How Late Can You Buy a Powerball Ticket?

Written by Jackpot Staff

December 18, 2024

Powerball is one of the most widely recognized lottery games in the United States, offering massive jackpots that attract millions of hopeful participants. However, knowing when ticket sales close in your state is essential to ensure you don’t miss your chance to play, especially when there’s a significant prize on the line. The deadline for buying Powerball tickets depends on your state, but is typically one to two hours before the drawing.

How Late Is Too Late?

If you’ve ever rushed to buy a Powerball ticket at the last minute, you’re not alone. The drawing itself happens at 10:59 p.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, but each state has its own rules about when ticket sales close.

For example, in states operating in the Eastern Time Zone, you’ll usually have until around 9:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET to purchase a ticket. States in the Central Time Zone cut off sales around 8:59 p.m. CT, while states in the Mountain and Pacific Time Zones often stop sales much earlier, sometimes as early as 6:45 p.m. PT. Understanding these state-specific rules can help you plan ahead and avoid disappointment.

State-Specific Ticket Purchase Deadlines

Eastern Time Zone States

States in the Eastern Time Zone generally allow ticket sales until just before 10:00 p.m. ET, although a few states have slightly earlier cutoff times:

• New York, Florida, Virginia: Sales close at 10:00 p.m. ET.
• Delaware: Ticket sales end a little earlier at 9:45 p.m. ET.
• North Carolina: Online sales stop at 9:57 p.m. ET, while in-store purchases can be made until 9:59 p.m. ET.

Central Time Zone States

In the Central Time Zone, cutoff times are typically set around 8:59 p.m. CT, ensuring plenty of time before the drawing:

• Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri: These states all close sales at 8:59 p.m. CT.
• Nebraska, Texas: Sales end slightly later at 9:00 p.m. CT.

Mountain and Pacific Time Zone States

Because these states operate on earlier schedules relative to the drawing time, their cutoff times can be a bit earlier, based on the drawing time:

• Colorado: Ticket sales close at 7:30 p.m. MT, giving players less time to secure their tickets.
• California, Oregon: These Pacific Time Zone states end sales at 7:00 p.m. PT.
• Washington: With the earliest deadline in the country, ticket sales in Washington stop at 6:45 p.m. PT.

Key Considerations for Powerball Ticket Purchases

When it comes to Powerball, timing is everything. Missing the ticket sales deadline by even a few minutes can mean losing the chance to win millions. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

• State-Specific Rules Matter: Each state determines its own cutoff time for ticket sales. While most states follow similar schedules, a few have unique rules, so double-check your state’s lottery guidelines.
• Online Purchases Are Limited: Availability to buy Powerball tickets online can be limited depending on which state you live in. Here’s a breakdown by state of where you can buy lottery tickets online through Jackpot.com versus where you’ll need to buy in person.
• Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute to buy your ticket. As jackpots grow, lines at retailers can become longer, and online platforms may experience heavy traffic, increasing the risk of missing the deadline.
• Retailer Hours Vary: While state lotteries set official cutoff times, some retailers may stop selling tickets earlier depending on their business hours.
• Time Zone Awareness Is Crucial: Players in western states need to be mindful of their earlier cutoff times compared to the official 10:59 p.m. ET drawing schedule.

By keeping these factors in mind and planning ahead, you can maximize your chances of participating in Powerball without the stress of last-minute scrambles.