Dover, DE -- The Delaware Lottery today said that POWERBALL® players will now enjoy larger starting jackpots and better overall odds of winning a prize. While the popular lottery game remains largely unaltered, POWERBALL® gamers will see larger jackpots accumulate more quickly thanks to updates put into effect in all states where tickets are sold.

Jackpots will now begin at $20 million (estimated annuity), up from $15 million (estimated annuity), and overall odds improve from 1:36.60 to 1:35.11. The $20 million starting jackpot represents the world’s largest starting lotto game jackpot. The announcement follows a nationwide matrix change that regulates odds and payouts in participant states.

“Any time we can offer larger prizes and more chances to win without raising ticket prices it’s a win-win-win situation,” said Delaware Lottery Director, Wayne Lemons. “I’m sure our players will greet this news with enthusiasm.”

Players who choose Power Play® and win the second level prize (Match 5) of $200,000 will now win $1 million (five times the $200,000 prize) in cash no matter what Power Play® number is drawn, according to new game rules. Tickets that qualify for a set cash prize on the bottom seven prize levels are still guaranteed to multiply that amount 2, 3, 4, or 5 times if Power Play® was selected. The number grid has also been changed, allowing players to now select five white numbers from 1 to 59 and one red POWERBALL® number from 1 to 39.

Sales of the updated POWERBALL® game began Sunday. The first drawing is set for Jan. 7.

POWERBALL® is the Multi-State Lottery game with a guaranteed minimum estimated annuity jackpot of $20 million per drawing, plus eight set cash prizes up to $200,000. POWERBALL® tickets cost $1 per game. It costs just one dollar more to add the Power Play® option.

The Delaware Lottery reminds players that prizes must be claimed within one year from the date of the drawing.