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POWERBALL TO RECEIVE A MAKEOVER ON JANUARY 15, 2012
November 8, 2011
As Powerball turns 20 years old in 2012 the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) will be enriching the game beginning on January 15, 2012 in all 44 jurisdictions that sell Powerball, including Colorado. The enhanced game will feature three times more millionaires, double the starting jackpot, better overall odds, faster climbing and higher jackpots! To support the added value, the Powerball price point is changing to $2. These changes are expected to generate more revenue, which means more money for Colorado.
Since Colorado began selling Powerball in 2001, the game has generated approximately $925 million in sales. More than $351 million of Powerball sales has gone to Colorado parks, recreation, open space, conservation education and wildlife projects, key elements of Colorado’s vital tourism and recreation economy. The Cherry Creek Trail, Horsetooth Reservoir, Roxborough State Park, Garden of the Gods and the Great Sand Dunes are just a few examples of the many Colorado landmarks that have been funded with Colorado Lottery dollars.
“Proceeds from Powerball help create and protect open space, parks, recreation and wildlife, all key elements of Colorado’s recreation and tourism economy,” said Abel Tapia, director of the Colorado Lottery. “It is expected that the new pricing and prize structure will generate increased revenue for the state, resulting in more dollars flowing into one of Colorado’s economic engines. Additionally, along with other Lottery products, Powerball plays a key role for retailers in Colorado, who have earned approximately $4.2 million in commission on the game during fiscal year 2011 alone.”
Colorado Powerball players have also won more than $225 million in prizes playing Powerball, and the revamped game will provide even more winning experiences for players. The revised game will feature:
-More millionaires: The new game provides three-times more chances for players to become millionaires. The second prize (Match 5 white balls), which is currently $200,000 will move to $1 million cash. If players purchase the Power Play for $1, players will have the chance to win $2 million cash on the Match 5 prize.
-Bigger starting jackpot: The new Powerball game will have a starting jackpot of $40 million, double today’s $20 million starting jackpot.
-Better overall odds and prizes: The overall odds of winning a prize will improve, moving to 1 in 31.8 from 1 in 35.1. The lowest prize (matching just the Powerball) will increase from $3 to $4. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot will also improve, moving to 1 in 175.2 million from 1 in 195.3 million.
-Faster climbing and higher jackpots: Powerball will reach higher jackpots – faster with the new game model, which is appealing to players who only engage in playing when jackpots reach large amounts.
The revamped Powerball game will have the same play style as the original Powerball. The first drawing after the change will take place on January 18, 2012.
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