States Set Powerball Ticket Cutoffs Ahead of Saturday’s $1.8 Billion Draw

Lead: Powerball ticket sales nationwide close one to two hours before the 10:59 p.m. ET drawing on Saturday, Sept. 6, with cutoff times varying by jurisdiction to accommodate local lottery rules.

Nut Graf: With the jackpot soaring to $1.8 billion, the second-largest in U.S. history, players must heed state-specific deadlines-ranging from 9:45 p.m. ET in Delaware to 10 p.m. ET in New York-to ensure their participation in the evening’s lottery.

Ticket Cutoff Highlights

• Most participating states end sales at least one hour before the draw, often two hours prior, to finalize ticket processing and sales reporting.
• Delaware: 9:45 p.m. ET
• Pennsylvania & New Jersey: 9:59 p.m. ET
• New York: 10 p.m. ET

Exceptions to Cutoff Rules Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada and Utah do not participate in Powerball and therefore have no cutoff times.

Why Timing Matters Lottery retailers nationwide-from convenience stores to gas stations-must halt sales early to transmit ticket data to the Multi-State Lottery Association. Missing the deadline means awaiting the next draw, which occurs Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:59 p.m. ET.

Planning Your Play

• Check local lottery websites or in-store notices for exact cutoff times in your area.
• Online ticket sales, where available, adhere to the same jurisdictional deadlines.
• Aim to purchase at least two hours before the drawing to avoid last-minute store closures or processing delays.

Players are reminded that odds of winning the jackpot stand at approximately 1 in 292 million, making timely ticket purchase crucial for a chance at the historic prize.