More, bigger, better
Powerball, one of the world's most recognized lottery games, celebrates its 20th birthday next year. In 1992, Powerball debuted with a $2 million starting jackpot and was offered by 15 lotteries. Almost 20 years later, players from 44 lottery jurisdictions now buy more than $3 billion of Powerball tickets every year.
But with that success comes a demand for innovation to keep things fresh. Players often ask for more $1 million prizes and better chances to win a multi-million-dollar jackpot. The lotteries selling Powerball heard these requests and have redesigned the game to add more value for players.
The theme for the 20th Birthday Powerball game is MORE, BIGGER, BETTER: more millionaires, bigger starting jackpots, and better overall odds.
MORE: The prize for matching 5 white balls is increasing from $200,000 to $1 million to create MORE millionaires. Power Play is changing too. Instead of winning $1 million for matching 5 white balls with Power Play, the prize is doubling to $2 million. The price to add Power Play will still be only $1 per play.
BIGGER: The starting jackpot is doubling from $20 million to $40 million, so there’s less waiting for a chance to win BIG money. But even the smaller prizes are growing too, with the prize for matching only the Powerball increasing from $3 to $4.
BETTER: The overall odds of winning a prize are getting BETTER, improving from 1:35 to 1:31.8. The odds of winning the jackpot are improving too, from 1:195.2 million to 1:175.2 million. That’s because the pool of numbers for the Powerball is being reduced from 39 to 35 numbers.
To support the added value of the redesigned game, Powerball ticket prices will change to $2 per play. The other big jackpot games, Mega Millions and Hot Lotto, will still be available for $1 per play. The Montana Lottery will continue to offer a variety of games, prizes, and ticket prices.
The 20th Birthday Powerball game starts January 15, 2012. For more information about Powerball, visit www.powerball.com.
More, Bigger, Better: A comparison of today’s Powerball with the 20th Birthday Powerball game
| Today's Powerball | 20th Birthday Powerball | ||
| Price | $1 per play | $2 per play | |
| Match 5 Prize | $200,000 | $1 million | MORE! |
| Starting Jackpot | $20 million | $40 million | BIGGER! |
| Overall Odds of Winning a Prize | 1:35 | 1:31.8 | BETTER! |
| Odds of Winning the Jackpot | 1:195.2 million | 1:175.2 million | BETTER! |
| Prize for Matching Only the Powerball | $3 | $4 | BIGGER! |
| Power Play (Extra $1 Per Play) | Increases winnings 2-5 times | Doubles Match 5 prize to $2 million | MORE! |