How to Play in Virginia

In Virginia, participating in major lottery games like Powerball and Mega Millions is straightforward. You can purchase tickets directly from licensed retailers across the state or utilize a lottery courier service to have tickets bought on your behalf. Using a courier allows you to select your numbers online, and the courier will handle the purchase and provide a scanned copy of your ticket.

Powerball

Powerball draws take place each Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Retailers stop selling Powerball tickets at 10:00 p.m. ET on draw nights. If you are using a courier, ensure your order is placed before the retailer's cutoff time to allow the agent sufficient time to purchase and scan your ticket.

You can follow these steps to learn about Powerball in Virginia:

• Start by setting up an online account. It’s an easy alternative to visiting a Virginia Lottery retailer.
• Select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Easy Pick if also an option you have to quickly get a random set.
• Add Power Play if you'd like to multiply non-jackpot winnings by 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×, or 10×.
• Use Multi-Draw to play the same numbers in multiple consecutive draws, up to 156. (a year’s worth).

After purchasing your ticket, simply wait for the upcoming drawing to see if you’ve won. To claim the jackpot you must match all six winning numbers, but you’ll win a prize if you match the Powerball or at least three of the five main white ball numbers.

Courier services typically notify you of any winnings and deposit smaller prizes directly into your account. For prizes over $600, you may need to claim them in person at a Virginia Lottery claim center or by mail.

Mega Millions

Mega Millions draws take place weekly on Tuesday and Friday nights. Retailers stop selling tickets at 10:45 p.m. ET on draw nights. If using a courier, ensure your order is placed before the retailer's cutoff time to allow the agent sufficient time to purchase and scan your ticket.

• Select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Quick Picks are another option if you're short on time.
• Add Megaplier to multiply non-jackpot winnings by 2×, 3×, 4×, or 5×.
• Use Multi-Draw to play the same numbers in multiple consecutive draws, up to 26.
• Choose 'Just the Jackpot' to play two sets of numbers for a reduced price, but only for the jackpot prize. This means that you won't be able to win prizes from any lower tiers. This is only available at retail stores.

You can win by matching the numbers you selected with those drawn in the game. Even matching just the Mega Ball earns you a prize, and the payouts get larger as you match more numbers. Like Powerball, the Mega Millions jackpot begins at $20 million and grows each time there’s no winner.

Additional Play Options in Virginia

Courier services typically notify you of any winnings and deposit smaller prizes directly into your account. For prizes over $600, you may need to claim them in person at a Virginia Lottery claim center or by mail.

You have the option to set up a subscription for either Powerball or Mega Millions to automatically play your favorite numbers every drawing.

Deposit funds into your online account without entering debit card or bank account information by purchasing an Online Cash voucher at a Virginia Lottery retailer.

The Virginia Lottery

AEstablished in 1988, the Virginia Lottery has contributed over $13.6 billion to public education in the state. Notable winners include J.R. and Peggy Triplett of Winchester, who won $239 million on Mega Millions in February 2004, and Dave Honeywell of Fredericksburg, who won $217 million on Powerball in February 2013.

Revenue from ticket sales is used to fund prizes, cover operational costs, and pay retailer commissions, while the remaining funds are directed toward supporting public education across all age groups.