The Ultimate Guide: What Happens When You Match 2 Powerball Numbers? - 33rd Square (2024)

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you matched two numbers playing Powerball? I know I have many times while watching those white balls bounce around right before a drawing. And while hitting two numbers won’t make you an overnight millionaire, thanks to the Power Play feature, matching two can still earn you an exciting little prize.

In this comprehensive Powerball guide, I’ll breakdown everything you need to know about matching two numbers, including Power Play multipliers, secondary prize payouts, jackpot odds, winning strategies, and more! By the end, you’ll be a Powerball number matching expert.

Let’s dive in!

Here’s What Happens When You Match 2 Powerball Numbers:

Matching two of the five main white ball numbers in Powerball means you’ll win a prize between $4 and $100. This Powerball Power Play prize amount depends on the Power Play multiplier randomly selected before each drawing:

• 2x – Matching two numbers wins $4
• 3x – Matching two numbers wins $12
• 4x – Matching two numbers wins $16
• 5x – Matching two numbers wins $20
• 10x – Matching two numbers wins $100

So while hitting two numbers won’t make you mega rich, thanks to the Power Play option, matching two can still double, triple, or even multiply your $2 Powerball ticket ten times over! I love those 10x drawings.

Let me explain a bit more about how the Powerball Power Play works…

Here’s a Quick Power Play Explainer:

For an extra $1 per Powerball play, you can add the Power Play option which multiplies any non-jackpot prize you win by up to 10 times!

Before each Powerball drawing, a Power Play number (2, 3, 4, 5 or 10) is randomly selected. If you match two white balls and have added Power Play, this multiplier will boost your $4 prize.

Power Play can dramatically increase your Powerball winnings! Now let’s look at how many numbers you need to match for various prizes.

Here’s How Many Numbers You Need For Any Powerball Prize:

While you need to match all six numbers – the five main white balls (1-69) plus the red Powerball (1-26) – to win the jackpot prize, you can win other exciting Powerball prizes by matching fewer numbers:

• Match the Powerball only – Wins $4
• Match 1 Number + the Powerball – Wins up to $4
• Match 2 Numbers (the prize we’ve been discussing) – Wins $4 to $100 depending on the Power Play
• Match 2 Numbers + the Powerball – Wins $7
• Match 3 Numbers – Wins $7 to $100
• Match 3 Numbers + the Powerball – Wins $100
• Match 4 Numbers – Wins from $100 to $50,000
• Match 4 Numbers + the Powerball – Guaranteed $50,000 Prize
• Match 5 Numbers – Wins a minimum of $1 Million
• Match 5 Numbers + the Powerball – Wins the Multimillion Dollar Jackpot!

So matching more numbers means bigger Powerball prizes! But landing two is still better than one or none at all.

Do You Win Anything With 2 Lotto Numbers?

Powerball does reward matching two numbers thanks to Power Play. But most other lottery games actually require matching three or more numbers to win a prize.

However, some lotto games offer prizes for matching just two numbers or feature second chance drawings that can net you a reward with two matches.

The key is to check the specific rules, number field, and prize structure of any lottery game you play. Don’t assume matching two numbers will win you anything – the game’s odds and payouts can vary widely. Powerball is unique in guaranteeing a prize for hitting two numbers.

For the best shot at winning, your safest bet is to match at least three numbers in most lottery games. But Powerball breaks the mold with its awesome Power Play perk!

Okay, let’s look now at the full range of Powerball prizes and payouts…

Here Are the Complete Powerball Prize Payouts:

Match 5 White Numbers + the Powerball

• Wins the jackpot!
• Starting jackpot is $40 million
• Jackpot rolls over and increases if not won
• Record Powerball jackpot – $1.586 Billion

Match 5 White Numbers

• Wins $1 million guaranteed
• Can be boosted up to $2 million with Power Play

Match 4 White Numbers + the Powerball

• Wins a minimum of $50,000
• Can win up to $1 million with Power Play

Match 4 White Numbers

• Wins between $100 and $50,000
• Exact amount based on ticket sales

Match 3 White Numbers + the Powerball

• Wins $100
• Can be boosted to up to $500 with Power Play

Match 3 White Numbers

• Wins between $7 and $100
• Again, amount depends on that drawing’s sales

Match 2 White Numbers + the Powerball

• Wins $7
• Increased to up to $70 by Power Play

Match 1 White Number + the Powerball

• Wins $4
• Up to $40 with Power Play

Match Just the Powerball

• Wins $4
• $40 if Power Play selected

Match 0 White Numbers

• Wins Nothing!

As you can see, Powerball offers incredible secondary prizes in addition to that multimillion dollar jackpot! And with Power Play, every win can be multiplied for some really astonishing payouts.

Just imagine, matching four numbers could earn you $50,000. But with a 10x Power Play, you’d suddenly be looking at $500,000! The Power Play really is a game changer.

Now let’s go over some key Powerball drawing logistics…

Here’s When the Mississippi Powerball Drawing Takes Place:

The Mississippi Powerball drawing occurs every Wednesday and Saturday evening at 10:59pm Eastern Time.

Drawings are held at the Florida Lottery studio in Tallahassee, Florida. Hosts and celebrity guests preside over the selection of the five main white numbers and the Powerball.

You must purchase Powerball tickets by 10:00pm ET on draw nights to participate. Tickets sales end 59 minutes before drawings take place.

So be sure to get your Powerball tickets early on Wednesday and Saturday to ensure you don’t miss out on your chance to win!

Here’s How to Watch the Mississippi Powerball Drawing:

While the Mississippi Powerball drawing isn’t shown on local TV stations, there are a few ways to tune in:

• Online at Powerball.com
• Live stream on the Mississippi Lottery website mslotteryhome.com
• YouTube live stream on the Powerball channel

The official websites will display results right after the drawing takes place so you can see if you matched any numbers. Be sure to hang onto your ticket!

Here’s How Much Mississippi Powerball Tickets Cost:

Powerball tickets cost just $2 per play. That gives you a chance at winning prizes starting at $4 all the way up to that multimillion dollar jackpot!

You can add on the $1 Power Play option to multiply your lower-tier winnings. Overall, Powerball is one of the most exciting and affordable lotteries out there.

The current Powerball jackpot starts at $40 million and continues rising each drawing that it’s not awarded. Jackpots can climb astronomically high into the hundreds of millions before someone finally hits the lucky winning numbers.

The record Powerball jackpot so far was a whopping $1.586 Billion shared by three tickets in January 2016. Imagine splitting a billion dollars with two other people – not a bad retirement plan!

While winning even a fraction of that is incredibly rare, smaller Powerball prizes are awarded all the time. And with Power Play, even matching one or two numbers can mean substantially more money.

Speaking of matching just one number, let’s discuss what happens if you match only the Powerball…

Do You Win Anything for Matching Just the Powerball Number?

If you match only the red Powerball number and none of the five main white numbers, you do win a $4 prize.

This increases to $40 if you added the Power Play option to your ticket.

So while hitting just the Powerball number alone won’t let you quit your job tomorrow, it’s still a nice little reward. Especially considering the odds of matching the Powerball alone are only 1 in 38.

And heck, spending $4 to win $4 means you still broke even on that Powerball ticket! So don’t toss your tickets if you only match the Powerball – that’s still $4 more than you had before the drawing.

Every little bit counts when you’re playing the lottery!

Okay, next important question…

Can You Buy Powerball Tickets in Mississippi With a Debit Card?

Yes! The Mississippi Lottery offers the option to purchase Powerball tickets online using a debit card.

Here is how it works:

First you’ll need to create an account with the Mississippi Lottery. Provide your contact information and set up a password and username.

Next, register your debit card with your account. This links your card so you can use it to buy tickets.

Once your debit card is registered, simply log into your account and choose the Powerball tickets you’d like to purchase. Pick your numbers and any Power Play options.

Then complete the transaction using your stored debit card information. Digital tickets will be generated and emailed to your account.

You can also use the Mississippi Lottery app on iOS or Android to easily buy tickets right from your phone using a linked debit card.

So buying official Powerball tickets online with your debit card is super convenient. You can do it in just minutes from home or on the go!

In person, most Mississippi retailers also allow debit card purchases of Powerball tickets. However, some may have minimum purchase amounts or cash only policies.

So it’s always best to contact your local retailers in advance to ask about their specific debit card lottery ticket policies.

The convenience of online Powerball ticket ordering really can’t be beat!

Okay, final frequently asked Powerball question…

Can You Remain Anonymous if You Win the Mississippi Powerball Jackpot?

The answer is yes! Mississippi proudly allows Powerball jackpot winners to keep their identity private.

According to Mississippi law, lottery winners can request anonymity in writing. Their name, photo, and address are then withheld from any public documents and announcements.

Instead, the winner is simply referred to as “Lottery Winner.” This preserves full privacy.

To remain anonymous, you must submit the written request within 45 days after claiming your Powerball prize. The Mississippi Lottery Corporation must then acknowledge receipt of the request.

So make sure that request comes straight away! You only have a short window to activate your anonymity option.

There are a few limitations. At its discretion, the Lottery may still promote that a Mississippi resident won. But your personal information would remain confidential.

Overall, Mississippi provides excellent protections to keep lottery winners‘ identities private. Just follow the proper protocol once you get that winning Powerball ticket!

Now, let’s move on to some fun facts and figures about Powerball…

Here are 10 Fascinating Powerball Stats and Facts:

1. Hot and Cold Numbers: The most frequently drawn Powerball number is 48. The least? 34. For main numbers, 21, 61, and 69 are hot. 35 and 43 are cold.

2. Still Possible to Win: Despite worsening odds, it’s still more likely for a person to win Powerball than for a golfer to sink a hole-in-one!

3. Record Sales: In 2016, Powerball tickets surged to over $1.5 billion in sales due to a $1.59 billion jackpot, the largest ever!

4. Jackpot Rollover: The biggest jackpots occur when multiple drawings pass without a winner. This allows the prize to roll over and compound.

5. Winning Demographics: Players between 45-65 years old win most frequently. More winning tickets are sold on Saturdays than Wednesdays.

6. Taxes: Federal taxes immediately take 25% from jackpot winnings. State taxes also take 5-8%. Mega jackpots are taxed the highest.

7. Average Jackpot: While mega jackpots grab headlines, the average Powerball jackpot won is around $50 million. Still amazing!

8. Record Jackpots: Only three jackpots have topped $1 billion, all since 2016. More people playing boosts prizes.

9. Winning Odds: Your overall odds of winning any Powerball prize stand at 1 in 24.9. Slim but not impossible!

10. Number Selection: Avoid picking all one number or consecutive digits. Mix high, low, and odd and even numbers. And don’t use birthday dates!

Okay, so if you do somehow beat the odds and hit those winning Powerball numbers, here are some tips…

Here’s What to Do if You Win Powerball:

1. Remain calm and keep your winning ticket very safe. Sign the back – it’s now worth millions!

2. Consult an attorney and financial advisor. They can help protect assets and manage money.

3. Stay quiet. Don’t spread the news far and wide just yet to avoid being overwhelmed.

4. Contact state lottery officials. Begin cashing out following proper procedures.

5. Consider lump sum or annuity. Lump gets money faster but lower overall payout. Annuity spreads payments over decades.

6. Change contact information. Limit solicitations and requests you may receive.

7. Make a careful plan. Invest and spend wisely. Keep working or pursue passions. Help causes.

8. Enjoy it! Sure, be practical, but also relish the life-changing experience. Travel, shop (responsibly), and donate to charity.

Just remember, match those Powerball numbers first! The odds are extremely long, so consider playing just for entertainment and any winnings are an incredible bonus.

Well, that wraps up my complete guide to winning prizes when you match two numbers playing Powerball! I hope all the details on Power Play multipliers, payouts, game odds, and more were helpful. Here’s a quick summary:

• Matching two Powerball numbers wins $4 to $100 thanks to Power Play
• Overall odds to win any prize are about 1 in 25
• Jackpot starts at $40 million and keeps growing
• Drawings are held Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:59pm Eastern
• Tickets can be purchased online or in stores in Mississippi
• Powerball empowers you to play anonymously if you win
• Having fun and supporting education programs are what matters most

Thanks so much for letting me share my Powerball expertise. This was really fun to research and write about. Please feel free to reach out if you need any clarification or have additional questions!

Sincerely,
Lillie Gabler
Powerball Expert and Enthusiast

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