Quick Answer: Yes, Canadians can play Powerball legally. You can buy Powerball tickets at XO Lotto from anywhere in Canada — no US address required. As of December 2025, the Powerball jackpot sits at $2.34 billion CAD ($1.7 billion USD). Here’s exactly how to get your tickets before Wednesday’s draw.
New to XO Lotto? Claim a free Powerball ticket — no purchase required. Your free entry to the $2.34 Billion CAD jackpot is waiting.
The Powerball jackpot is one of the largest in history right now. And despite being an American lottery, nothing stops Canadians from playing Powerball Canada.
This Powerball Canada guide covers everything you need to know: how to buy Powerball tickets from Canada, what happens if you win, tax implications, and how the odds compare to Canadian lotteries like Lotto Max. You don’t need to drive across the border or open a US bank account — and if you win, yes, you can legally claim the prize. This Powerball Canada guide is your complete resource.
Powerball Canada: Can Canadians Play Legally?
Absolutely. There’s no law preventing Canadians from purchasing Powerball tickets or claiming prizes.
Powerball is operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) across 45 US states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. While you can’t buy tickets from official US lottery retailers without being physically present, licensed online lottery services bridge that gap.
Platforms like XO Lotto allow Canadians to purchase official Powerball entries from home. These services buy physical tickets on your behalf from authorized US retailers, then scan and store them securely. If your numbers hit, you own that ticket — the prize is yours.
Key points for Powerball Canada players:
- No US citizenship or residency required
- No US address needed
- Prizes paid in USD (converted to CAD for withdrawal)
- Winnings are subject to US withholding tax (more on that below)
- 100% legal for Canadians 19+ to participate
The only restriction? You must be the legal gambling age in your province — 19+ in most of Canada
Powerball Canada: How to Buy Tickets Online
Getting Powerball Canada tickets takes about two minutes. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Create Your XO Lotto Account
Visit XO Lotto and register with your email. You’ll verify your identity to comply with Canadian gaming regulations. This also protects you — it ensures your winnings go to the right person.
Step 2: Navigate to Powerball
Once logged in, head to the Powerball game page. You’ll see the current jackpot amount and next draw time displayed.
Step 3: Pick Your Numbers
Choose five numbers from 1-69 (white balls) and one Powerball number from 1-26 (red ball). You can:
- Select your own lucky numbers
- Use Quick Pick for random selections
- Mix both methods
Many players use birthdays, anniversaries, or other meaningful numbers. Statistically, every combination has the same odds — but there’s nothing wrong with playing numbers that mean something to you.
Step 4: Add Power Play (Optional)
For an extra ~$1.40 CAD ($1 USD) per line, Power Play multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x. If you match five numbers without the Powerball, Power Play automatically boosts your prize to $2.8 million CAD ($2 million USD).
Worth it? For an extra dollar, most players say yes.
Step 5: Complete Your Purchase
Pay with Interac, credit card, or other supported methods. XO Lotto processes transactions in CAD, so you’ll see the converted price at checkout — no currency surprises.
Your tickets are purchased from authorized US retailers and stored securely. You’ll receive a scanned copy via email and in your account dashboard.
Step 6: Watch the Draw
Powerball drawings happen every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET. Results appear on your XO Lotto account and via email notification.
Pro tip: Enable notifications so you never miss a draw result. Nothing worse than holding a winning ticket and not knowing it.
Can Canadians Buy Powerball Tickets Online?
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Online via XO Lotto | Buy from home, secure ticket storage, instant notifications, pay in CAD | Service fee added to ticket price |
| Drive to the US border | Buy from official retailers | Time, gas, border wait, must be physically present |
| Have US friends buy tickets | No service fee | Trust issues, complicated if you win |
Yes — and online is actually the most practical method for Canadians exploring Powerball Canada options.
The online route makes the most sense for most Canadians. Driving to a US border town works if you live close and enjoy road trips, but the convenience factor of online purchasing is hard to beat — especially when jackpots get massive and everyone wants tickets.
Claim Your Free Powerball Ticket at XO Lotto → — New players get a free entry to the $2.34 Billion CAD jackpot. No purchase required.
Current Powerball Jackpot (December 2025)
As of December 23, 2025, the Powerball jackpot stands at:
| Jackpot Option | Amount (CAD) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annuity (30 years) | $2.34 Billion CAD | $1.70 Billion USD |
| Cash Value (lump sum) | ~1.07 billion CAD | ~$765 million USD |
*CAD conversion based on current exchange rate (~1.38). Actual amount varies.
For Powerball Canada players, this represents a massive opportunity — one of the largest Powerball jackpots in history. The last jackpot was won on September 6, 2025, when two tickets in Missouri and Texas split $2.5 billion CAD ($1.787 billion USD).
Next drawing: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 10:59 PM ET
The jackpot keeps growing until someone wins. With 46 consecutive rollover drawings without a grand prize winner, this one has been building since September.
What Happens If a Canadian Wins Powerball?
Good news: Canadians can absolutely claim Powerball prizes. There’s no citizenship requirement.
Here’s the Powerball Canada prize claiming process:
Prize Claiming for Canadians
- Small prizes (under $840 CAD / $600 USD): Credited directly to your XO Lotto account. Withdraw via Interac e-Transfer.
- Medium prizes ($840 CAD – $140,000 CAD): XO Lotto handles the claim process on your behalf. Funds deposited to your account after processing.
- Major prizes ($140,000 CAD+): You’ll work directly with XO Lotto’s prize claim team.
- Jackpot wins: You’ll choose between the annuity (30 annual payments) or lump sum. Most financial advisors recommend the lump sum for flexibility.
Tax Implications for Powerball Canada Winners
Here’s where it gets interesting. US lottery winnings are subject to:
US Federal Tax: 30% withholding for non-residents (vs. 24% for US residents)
This is automatically deducted before you receive your prize. On the current $2.34 billion CAD jackpot (lump sum ~$1.07 billion CAD), that’s approximately $322 million CAD withheld.
Canadian Tax: Lottery winnings are generally not taxable in Canada
The Canada-US Tax Treaty allows Canadians to claim a foreign tax credit for the US withholding. Work with an accountant who specializes in cross-border taxation — this is not DIY territory for major prizes.
| Item | Amount (USD) | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cash value jackpot | $781,300,000 | ~$1,074,000,000 |
| US federal withholding (30%) | -$234,390,000 | -$322,200,000 |
| Net prize (tax-free in Canada) | $546,910,000 | ~$751,800,000 |
*Based on ~1.38 USD/CAD exchange rate. Canadian lottery winnings are tax-free — you keep this full amount.
Still life-changing money. And since Canada doesn’t tax lottery winnings, Powerball Canada winners keep more than US winners would after their state taxes.
Powerball Odds: What Canadian Players Should Know
Let’s be honest about your chances when playing Powerball Canada. The Powerball Canada jackpot odds are long, but someone wins eventually.
Powerball Jackpot Odds
1 in 292,201,338 — those are your odds of matching all six numbers.
To put that in perspective:
- You’re more likely to be struck by lightning twice
- You’re more likely to become a movie star
- You’re more likely to be dealt a royal flush in poker multiple times in a row
But someone wins eventually. The September 2025 jackpot produced two winners. The record jackpot of $2.86 billion CAD ($2.04 billion USD) in November 2022 was won by a single ticket in California.
Non-Jackpot Prize Odds
The overall odds of winning any Powerball prize are 1 in 24.9 — much more reasonable.
| Prize Tier | Match | Odds | Prize (CAD) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | 5 + PB | 1 in 292,201,338 | $1.38 Billion | $1 Billion |
| 2nd | 5 | 1 in 11,688,054 | $1,380,000 | $1,000,000 |
| 3rd | 4 + PB | 1 in 913,129 | $69,000 | $50,000 |
| 4th | 4 | 1 in 36,525 | $138 | $100 |
| 5th | 3 + PB | 1 in 14,494 | $138 | $100 |
| 6th | 3 | 1 in 580 | $10 | $7 |
| 7th | 2 + PB | 1 in 701 | $10 | $7 |
| 8th | 1 + PB | 1 in 92 | $5.50 | $4 |
| 9th | PB only | 1 in 38 | $5.50 | $4 |
With Power Play, second-tier prizes jump to $2.8 million CAD ($2 million USD) and all other non-jackpot prizes multiply.
Powerball vs Lotto Max: Which Should Canadians Play?
When comparing Powerball Canada access to domestic options, both games offer massive jackpots but work differently:
| Feature | Powerball | Lotto Max |
|---|---|---|
| Current Jackpot | $2.34 Billion CAD | Up to $80 million CAD |
| Maximum Jackpot | No cap (record: $2.86B CAD) | $80 million CAD |
| Starting Jackpot | ~$28 million CAD | $10 million CAD |
| Ticket Price | ~$2.80 CAD | $5 CAD (3 plays) |
| Jackpot Odds | 1 in 292 million | 1 in 33 million |
| Draws Per Week | 3 (Mon, Wed, Sat) | 2 (Tue, Fri) |
| Tax on Winnings | 30% US withholding | Tax-free in Canada |
| Best For | Chasing massive jackpots | Better odds, tax-free |
The verdict: Lotto Max offers nearly 9x better jackpot odds and completely tax-free prizes. But when Powerball jackpots cross $1 billion CAD, the sheer size becomes compelling despite the longer odds.
Many Powerball Canada players do both — Lotto Max for regular play, Powerball when jackpots get huge.
You can play both at XO Lotto:
- Play Lotto Max →
- Get Your Free Powerball Ticket → (free entry for new players)
Has a Canadian Ever Won Powerball?
No Canadian has publicly claimed a Powerball jackpot — yet. But here’s why that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Why Canadian winners may already exist
Anonymous claiming is legal in 13 US states. Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and others allow winners to stay completely private. A Canadian could have won millions and we’d never know.
Canadians regularly win secondary prizes. The $1 million second-tier prize (and $2 million with Power Play) has been claimed by Canadian players multiple times. These wins rarely make national headlines.
Confirmed Canadian wins in US lotteries
While there’s no public Powerball jackpot winner from Canada, Canadians have won other US lottery prizes:
- BC resident claimed a $7 million California Lottery prize (2019)
- Multiple Mega Millions secondary prize winners from Canada
- Ontario couple won over $1 million playing from across the border
- Regular Powerball prizes of $50,000+ claimed by Canadian players
The legal reality
There’s absolutely no citizenship requirement for Powerball. Non-US residents win American lotteries regularly — they’re just not required to go public in many states.
If your numbers match, you win. Period.
The first publicly-known Canadian Powerball jackpot winner could be buying their ticket right now.
5 Powerball Canada Tips for Canadian Players
These Powerball Canada tips will help you maximize your experience and play smarter.
1. Set a Budget and Stick to It
Powerball tickets are entertainment, not investment. Decide what you’re comfortable spending monthly — $15, $30, $75 CAD — and don’t exceed it. The odds don’t improve because you bought more tickets.
2. Consider Syndicates
Powerball Canada syndicates (groups pooling money for more tickets) improve your odds proportionally. XO Lotto offers syndicate options where you buy shares of a larger ticket pool. You’ll split any winnings, but you’ll also split the risk.
3. Don’t Skip Power Play
For ~$1.40 CAD extra, Power Play can turn a $1.4 million CAD prize into $2.8 million CAD. On non-jackpot prizes, the multiplier effect adds significant value. Most experienced players consider it essential.
4. Play Consistently Rather Than Chasing Jackpots
Some players only buy tickets when jackpots make headlines. Mathematically, your expected value is similar regardless of jackpot size (more tickets are sold during big jackpots, so your share of the pool stays similar).
Playing consistently with a fixed budget often works better than splurging during jackpot fever.
5. Keep Records for Tax Purposes
If you win anything substantial, you’ll want documentation. Keep your Powerball Canada ticket records — receipts, email confirmations, and purchase history. This helps when claiming foreign tax credits on your Canadian return.
Powerball Canada Number Selection Tips
Every number combination has exactly the same odds of winning. But some strategies can help you avoid splitting the jackpot if you do win.
Quick Pick vs. choosing your own numbers
About 70% of Powerball jackpot winners used Quick Pick (random computer selection). There’s no statistical advantage either way — but Quick Pick ensures you won’t accidentally choose common patterns that lead to split jackpots.
How to avoid sharing your jackpot
If you choose your own numbers, avoid these common patterns:
- All numbers under 31 — Millions of players use birthdays, creating the “birthday trap”
- Sequential patterns — Combinations like 1-2-3-4-5 or 5-10-15-20-25 are surprisingly popular
- Previous winning numbers — Many players copy past winning combinations
- Geometric patterns on the play slip — Diagonals, crosses, and letters are overused
The Power Play math
Power Play costs $1 USD extra but multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x.
On the second-tier $1 million prize, Power Play guarantees a $2 million payout instead. That’s a 2x return on a $1 investment — one of the best value-adds in any lottery.
Why Play Powerball at XO Lotto?
XO Lotto makes Powerball Canada easy for players across the country:
Canadian-First Experience
- Prices displayed in CAD
- Interac deposits and withdrawals
- Canadian customer support
- No currency conversion surprises
Secure Ticket Handling
- Official tickets purchased from authorized US retailers
- Scanned copies stored in your account
- Prize claiming assistance included
- Your ticket, your prize — guaranteed
More Than Just Powerball
- Mega Millions (another massive US lottery)
- EuroMillions (Europe’s biggest)
- Lotto Max (Canada’s favourite)
- Lotto 6/49 (classic Canadian lottery)
- Plus scratch cards, keno, and more
Responsible Gaming Set deposit limits, take breaks, or self-exclude anytime through the responsible gaming tools.
Ready to Chase the Powerball Jackpot?
The current $2.34 Billion CAD Powerball jackpot is one of the largest in history. The next draw is Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 10:59 PM ET.
Your Powerball Canada tickets are just minutes away:
Claim Your Free Powerball Ticket Now →
New players get a free Powerball entry — no purchase required. That’s a free shot at $2.34 Billion CAD. Plus: secure ticket storage, fast Interac payouts, and instant email notifications when results drop.
Questions? The XO Lotto support team is ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
These Powerball Canada FAQs answer the most common questions from Canadian players.
Can Canadians play Powerball legally?
Yes. There’s no law preventing Canadians from purchasing Powerball tickets or claiming prizes. You can buy tickets online through licensed services like XO Lotto from anywhere in Canada, making Powerball Canada accessible to all provinces. You must be 19+ in most provinces (18+ in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec).
Can Canadians buy Powerball tickets online?
Yes. Canadians can buy Powerball tickets online through lottery messenger services like XO Lotto. These services purchase official tickets from authorized US retailers on your behalf and store them securely. If you win, you own that ticket and can claim the prize.
What happens if a Canadian wins the Powerball jackpot?
You can claim the full prize. The process involves traveling to the US state where your ticket was purchased. You’ll choose between the annuity (30 annual payments) or lump sum. US federal tax (30% for non-residents) is withheld automatically. Canadian taxes generally don’t apply to lottery winnings.
How much tax does a Canadian pay on Powerball winnings?
The US withholds 30% federal tax from lottery prizes paid to non-residents. Canada doesn’t tax lottery winnings, but you should work with a cross-border tax specialist to claim foreign tax credits. Net, Canadian winners often keep more than US winners who face both federal and state taxes.
Has a Canadian ever won Powerball?
There’s no publicly confirmed Canadian Powerball jackpot winner, but Canadians have won substantial US lottery prizes including Mega Millions and Powerball secondary prizes. Many winners maintain privacy, so Canadian jackpot winners may exist without public records.
What are the odds of winning Powerball?
Jackpot odds are 1 in 292,201,338. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9. For comparison, Lotto Max jackpot odds are 1 in 33 million — nearly 9x better, but with smaller maximum jackpots ($80 million CAD vs. $1+ billion CAD for Powerball).
When are Powerball draws?
Powerball drawings happen every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM Eastern Time. Results are available immediately after the draw on your XO Lotto account and via email notification.
Can I buy Powerball tickets at a Canadian store?
No. Canadian retailers don’t sell Powerball tickets. Your options are buying online through services like XO Lotto, driving to a US border state and purchasing from an authorized retailer, or having someone in the US buy tickets on your behalf.
Can I buy Powerball in Canada?
Not directly at Canadian retailers — Powerball tickets are only sold in the United States. However, Canadians can buy Powerball tickets online through licensed lottery services like XO Lotto. These services purchase official tickets from authorized US retailers on your behalf. You can play from any province — Ontario, BC, Alberta, Quebec, or anywhere else in Canada — with just a smartphone and internet connection.
What happens if a Canadian wins the American lottery?
You can claim the full prize. Here’s the process: The US automatically withholds 30% federal tax from your winnings (compared to 24% for American winners). However, Canada doesn’t tax lottery winnings at all, so you keep everything after the US withholding. For a $500 million jackpot, you’d receive approximately $350 million after US taxes — and that’s 100% yours, tax-free in Canada. For large prizes, you’ll work with XO Lotto’s prize claim team and may need to travel to the US to finalize the claim.
Is it legal to buy Powerball tickets online in Canada?
Yes, completely legal. There’s no Canadian law preventing you from purchasing US lottery tickets through licensed online lottery services. You must be 19+ in most provinces (18+ in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec). The tickets purchased on your behalf are real physical tickets from authorized US retailers. They’re scanned and stored securely, and any winnings are legally yours to claim.
How do I claim Powerball winnings as a Canadian?
The claiming process depends on your prize amount. Small prizes under $600 USD are credited directly to your XO Lotto account — withdraw anytime via Interac e-Transfer. Medium prizes up to $100,000 USD are handled by XO Lotto’s prize claim team on your behalf. For major prizes over $100,000 USD, you’ll work directly with state lottery officials, with XO Lotto guiding you through the paperwork. Jackpot wins require choosing between the annuity (30 annual payments) or lump sum option, plus coordinating with US tax authorities.
Powerball Draw Times by Canadian Time Zone
| Your Time Zone | Local Draw Time |
|---|---|
| Pacific (Vancouver, Victoria) | 7:59 PM |
| Mountain (Calgary, Edmonton) | 8:59 PM |
| Central (Winnipeg, Regina) | 9:59 PM |
| Eastern (Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa) | 10:59 PM |
| Atlantic (Halifax, Saint John) | 11:59 PM |
| Newfoundland (St. John’s) | 12:29 AM (next day) |
Draws happen Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Adjust by 1 hour during Daylight Saving Time.
Related Guides
- Lotto Max Canada: Complete Guide to Playing
- Mega Millions Jackpot: How to Play from Canada
- Powerball Jackpot $883 Million: Canadian Guide
Play responsibly. 19+ only. Powerball Canada is entertainment — never spend more than you can afford. If gambling stops being fun, visit Responsible Gaming for support tools and resources.
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