 |
 |
|
POWERBALL STEP-DOWN STARTS NOVEMBER 5, 2011
November 4, 2011
Powerball, the nation’s oldest multistate lottery game, is “stepping-down” the Advance Play wagers available to players in preparation for its 20thbirthday and a revamp of the game including bigger jackpots and better winning odds.
Up until November 5, 2011, players will be able to purchase up to 20 Advance Play wagers. The number of Advance Play wagers available will be reduced by one draw, following each draw, leading up to zero advance plays available on January 14, 2012. On January 15, 2012, the effective date of the new game changes, players will again be able to purchase up to 20 Advance Play wagers.
This adjustment is being made in advance of big changes to the Powerball game structure. The new changes go into effect January 15, 2012.
Presently, jackpots initiate at $20 million. Beginning January 15, 2012, that number will double to $40 million, climbing in $10 million increments for every unclaimed jackpot draw. Winning odds will be increased by a shift in the game’s play structure. Players will continue to select their first five numbers from a pool of 59. However, the pool for the Powerball number will be limited to 35, which is calculated to produce greater winning odds. Currently, a player’s chances at winning are 1:35. With the new play structure, those odds increase to 1:31.8. The most tangible modification will be the price of play which goes from $1 to $2 in January.
Powerball will continue to offer players nine ways to win. Another bonus of the new game structure will be a big jump in the second prize from its present amount of $200,000 to $1 million. Even the least among the winners will see an increase. Players matching only the Powerball will see their prize bump from $3 to $4.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
