How to Check If You Won Powerball | Easy Steps to Verify Your Ticket

Bought a Powerball ticket? Here’s how to find out if you’re a winner.

I would like to point out that verifying your ticket accurately is crucial. Mistakes, such as using the incorrect draw date, misreading your numbers, or relying on unofficial sources, can result in a lost prize. In this guide, you’ll find simple, error-free steps to check your ticket properly, ensuring every match counts and you don’t miss any payout.

If you want the most up-to-date winning numbers, start with our detailed numbers post: Powerball Winning Numbers for June 25, 2025.

Step‑by‑Step | How to Check Your Powerball Ticket

Step 1: Find the Drawing Date

Every Powerball ticket displays the specific draw date. Powerball drawings occur three times weekly: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time. It is essential to match the date printed on your ticket with the official Powerball draw date. Tickets are only valid for the draw date listed, and matching numbers against the wrong date will lead to disappointment.

Step 1: Get the Official Winning Numbers

Once you know your draw date, obtain the official winning numbers from trusted sources only:

• Powerball.com: The official website offers winning numbers, prize breakdowns, and jackpot amounts.
• State lottery websites and apps: Locate official state-linked mobile apps (e.g., NY, CA, FL lotteries) that publish results and often allow barcode scanning.
• TV broadcast: Many local stations air live drawings or post the results immediately afterward.
• Retailers: Authorized lottery outlets usually display winning numbers on monitors or printed sheets.
• Internal reference: You can also refer to our coverage page, such as Powerball Winning Numbers for June 25, 2025.

For the June 25 draw, the official numbers were:
2 – 12 – 37 – 51 – 61, Powerball 22, with Power Play 3×.

Step 3: Compare Numbers

Your Powerball ticket includes five white-ball numbers (1–69) and one red “Powerball” (1–26). The order does not matter; your numbers just need to match the set exactly. A mismatch in order is fine, but every number must appear.

For example, if your ticket shows 2, 12, 37, 61, 51, you have an exact match for the white balls, and if you have 22 for the Powerball, that’s the winning combination.

Step 4: Determine If You Won

Once you have matched your numbers, check your prize tier:

In the June 25 draw, there were no jackpot or $1 million winners. However, several players matched 4 + Powerball, each winning $50,000, and tens of thousands won smaller prizes of $4 and $7 each.

Use Online Tools & Apps

Checking manually can lead to human error. Here are tools that streamline the process:

• Official state lottery checkers: Many official state websites or mobile apps allow you to manually input numbers or scan your ticket to see if you’ve won.
• Third-party apps: Apps such as Lotto.com, Jackpocket, or the official Powerball app automatically check your numbers.
• Barcode scanning: Some apps provide barcode scanning of your ticket to confirm matches instantly and securely.

These tools reduce mistakes and ensure you identify even small prizes automatically.

What to Do If You Win

Small Prizes (Under $600):

• You can claim prizes up to $599 at your local authorized retailer. They will scan your ticket and provide the payout directly.

Larger Prizes ($600 or More):

1. Sign the back of your ticket to ensure you are the rightful owner.
2. Visit a lottery office: bring your signed ticket, valid photo identification, and any necessary forms.
3. Consider getting legal or financial advice for major prizes, particularly jackpots.
4. Deadline: Most states require claims within 90 days to one year of the draw date.

For full instructions, see our guide: [How to Claim Your Powerball Winnings].

Taxes

• Federal withholding: At least 24% is withheld automatically.
• State taxes: Depending on where you bought the ticket, state withholding may also apply (up to 8–11% in some states).
• Accurate net payout estimates can be obtained using a Powerball Tax Calculator.
  

What If You Lost the Ticket or Made a Mistake?

• Lost or Damaged Tickets: Some states allow claims if you can prove purchase or provide other documentation. Policies vary greatly; check with your state lottery immediately.
• Unsigned Tickets: Without a signature, your identity is not linked to the ticket. Always sign the back immediately after purchase.
• Claim Errors: If numbers were misplaced or entry incorrect, the ticket is invalid. No exceptions are allowed; only the printed ticket can be claimed.

When in doubt, reach out to your state lottery office promptly for guidance.

Power Play & Double Play (Bonus)

Power Play:

For an extra $1, Power Play multiplies non-jackpot winnings:

• 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×—and sometimes 10× when the jackpot is under $150 million.
• It does not affect the jackpot.

For example, if you matched 4 + Powerball ($50,000), Power Play could multiply your prize up to $250,000.

Double Play:

Available in select states, Double Play is a separate drawing that gives ticket holders a second chance at a prize (up to $10 million). It’s completely independent of the main Powerball draw and requires separate validation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Checking against the incorrect draw date; always double-check.
2. Overlooking small prizes like $4 or $7; these still add up.
3. Letting your ticket expire; deadlines range from 90 days to one year, depending on your location.
4. Trusting unverified or viral posts; always use official sources or screenshots.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to check my Powerball ticket?
Depends on your state, generally between 90 days and one year after the draw.

Can I check the results without a ticket?
Yes, you can view results on official or reputable websites and apps, but you’ll need the ticket to claim a prize.

Do numbers have to be in exact order?
No, the sequence is irrelevant. As long as your numbers match the set drawn, you win.

Conclusion

Did anyone win the Powerball last night? If you haven’t checked your ticket yet, now’s the time. Even smaller prizes are worth claiming, and missing out due to a simple oversight would be unfortunate.

The next Powerball drawing is set for Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 10:59 PM ET. Don’t forget to mark your calendar!