The Powerball is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States, offering millions of dollars in jackpot prizes. In New Jersey, the Powerball can be played at authorized retailers across the state. However, there is a specific cut-off time for ticket purchases that players need to be aware of. Knowing the Powerball sales cutoff time in New Jersey is important so you don’t miss your chance to play.
Powerball Overview
The Powerball game is coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association and is available in 45 states, as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Here are some key details about the Powerball game:
- Powerball drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday evening at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- To play, players select five main numbers between 1-69 and one Powerball number between 1-26.
- The minimum jackpot is $40 million. Jackpots roll over if there is no grand prize winner, allowing the top prize to climb into the hundreds of millions.
- Players can multiply non-jackpot prizes up to 10 times with the Power Play option for an extra $1 per play.
- Odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.
- Tickets cost $2 per play. For an additional $1 per play, you can activate the Power Play option to increase non-jackpot winnings.
As one of the nation’s most popular lotteries, Powerball generates significant excitement when jackpots escalate to astronomical levels. Even without the jackpot, there are nine other prize tiers offering payouts ranging from $4 to $2 million.
New Jersey Lottery
The New Jersey Lottery has participated in Powerball since the game began in 1992. Here is some background on the New Jersey Lottery:
- The New Jersey Lottery began in 1970.
- It provides funding to state institutions and education programs.
- In FY 2022, the lottery generated over $1.04 billion in revenue.
- Over $994 million was contributed to state causes from lottery revenues.
- New Jersey offers multi-state games Powerball and Mega Millions, along with numerous in-state game options.
As a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association, New Jersey sells tickets for both Powerball and Mega Millions. These games produce substantial revenue for the state, so there are specific rules and cut-off times for ticket purchases.
New Jersey Powerball Cut-Off Time
In New Jersey, the cut-off time to buy Powerball tickets is 10:00 p.m. EST on the night of the drawing.
Retailers are required to stop selling Powerball tickets at 10:00 p.m. EST sharp. The drawing is held later that same night at 10:59 p.m. EST. This provides a 59 minute gap between the sales cutoff and drawing.
So for both the Wednesday and Saturday Powerball drawings, players in New Jersey must purchase their tickets by 10:00 p.m. EST. You cannot wait until later in the evening to buy tickets. The 10:00 p.m. EST cutoff is strictly enforced at all New Jersey lottery retailers.
If you attempt to purchase tickets after 10:00 p.m., the lottery terminals will not allow the transaction. The cut-off time in New Jersey is earlier than some other states. For example, Powerball sales end at 10:45 p.m. EST in New York on draw nights. But in New Jersey, players must act earlier to get their Powerball tickets.
You can purchase Powerball tickets in person at authorized lottery retailers in New Jersey. Options include convenience stores, gas stations, supermarkets and pharmacies. You can also use the NJ Lottery app to buy tickets online if you are within New Jersey state boundaries. When using the app, your ticket purchases must be completed before 10:00 p.m. to be eligible for that night’s drawing.
The 10:00 p.m. EST cutoff time applies to all Powerball tickets, whether you are buying individual plays or multiples draws. Some key points about New Jersey’s Powerball ticket cutoff time:
- The cut-off applies to both Wednesday and Saturday drawings.
- Tickets cannot be purchased after 10:00 p.m. EST – sales become disabled.
- The drawing is held 59 minutes later at 10:59 p.m. EST.
- You can buy tickets in person or on the NJ Lottery app if within state boundaries.
- All ticket purchases must be completed by 10:00 p.m. EST.
So if you want a chance to win the rolling Powerball jackpot on either drawing night, don’t wait until the last minute. Be sure to buy your Powerball tickets in New Jersey by 10:00 p.m. EST. Keep this ticket sales cutoff time in mind so you never miss out on a historic jackpot!
Purchasing Tickets On Drawing Days
On both Powerball drawing days, Wednesdays and Saturdays, tickets go on sale at 6:00 a.m local time in New Jersey. This corresponds to 7:00 a.m. EST since New Jersey observes Eastern Time. You can begin purchasing Powerball tickets first thing in the morning once lottery terminals are activated.
Sales remain continuous throughout the day every Wednesday and Saturday. As discussed above, sales end promptly at 10:00 p.m. EST in New Jersey on drawing days. This provides a 16 hour window for Powerball ticket sales in the state on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
You have from 7:00 a.m. EST until 10:00 p.m. EST to buy your Powerball tickets either in person or through the NJ Lottery app. The busiest period is typically right before the 10:00 p.m. cutoff as people rush to get their tickets before sales end. Expect longer lines at retailers as drawing time approaches.
If you want to avoid the pre-cutoff rush, the best advice is to buy Powerball tickets earlier in the day. You can purchase tickets first thing in the morning or at any point throughout the afternoon or evening. Just keep the 10:00 p.m. EST cutoff in mind.
As long as you complete your Powerball ticket purchase by 10:00 p.m. EST, your tickets will be eligible for that night’s drawing. If you are buying tickets in a retailer, get in line well before 10:00 p.m. to ensure you make the cutoff. When using the NJ Lottery app, be sure to complete your purchase by 10:00 p.m. EST.
To recap, Powerball ticket sales on drawing days begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at 10:00 p.m. EST in New Jersey. You have a 16 hour window to get your tickets. But don’t wait too long before the 10:00 p.m. cutoff if you want to avoid the last minute rush. Get your tickets early to ensure you don’t miss out on a chance at that massive jackpot!
Checking Powerball Results
Once you have your Powerball ticket, you’ll want to check the drawing results to see if you won a prize. Here are some tips for checking Powerball numbers in New Jersey:
- The Powerball drawing is held at 10:59 p.m. EST on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Results are typically posted within five minutes after the drawing at NJLottery.com.
- You can also find results at authorized lottery retailers in New Jersey.
- Check the NJ Lottery app which will display the latest results.
- News media outlets report the Powerball numbers right after the live drawing.
- Always check your own ticket – don’t rely solely on sources to confirm wins.
The quickest way to check results is through the official NJ Lottery website or mobile app. Results are posted almost immediately after the balls are drawn. You can also watch the live Powerball drawing online or on TV.
When checking results, be sure the numbers match the draw date on your ticket. It’s easy to confuse the dates, so take care to verify you have the correct winning numbers. Remember that Powerball has a 59 minute cutoff time in New Jersey, so make sure you aren’t looking at numbers from the previous drawing.
If you purchased multiple Powerball tickets, organize them in order by draw date to simplify the checking process. Scan each ticket carefully and match your numbers to the official results one-by-one. Never rely on quick picks or stores to confirm your wins – always check the numbers directly on your physical or digital ticket.
After verifying a win, sign the back of your ticket if it’s a physical copy. This establishes you as the rightful owner. Next, call the New Jersey Lottery at (800) 222-0996 to confirm your win and receive detailed claim instructions. For substantial wins over $599, you will need to claim in person at NJ Lottery headquarters in Trenton.
By using these tips, you can quickly check Powerball numbers following each drawing. Just remember the 10:00 p.m. EST ticket cutoff and always double-check results against your own ticket. This will ensure you never miss a major or minor win from the Powerball game!
Claiming Powerball Prizes
If your Powerball ticket has a winning combination of numbers, you will need to claim your prize. Here is an overview of how to claim Powerball prizes in New Jersey:
- For prizes under $599, you can claim at any NJ Lottery retailer.
- Prizes $599 to $99,999 must be claimed at a NJ Lottery claim center.
- Jackpots and prizes over $100,000 must be claimed at NJ Lottery headquarters in Trenton.
- You have one year from the draw date to claim your prize.
- Bring a photo ID and your original ticket when claiming in person.
- The claim process is done electronically – you keep your original ticket.
Always sign the back of your winning ticket and keep it safe until you are ready to claim. If you lose an unsigned winning ticket, anyone can claim the prize. When claiming a jackpot or large prize over $100,000, you may choose to form a trust or limited liability company to keep your identity private.
Smaller prizes under $599 make up the majority of Powerball wins. You can conveniently claim these at any authorized NJ Lottery retailer around the state. For substantial sums between $600 to $99,999, you will need to visit one of the seven regional claim centers in person. Be sure to call ahead for appointment availability.
Jackpot winners and those lucky enough to win $100,000 or more must claim at NJ Lottery headquarters in Trenton. You’ll need to schedule an appointment to complete the verification and paperwork process with a representative.
No matter the size of your Powerball prize in New Jersey, remember you have exactly one year from the draw date to claim. If you wait longer than that, you forfeit your winnings! Follow the claiming steps carefully to ensure you walk away with every penny of your Powerball jackpot or prize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Powerball’s cutoff time in New Jersey:
Can I buy a Powerball ticket after 10:00 p.m. in New Jersey?
No, Powerball ticket sales end promptly at 10:00 p.m. EST in New Jersey on drawing nights. The lottery terminals will not allow ticket sales after this time.
What happens if I am in line at 10:00 p.m.?
If you are in line at a retailer before 10:00 p.m. and have not yet purchased tickets, you will be allowed to buy tickets. However, ticket sales will stop immediately after the 10:00 p.m. cutoff.
Can I buy tickets online after 10:00 p.m.?
No, online ticket sales also stop at 10:00 p.m. EST in New Jersey. You must complete your purchase on the NJ Lottery app before this time.
When does the Powerball drawing take place?
The Powerball drawing is held at 10:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday and Saturday nights, 59 minutes after ticket sales end in New Jersey.
How soon can I see the Powerball drawing results?
Results are typically posted within 5 minutes after the drawing at NJLottery.com and the mobile app. You can also watch the drawing on local TV stations.
Conclusion
In New Jersey, Powerball ticket sales end at 10:00 p.m. EST on drawing nights. This cutoff time is strictly enforced, so make sure you get your tickets before sales close at 10:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Buying tickets early in the day can help avoid the pre-cutoff rush. Always check your own ticket to confirm wins and claim prizes within one year. By following New Jersey’s Powerball rules and cutoff times, you can play the game seamlessly and cash in when your numbers hit!
