If you've ever stood in a fluorescent-lit gas station line holding a crumpled two-dollar bill, you’ve probably wondered exactly how big this thing is. Everyone talks about the "multi-state" jackpot, but the map is actually weirder than you’d think. Honestly, most people assume it's just a "national" lottery. It isn't. There is no such thing as a federal lottery in the United States.
So, let's get into the weeds.
Right now, in early 2026, 45 states participate in the Powerball lottery. But that’s a bit of a trick answer. If you’re counting total jurisdictions where you can walk into a bodega and buy a ticket, the number is actually 48. That’s because Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are all in on the action.
It’s basically everywhere. Except for the few places where it really, really isn't.
How Many States Are in the Powerball Lottery (and Who Is Missing?)
You might think every state would want a piece of that billion-dollar pie. The revenue for schools and infrastructure is huge. Yet, five holdouts remain. Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah are the "No-Lottery" club.
The reasons are a wild mix of religion, politics, and weirdly enough, too much gambling.
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Take Nevada. It’s the gambling capital of the world, right? You can bet on a coin toss in a Vegas dive bar, but you can’t buy a Powerball ticket. Why? Because the massive casino lobby doesn’t want the competition. They want your money on the blackjack table, not going into a state-run prize pool. It’s a protectionist play that’s lasted for decades.
Then you’ve got Utah and Alabama. In these states, it’s mostly about moral and religious objections. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a massive influence in Utah, and they’ve historically been very clear: gambling is a no-go. Alabama has a similar vibe with its conservative legislative base.
The Full List of Powerball States and Jurisdictions
Since things change and some states joined later than others (looking at you, Mississippi), here is the current roster of where the game is played:
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Don't forget the extras:
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- District of Columbia
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
Why Some States Joined Late
It’s kind of funny to look back at the history. Powerball started as "Lotto America" in 1988. At the time, only seven lotteries were involved. It was tiny. When it rebranded to Powerball in 1992, it started picking up steam, but big states like California and Florida were skeptical for a long time.
Florida didn't join until 2009. California held out until 2013.
Mississippi was one of the biggest shocks. They were a "no" state for forever. Then, in 2018, they realized they were losing millions of dollars to neighboring states. If you live in a state without a lottery, you don't just stop playing; you drive across the border. Every time there’s a massive jackpot, gas stations on the border of Utah and Idaho or Nevada and California get absolutely swamped. Mississippi finally got tired of seeing their residents fund Tennessee’s schools and jumped in.
The Border Town Phenomenon
If you live in Salt Lake City, you probably know the drive to Malad, Idaho. It’s a tiny town that basically exists to sell lottery tickets and fireworks to Utahans. This is a real economic reality. When we talk about how many states are in the Powerball lottery, we’re also talking about the physical movement of people across state lines.
The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) knows this. They’ve built a system that thrives on this cross-border FOMO.
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Is the Number of States Going to Change?
Probably not anytime soon. Alaska and Hawaii are isolated. They don't have "border leakage" problems like Alabama or Utah do. If you're in Honolulu, you can't just drive twenty minutes to buy a ticket. Because of that, there’s less pressure on the legislature to "capture" lost revenue.
In Alabama, there are constant debates. Every couple of years, a bill gets close, then it dies in a committee. It’s a cycle.
Actionable Advice for the Powerball Player
If you are traveling and want to play, remember these "expert" rules that most people mess up:
- Buy where you can claim: You must claim your prize in the same state where you bought the ticket. If you live in Utah but buy a winning ticket in Idaho, you’re driving back to Boise to get your check.
- Check the "Add-ons": Not every state offers "Double Play." Even though 45 states have Powerball, some have different side-games.
- The Age Limit Varies: Most states are 18+, but in Nebraska, you have to be 19. If you’re 18 and win in Omaha, you might have a legal headache on your hands.
- App Sales are Tricky: Some states like New York and Texas allow "courier" apps like Jackpocket. Others strictly forbid it. Always check the local state lottery website before assuming your app will work.
Basically, the Powerball map is a living thing. While the current count of 45 states feels solid, the internal rules of those states are always shifting.
Next Steps for You:
If you're planning on playing the next big jackpot, check your state's specific tax laws on gambling winnings. While 45 states sell the tickets, they definitely don't all tax the winnings the same way. States like Florida and Texas have no state income tax on prizes, while New York will take a significant bite out of your lump sum. Make sure you know the "net" reality before you start picking out your dream yacht.