The cash option entitles the winner to receive all the money the Lottery has in the Lotto or Powerball jackpot fund generated by sales during that jackpot run. If a winner chooses to have their prize distributed over 25 years, the Lottery takes that jackpot fund and invests it to accrue the full jackpot amount won. Each drawing machine is self-contained and independent of any other system. Each number selected during the drawing is randomly drawn. Tests using the balls and machines are conducted just before and immediately after each drawing to ensure randomness.
Every drawing is observed and monitored by an independent auditing firm.
The drawings are open to the public. Out of the 21 lotteries participating in the Powerball game, Missouri ranks second in terms of jackpot winners with 18 to date. Missouri is second behind Indiana in the number of Powerball jackpot winners. When a group wins, the person who signs the ticket designates who will receive a portion of the prize and how much that person should receive. Each member of the group then fills out a claim form, and the Lottery issues a check to each person.