How to play Powerball: Step-by-step guide on how to buy a ticket

The Powerball jackpot is an estimated $1.8 billion! Here's how you can try to win the second-highest jackpot in Powerball history.

With the jackpot historically high, it's no wonder everyone wants to get their hands on a winning ticket, but to do that, you'll first have to figure out how to play the lottery. Luckily, Powerball is sold across the majority of states, in grocery stores, gas stations and even online.

If you're looking to play, keep in mind the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

Here's what you need to know about where and how you can buy a Powerball ticket.

Are you the right age?

Everyone wants to be a billionaire, but you'll have to be old enough to gamble in your state legally.

In a majority of states, you have to be 18 or older to purchase a lottery ticket. However, in the following states, you have to be a bit older to purchase or redeem lottery tickets:

• Arizona: 21 years old, according to the Arizona Lottery
• Louisiana: 21 years old, according to the Louisiana Lottery
• Nebraska: 19 years old, according to the Nebraska Lottery

Check your state's laws to see whether you are eligible to play the lottery.

Where can you buy a Powerball ticket?

Now that you've made sure you're of gambling age, you're ready to buy your ticket!

You can purchase your ticket at a grocery store, convenience store or gas station, depending on your location. Some airport terminals may also sell them.

You can also order tickets online throughJackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer. 

How do you ask the cashier for a Powerball ticket?

If you're buying your ticket in person, you can ask for a "Quick Pick," where a computer will generate numbers for you. If you're feeling extra lucky, you can pick the numbers yourself.

The cashier will ask you if you're interested in "Power Play." The option costs an extra $1, but will multiply any winnings that aren't the jackpot by a factor of 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10.

If you are choosing your own numbers, select five numbers between one and 69 for the white balls, then choose a single number between one and 26 for the red Powerball.

Once you purchase your Powerball ticket, the cashier will hand you a slip of paper with numbers that either you chose or that were computer-generated and printed on it.

How much do Powerball tickets cost?

Powerball tickets cost $2 per play, plus an extra $1 if you choose to bundle it with Power Play for a total of $3.

You can also buy multiple plays or tickets at a time.

What do you do after you purchase a Powerball ticket?

Once you purchase a Powerball ticket, it becomes a waiting game until the next drawing.

Drawings take place on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday just after 11 p.m. ET.

The drawings can be watched on the Powerball website, and clips can be rewatched on the Powerball's YouTube channel.

How can you see the winning numbers?

The winning numbers will be available on Powerball's website, along with the updated jackpot.

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 11 p.m. ET.

How much is the Powerball jackpot worth?

The jackpot for the next drawing on Sept. 6 stood at an estimated $1.8 billion, as of Friday afternoon, Sept. 5.

What happens if no one wins the Powerball jackpot on Saturday?

If nobody wins the Powerball jackpot on Saturday, the jackpot will be raised once again, and people interested in playing will have to buy new lottery tickets for Monday.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800- GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms:jackpocket.com/tos.