Starting on January 17th , the multi -state game, will implement new important changes like doubling up the start-up jackpot, this however will also imply a doubling up of the price for each ticket. US lottery
The opening jackpot will reach a hefty sum of $40 million which makes it the larges opening jackpot in American history, right the jackpot starts at $20 million. Also the second prize, match-five will also go from $200,000 to $1 million, and the lowest prize for matching just the red Powerball will increase from $3 to $4.
What won´t change is that players in this re-designed game will still choose their first five numbers from a pool of 59, but the group of numbers in the Powerball pool will shrink from 39 to 35, this will result in better overall odds of winning a prize in Powerball. Players today have a 1-in-35 overall chance of winning a prize and once the new Powerball is on the streets, the chances will greatly improve to 1-in-31.8 while the pdds of winning a jackpot prize will improve from 1-in-195 million to 1-in-175 million. Lottery results
With the new improved prizes, Powerball tickets will cost $2 each beginning January 15th , 2012. The cost to add the Power Play multiplier feature will remain an extra $1 per play. For that additional $1, players have the chance to win $2 million cash for the match-five prize. And they will be available for the public on Sunday January 15th, 2012
As for the other popular multi-state lottery game offered in Pennsylvania, Mega Millions no changes have been announced coming to Mega Millions.
“We are thrilled about the changes coming to Powerball next year and the potential the enhanced game has for growing profits for programs benefitting older Pennsylvanians.” said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Todd Rucci. “Not only do we anticipate larger prizes for more Pennsylvania Powerball players, but expanded Powerball sales will support funding for programs that provide low-cost prescription drugs, transportation assistance, long-term living services, property tax and rent rebates, and various social, educational and other activities that keep our older residents active and engaged.”
