The Powerball is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States. This multistate lottery game is coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association and players in 45 states, as well as Washington D.C, the U.S Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico can participate. The Powerball draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday night at 10:59 p.m. ET. To play, players pick five main numbers between 1-69 and one Powerball number between 1-26. Players can either choose their own numbers or let the lottery terminal randomly select the numbers through a Quick Pick.
Powerball Ticket Sales Cutoff Time in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the cutoff time to buy Powerball tickets is 10:00 p.m. ET on the night of the draw. Ticket sales will close at this time in preparation for that evening’s draw. Any ticket purchased after this deadline will instead be entered into the next Powerball draw.
So for the Wednesday night Powerball draw, players in North Carolina must purchase their ticket by 10:00 p.m. ET on that Wednesday. For the Saturday night Powerball draw, tickets must be bought by 10:00 p.m. ET on that Saturday. The ticket cutoff time applies to purchases made both online as well as at authorized NC lottery retailers.
Why the 10:00 p.m. ET Cutoff Time?
The 10:00 p.m. ET ticket cutoff time for Powerball in North Carolina corresponds with the time of the draw at 10:59 p.m. ET. This gives the NC lottery enough time to process all ticket purchases and validate entries in preparation for the live drawing. The cutoff time ensures that all ticket sales are reconciled and finalized before the winning numbers are selected.
It allows players ample time to buy tickets while also giving the lottery administrators time to finalize entries before the draw. This guarantees fairness for all participants and makes sure no late entries are accepted after the numbers are drawn. So while ticket sales close nearly an hour before the actual drawing, this buffer time is an important aspect of properly administering such a major lottery game.
Can You Buy Tickets Online After 10:00 p.m. ET?
Players in North Carolina cannot purchase Powerball tickets online via the lottery’s website after the 10:00 p.m. ET deadline. The online ticket sales portal will close at the same cutoff time as in-person sales. Any attempt to buy tickets on the internet past 10:00 p.m. will return an error message stating sales are closed and the purchase will not go through.
The NC Education Lottery utilizes geolocation services and other verification systems to enforce the strict ticket cutoff time. These safeguards block late Powerball ticket transactions, whether someone tries to buy online or uses a lottery app. So on draw nights, players should be sure to get their Powerball tickets before 10:00 p.m. or they will miss out on that particular drawing.
Can You Buy Tickets In-Person After 10:00 p.m. ET?
Purchasing Powerball tickets in-person from lottery retailers in North Carolina is also not possible after 10:00 p.m. ET. By this time on draw nights, the lottery terminals at local stores will shut down ticket sales in preparation for the upcoming drawing. Retailers are unable to process manual Powerball transactions past the cutoff time.
Attempting to buy tickets after the deadline will result in a “Sales Closed” message at lottery terminals. Some retailers may even stop Powerball sales a bit earlier than the official 10:00 p.m. cutoff as part of their closing procedures. So players are encouraged to get to retailers well in advance of 10:00 p.m. when buying tickets in person.
Why You Should Buy Tickets Early
With the 10:00 p.m. ET Powerball ticket cutoff time being strictly enforced in North Carolina, it is recommended that players buy their tickets well ahead of deadline each draw night. Purchasing entries early provides the following benefits:
- Avoids the last minute rush and lines at retailers as the cutoff time approaches
- Allows time to review your numbers and ensure there are no errors on your ticket
- Prevents the possibility of missing out if ticket sales halt earlier than expected
- Gives you options to purchase multiple tickets and compare number selections
Buying tickets early is the best way to avoid any issues that may arise right before the 10:00 p.m. deadline. It helps ensure your entries are securely in for that night’s draw.
Can You Buy Tickets for Future Draws After the Deadline?
While Powerball ticket sales close at 10:00 p.m. ET on draw nights, players in North Carolina can still purchase tickets for future drawings after this time. For instance, on Saturday night after the cutoff passes, players can still buy Powerball tickets at lottery retailers for the next Wednesday drawing and beyond.
The ticket cutoff only applies to the drawing occurring that same night. It does not restrict buying entries for subsequent Powerball drawings. Players can continue to buy tickets as normal for any drawings that are still several days or weeks away.
Key Points on the North Carolina Powerball Cutoff Time
To summarize the key points on Powerball ticket deadlines in North Carolina:
- Sales cutoff is 10:00 p.m. ET on nights of the draw
- Applies to online and in-person ticket purchases
- Strictly enforced by the lottery with sale blocking measures
- Only impacts the drawing that same evening
- Future Powerball tickets can still be purchased after the deadline
Following these rules carefully ensures your ticket entries are accounted for properly. Know the 10:00 p.m. ET Powerball cutoff time and buy your NC lottery tickets early on Wednesdays and Saturdays!
How to Buy Powerball Tickets in North Carolina
For those new to playing Powerball in North Carolina, here is a quick guide on how to purchase tickets before the cutoff time:
Online
- Visit nclottery.com and click “Buy Tickets” to access the ticket portal
- Choose the Powerball game and select your numbers manually or use Quick Pick
- Specify how many number sets (entries) you want to play
- Add tickets to your cart and complete the purchase process
In-Person
- Find an authorized NC lottery retailer in your area selling Powerball tickets
- Request your desired number of Powerball plays from the cashier or clerk
- Either choose your own numbers using a play slip or have the terminal Quick Pick your sets
- Pay for your ticket(s) and remember to keep them secure
Be sure to complete your Powerball ticket purchase by 10:00 p.m. ET on draw nights! Double check all your selected numbers and ticket details prior to the cutoff time. Good luck!
Powerball Prize Payouts in North Carolina
Here is an overview of the great prizes you can win playing Powerball in North Carolina:
| Prize Level | Match | Fixed Prize Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Prize | All 5 main numbers + Powerball | Jackpot (pari-mutuel) |
| Second Prize | All 5 main numbers | $1 million |
| Third Prize | Any 4 main numbers + Powerball | $50,000 |
| Fourth Prize | Any 4 main numbers | $100 |
| Fifth Prize | Any 3 main numbers + Powerball | $100 |
| Sixth Prize | Any 3 main numbers | $7 |
| Seventh Prize | Any 2 main numbers + Powerball | $7 |
| Eighth Prize | Any 1 main number + Powerball | $4 |
| Ninth Prize | Just the Powerball | $4 |
The Grand Prize starts at $40 million for a jackpot win. The prize grows larger based on ticket sales and rolls over if no one wins the jackpot. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9. Be sure to check your numbers carefully after draws and follow the instructions on the NC Education Lottery website for claiming significant prizes before expiration.
Where Powerball Revenue Goes in North Carolina
All proceeds from Powerball ticket sales in North Carolina go towards benefiting education in the state. The NC Education Lottery was created in 2005 to raise funds for enhancing educational opportunities across the state. By law, a minimum of 35% of revenues generated from lottery games must help fund the following programs:
- Reductions in class size
- Pre-kindergarten programs
- School construction and repairs
- Scholarships, grants, and loans
- Educational programs and support personnel
Over $8 billion has been raised so far for North Carolina education initiatives via the state lottery. When playing the Powerball and other NC lottery games, participants are contributing to many great causes that assist students, schools, teachers and local communities.
Key Facts on the Powerball Game
Here are some additional facts about the Powerball game:
- Drawings held every Wednesday and Saturday night
- Launched in 1992, first drawing held in April 1992
- Available for sale in 45 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
- Drawings televised live from Florida Lottery studios in Tallahassee, FL
- Six numbers drawn – five main numbers (white balls) plus the Powerball (red ball)
- Odds of winning the jackpot 1 in 292.2 million
- Overall odds of winning any prize 1 in 24.9
- Draw entry cutoffs enforced one hour prior to the drawing
- Prizes start at $4 for matching just the Powerball
- Jackpots roll over if no winner, growing larger each draw
Millions of players across the country take part in the multi-state Powerball game for a chance to win huge life-changing prizes. Make sure to buy your tickets in North Carolina before the 10:00 p.m. ET cutoff time on Wednesdays and Saturdays for your shot at the big jackpot!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss the Powerball ticket cutoff time in North Carolina?
If you attempt to buy a Powerball ticket in North Carolina after the 10:00 p.m. ET deadline, the transaction will not go through. Online and in-person sales are suspended at 10:00 p.m. on draw nights so any ticket purchased after this time will instead be entered into the next available Powerball drawing.
Can Powerball tickets sell out in North Carolina?
Powerball tickets do not actually sell out in the traditional sense in North Carolina. However, sales do end at the defined 10:00 p.m. ET cutoff time ahead of that night’s draw. But players can resume purchasing tickets as normal the very next day for upcoming drawings. Tickets only “sell out” for the specific drawing that evening.
What is the best day of the week to play Powerball?
There is no proven “best day” to purchase Powerball tickets in terms of your odds. The drawings are held twice a week on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Some players like to buy tickets mid-week on Wednesdays while others opt for the weekend. But in terms of winning, one drawing should theoretically be as good as any other.
What are my odds of winning Powerball in North Carolina?
The overall odds of winning any prize in the Powerball lottery are 1 in 24.9. The chances of specifically hitting the jackpot are around 1 in 292 million. While difficult, you still have a mathematical chance to win. Buying multiple tickets can help improve your odds.
Where does the Powerball jackpot money come from?
The money paid out for Powerball jackpot prizes is generated from ticket sales. A portion of each $2 ticket sold goes towards funding the jackpot prize pool. Jackpots grow to huge amounts because the prize money rolls over and accumulates if no one wins it for multiple consecutive draws.
What happens if no one wins the Powerball jackpot?
If no player matches all 6 numbers to win the Powerball jackpot, the top prize continues to roll over and increase for subsequent drawings. This creates ever-larger jackpots over periods of time when the top prize is not awarded. For example, the record $1.586 billion jackpot in 2016 rolled over for multiple months.
Can I play Powerball in North Carolina if I am not a resident?
Yes, the North Carolina lottery allows non-residents to purchase Powerball tickets when visiting the state. You can buy entries online via the lottery website or using the official lottery app. You can also purchase tickets in-person at authorized retailers while in North Carolina. Just be sure to meet the cutoff time for the drawing you wish to play.
Are Powerball prizes exempt from income tax in North Carolina?
No, Powerball prizes exceeding $5,000 in value are subject to both federal and North Carolina state income tax withholding. The lottery deducts 24% federal tax and 5.499% NC tax from winnings over $5,000. You may owe additional tax at filing time. Smaller prizes under $5,000 are tax exempt.
Conclusion
The Powerball provides fun and excitement to millions of lottery players chasing huge jackpot prizes. In North Carolina, ticket sales for Powerball drawings end at 10:00 p.m. ET on the night of the draw. This strict cutoff is enforced by the state lottery and prevents last minute purchases whether online or in-person.
To participate, be sure to buy your Powerball tickets early in North Carolina before the deadline to avoid disappointment. Know the 10:00 p.m. ET cutoff time and good luck winning a big prize payout!
