- Available promotional offers
- User reviews and ratings
- Customer service options
- Payment transfer times
- Mobile app availability
Select a website that meets your preferences as a player.
Step 2: Create an Account
Once you have picked a platform, you need to register for a player account. The process will require you to enter your:
- Legal name
- Residential address
- Date of birth
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
- Email address
- Phone number
You will also need to create a username and password for logging into your account. Accept the website’s terms and conditions to complete your registration.
The lottery website will use this identifying information to verify your age, identity, and residency in Missouri. It is illegal for them to sell tickets to anyone under 18 or out-of-state.
Verify Your Account
After registering, you will need to verify your new lottery account. This involves providing documents to prove your age and identity.
Common verification methods include:
- Scanning or uploading your driver’s license
- Entering your Social Security number again
- Answering identity confirmation questions
- Providing images of utility bills or bank statements showing your name and address
The site may take 1-2 days to process your verification request. You will not be able to buy any tickets until your account is fully confirmed.
Step 3: Fund Your Account
Now you must deposit money to purchase Powerball tickets online. Lottery websites offer various payment methods such as:
- Debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- PayPal
- ACH bank transfer
- Electronic checks
- Online banking payments
- Cash deposit at authorized retail locations
Review the available options and fees associated with each. Fund your account with at least $2 to cover the minimum price per Powerball play.
Use Promotions and Discounts
Look for any promotions or discounts that can help maximize your deposit. For example:
- Welcome bonuses – Some sites offer first-time matched deposits up to a certain amount (ex. 100% of $20).
- Referral bonuses – Get a bonus if you refer friends and they sign up using your link and make a deposit.
- Discount ticket bundles – Buy Powerball tickets in bulk bundles to get a discounted price per ticket.
Take advantage of any available promotions to stretch your deposit farther.
Step 4: Select Your Powerball Ticket Options
Once you have money in your account, it’s time to actually purchase Powerball tickets. Buying online provides more flexibility and convenience in choosing your numbers compared to buying in person.
Quick Pick vs Choose Your Own Numbers
You can either select your own numbers or use the Quick Pick option for random numbers:
- Quick Pick – The lottery computer will randomly assign you five main numbers (1-69) and the Powerball (1-26).
- Choose your own – Pick your own main numbers and Powerball for full control.
The odds of winning are the same for both options. Quick Pick provides a fast method if you don’t have special numbers you want to play.
Number of Plays
When buying online, you can purchase multiple Powerball plays for the same draw in advance. Pick how many consecutive draws and number of tickets per draw you want.
For example, buying 10 plays on 3 upcoming draws would give you 30 total Powerball tickets.
Multidraw Discount
Most online lottery sites offer discounts if you purchase tickets for multiple upcoming draws instead of just one. The multidraw discount provides up to 10% savings compared to buying tickets for each draw separately. Consider taking advantage of this discount to maximize the number of Powerball plays you can afford.
Subscriptions
For convenience, consider setting up a Powerball subscription so your ticket numbers automatically renew for each new draw. You can customize the subscription terms:
- Number of weeks
- Days of the week to play
- Amount to spend per draw
- Quick Pick vs choose your own numbers
Subscriptions allow you to “set and forget” your Powerball ticket purchases.
Step 5: Confirm Your Ticket Purchase
After you configure your ticket with your chosen numbers, number of plays, and draw dates, you need to complete the purchase process. Carefully review the ticket details and total cost before confirming.
Online lottery sites make it easy to scan your numbers and confirm you filled everything out correctly. Make sure your ticket includes:
- Five different main numbers between 1-69
- One Powerball number between 1-26
- Your desired number of plays
- Correct draw date(s)
Your account balance will immediately update to reflect the ticket purchase. You will receive a confirmation email with ticket details for your records.
Step 6: Watch the Draw
Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 9:59 p.m. CT. Tune in to the drawing to see if your numbers are chosen as the winning numbers!
There are a few ways to watch:
- Television – Local Missouri stations air the Powerball drawing live
- Website – Visit the Powerball website to live stream the drawing
- Mobile app – Download the official Powerball app to view the drawing
If you win a prize, your lottery account will automatically update with your winnings. For jackpots, you may need to visit a claim center in person for verification. Be sure to check the Missouri Lottery’s prize claiming page for the latest claiming requirements.
Buying Powerball Tickets Online vs In-Person
Purchasing Powerball tickets online provides some nice advantages compared to buying tickets at local retailers:
| Online Purchase | In-Person Purchase |
|---|---|
| Convenience – Play from your phone or computer 24/7 | Visit a retailer during business hours |
| Access to discounts and bulk ticket pricing | Standard ticket prices only |
| Ability to store and manage ticket orders | Must keep physical ticket safe |
| Can setup recurring ticket orders | Must purchase tickets each time |
| Prizes under $600 automatically deposited into account | Must claim in person |
However, some people may prefer making their Powerball purchases in person. Visiting a local retailer allows you to:
- Pay with cash
- Get your ticket instantly instead of waiting for transfers
- Speak to a live cashier for assistance
- Support small businesses in your community
Ultimately, choose the purchasing method that you find most convenient and enjoyable!
Powerball Rules and Odds
Before you play Powerball online, it helps to understand the game rules and odds of winning prizes:
How to Play Powerball
- Choose 5 main numbers between 1-69 and 1 Powerball number between 1-26
- Prizes are based on how many total numbers matched across main numbers and Powerball
- Match all 6 numbers to win the jackpot prize
- Tickets cost $2 per play
- Drawings held every Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Powerball Prizes and Odds
| Prize | Match | Odds (1 in) |
|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | 5 main + PB | 292,201,338 |
| $1 million | 5 main | 11,688,053 |
| $50,000 | 4 main + PB | 913,129 |
| $100 | 4 main | 36,525 |
| $100 | 3 main + PB | 14,494 |
| $7 | 3 main | 580 |
| $4 | 2 main + PB | 701 |
| $4 | 1 main + PB | 91 |
| $4 | PB only | 38 |
The odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9. Play responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Tips for Playing Powerball Online in Missouri
Use these tips to get the most out of your online Powerball experience:
- Sign up for ticket alerts – Get notified when your numbers match to avoid missing prizes
- Use both Quick Pick and choose your own numbers – Try a blend of random and special numbers
- Take advantage of promotions – Look for ways to maximize your deposits and ticket purchases
- Buy early – Purchase tickets online ahead of time before draws sell out
- Think long-term – Consistency over time gives more chances to win compared to just playing occasionally
Conclusion
Playing Powerball online is easy, convenient, and completely legal for Missouri residents when using an authorized state lottery website. Just register for an account, fund it with your preferred payment method, configure your ticket with quick pick or chosen numbers, and await the next drawing. Buying tickets over the internet provides flexibility and access to discounts you can’t get in person.
With jackpots starting at $20 million and the potential to climb to hundreds of millions, Powerball offers life-changing prizes. Pick your lucky numbers and play today from the comfort of your home. Who knows, you could be the next Missouri Powerball jackpot winner!
