When you play POWERBALL©, you have the potential to win one of nine prize tiers—including jackpots that regularly climb into the hundreds of millions. But what happens after your numbers match the draw? Whether you’re a digital participant or play in person, knowing what to expect after a win is key to managing your ticket, understanding notifications, and claiming your prize securely.
This guide explains how the West Virginia Lottery handles POWERBALL© wins—from automated alerts for online players to the step-by-step claims process.
Remember, though, when you enter a POWERBALL draw, a win is never guaranteed due to the chance-based nature of the game.
Step 1: How do you know if you’ve won?
If you play POWERBALL© online through iPLAY, the West Virginia Lottery’s secure digital platform, your account will automatically notify you when your ticket matches a prize tier. The notification will specify which numbers matched and what you’ve won based on the prize level.
You can also:
- View results on the official Lottery website or app
- Receive email or in-app notifications (if enabled)
- Review your ticket history in your iPLAY account dashboard
If you bought a physical ticket at a licensed retailer, you’ll need to check the results manually. You can do this by:
- Scanning the ticket at any Lottery retailer
- Visiting the West Virginia Lottery website
- Watching the drawing on select local stations
- Calling the Lottery’s automated results line
Drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET, and results are typically posted shortly afterwards.
Step 2: Prize confirmation
For digital players:
If you win a prize through the iPLAY platform, your ticket and win status are automatically recorded in your account. Smaller prizes are credited directly to your online wallet. You’ll receive a breakdown of your winnings, and the funds are made available for withdrawal or future ticket purchases. For larger prizes, you’ll receive instructions on how to claim your prize.
For retail players:
After confirming your ticket is a winner, sign the back immediately. For smaller prizes, you can claim directly at most Lottery retailers. For larger prizes, a claims form and valid identification may be required.
Step 3: Understanding prize tiers
POWERBALL© has nine prize levels, starting at $4 for matching the POWERBALL© and rising all the way to the jackpot for matching all six numbers. You can also win:
- $7 for matching two white balls and the POWERBALL©
- $100 for four white balls
- $1 million for matching five white balls
- And more—especially if you added Power Play, which can increase non-jackpot prizes up to 10X depending on the draw
If you’ve played with Power Play, your multiplier is automatically applied for digital plays. For retail tickets, check the multiplier listed with the draw results.
Step 4: How to claim your POWERBALL© prize
Digital iPLAY winnings:
- Prizes under $600 are credited to your iPLAY account automatically.
- Prizes $600 and up may require additional verification and identity documentation. As mentioned, the West Virginia Lottery will provide secure instructions for how to claim.
- Jackpot wins: If your digital entry matches all six numbers, the Lottery will contact you directly. Jackpot winners must choose between annuity and lump sum, and federal/state taxes apply.
Retail ticket winnings
- Prizes under $600: Visit a licensed retailer.
- Prizes $600–$5,000: Can be claimed at a Lottery regional office or by mail.
- Prizes above $5,000: Must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters and require a valid ID, Social Security Number, and a completed claim form.
For all claims, ensure you meet the deadlines. POWERBALL© prizes in West Virginia must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date.
Step 5: Responsible play and digital support
When you play POWERBALL© through iPLAY, you get access to additional tools that help you manage your play responsibly:
- Deposit limits
- Session time reminders
- Play history tracking
- Self-exclusion features
These tools make it easier to stay informed and play within your limits—especially important for those who participate in multiple weekly draws.
Winning POWERBALL© is an unforgettable moment, but it’s what you do next that matters most. Whether your prize is a few dollars or a life-changing jackpot, the West Virginia Lottery provides clear, secure processes for claiming, verifying, and managing your winnings.
Remember all draw games are chance-based, and there’s no way to influence or predict the outcome.