You’re standing at a gas station in Vegas, itching to grab a ticket because the jackpot just hit a billion. You look around the counter. Nothing. No slips, no signs, no "Powerball Sold Here" stickers. It hits you: wait, can I even play here?
Most people assume Powerball is a truly national game, like a federal program or something. It’s not. It is actually a massive coordinated effort between individual state lotteries. As of early 2026, 45 states play the Powerball lottery, but that’s only part of the story. If you count the "non-states," there are actually 48 different jurisdictions where you can drop a few bucks on a dream.
The 45-State Breakdown
So, who is in? Basically everyone, with a few glaring exceptions. The list of states includes heavy hitters like California, Texas, and Florida, alongside smaller participants like Vermont and Wyoming.
But it’s not just "states." You can also buy a ticket if you’re hanging out in:
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- Washington, D.C.
- Puerto Rico
- The U.S. Virgin Islands
That brings the total number of places selling tickets to 48. If you’re in one of those spots, you’re good to go. The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) manages the whole circus, making sure the balls drop fairly in Tallahassee and the prize pools are coordinated.
The "No-Play" Zone: Why Some States Opt Out
It’s honestly kind of weird when you look at a map. There are these empty "holes" where you can’t buy a ticket to save your life. Currently, five states do not have a state lottery and therefore do not participate in Powerball:
- Nevada: This is the one that trips everyone up. The "Gambling Capital of the World" doesn't want a state lottery because the big casinos see it as competition. Why let the state take your $2 when the casino wants you at the slots?
- Utah: This is a religious thing. The state constitution essentially bans all forms of gambling, and that includes Powerball.
- Alabama: Similar to Utah, strong religious and conservative values have kept the lottery out for decades, though politicians debate it almost every year.
- Alaska: It’s a population issue. State officials have long argued that the costs of running a lottery across such a massive, sparsely populated area wouldn't be worth the revenue.
- Hawaii: Much like Alaska, the islands have stayed away from gambling to protect their "family-friendly" tourism image.
Funny enough, people living in these states are some of the most dedicated players. If you live in St. George, Utah, you've probably made the 40-minute drive to the Arizona border just to get a ticket when the jackpot crosses $500 million. It’s a local tradition.
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Does Where You Play Actually Matter?
Technically, the odds are the same everywhere. You have a 1 in 292.2 million chance of winning the jackpot regardless of whether you’re in a tiny store in Maine or a massive supermarket in Ohio.
However, some states are objectively "luckier" based on historical data. Indiana is the all-time leader in Powerball jackpot winners. They’ve had nearly 40 winners since the game started. Missouri is right behind them. Does that mean the air in the Midwest makes you pick better numbers? No. It’s mostly because those states were among the very first to join the game back in the early '90s. They’ve just had more "skin in the game" for longer.
Taxes: The Silent Winner
This is where your choice of state actually hits your wallet. If you win in California or Delaware, the state doesn't tax your lottery winnings. That's huge. But if you buy that winning ticket in New York? The state and the city are going to take a massive bite out of your lump sum.
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Digital Shifts in 2026
The way people play is changing fast. You don't always have to walk into a 7-Eleven anymore. In roughly a dozen states, you can now buy tickets through official state apps or third-party services like Jackpocket.
This has actually caused some friction. Traditional retailers—the mom-and-pop shops—worry that online sales will kill their foot traffic. But for the average person, it just means you can play Powerball while sitting on your couch in your underwear, provided your GPS proves you're within state lines.
How to Check Your Specific Area
If you're traveling and unsure, the easiest way to check is to look for the "Lotto" sign at any gas station. If the state has a lottery, they almost certainly have Powerball. It’s the "anchor" game that brings in the most cash for state budgets, funding things like schools in Georgia or senior centers in Pennsylvania.
What to do next:
- Check the map: If you’re in Alabama, Utah, or Nevada, don’t waste time searching for a retailer. You’ll need to cross state lines.
- Look at the taxes: If you’re on a road trip and the jackpot is huge, wait until you’re in a "tax-friendly" state like Florida or Texas to buy your ticket.
- Verify the deadline: Each state has a different cutoff time for sales (usually 1 to 2 hours before the drawing). Don't wait until 10:55 PM.