The number of Powerball® drawings you can buy tickets for in advance will be limited for the next three weeks here in Iowa as we gear up to add a popular new feature to the game.
The stepdown on advance plays in Powerball will begin tomorrow (Oct. 14). Please note that this is for Powerball only – Mega Millions® and our other popular lotto games are not impacted.
Players normally can buy tickets for up to 10 Powerball drawings in advance in Iowa. But during the stepdown period, the number of advance plays you can buy will continue to count down until you can only buy tickets for the next drawing.
The stepdown in Powerball will continue through the game’s drawing on Saturday, Nov. 4. After that, things will reset and you’ll be able to buy tickets again for up to 10 drawings in advance.
The stepdown ensures that as updates are made in a game, the same details apply to all tickets for a particular drawing so everyone has a fair and equal chance to win.
The update we’re about to make in Powerball is something players have been asking for, so we’re excited to debut it! It’s the Double Play® add-on feature in the game. Of the 48 lotteries that sell Powerball, 18 now offer Double Play. We’ll be No. 19.
You’ll be able to buy Powerball tickets with the Double Play option in Iowa beginning on Sunday, Nov. 5.
So what is Double Play? It’s an add-on option that gives you another chance to win with your Powerball numbers.
For an extra $1 per play, you can add Double Play to your ticket. (A Powerball play costs $2, and with the Double Play option added, your ticket would cost $3.) The numbers on your Powerball ticket are then eligible to win twice – once in the regular Powerball drawing, and once in a separate Double Play drawing with a top cash prize of $10 million.
It’s possible for you to win a prize in the regular Powerball drawing AND the Double Play drawing on the same night.
The Double Play drawing is held after every Powerball drawing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. When the option goes live in Iowa, you’ll see us report the winning numbers for Powerball and Double Play drawing on those nights.
Hi, Jo. You’ll be able to buy Powerball tickets with the Double Play option in Iowa beginning on Sunday, Nov. 5.
Posted by: Mary Neubauer | October 16, 2023 at 08:54 AM
When does the double play start?
Posted by: Jo Anderson | October 15, 2023 at 01:24 PM
Hi, Dave! Thank you for being a plugged-in player! The Power Play option will remain. We know it is popular in the game as well. When Double Play debuts in November, Powerball will have two add-on options: Power Play and Double Play. A Powerball ticket without either option added will cost $2. With the Power Play or Double Play added, a ticket will cost $3. With both options added, a ticket will cost $4. It is your choice as a player how you want to play!
Posted by: Mary Neubauer | October 13, 2023 at 02:35 PM
Does the multiplier option then go away? Players who choose the multiplier option already pay $3. If that option remains, will a ticket with both the multiplier and the double play cost $4? Or do you choose one or the other, or neither?
Posted by: Dave Hoing | October 13, 2023 at 12:33 PM
Hi, CJ. I think from your comment that you are asking about the option of being able to purchase lottery tickets online in Iowa. That is a policy decision for our state's lawmakers to make. Please contact your local legislators if that is a priority you would like to share with them.
Posted by: Mary Neubauer | October 13, 2023 at 11:45 AM