Powerball and Mega Millions
The Lottery of the Heartland vs. The Lottery of the Metropolis
This summer we will see the changes to Mega Millions and in autumn we'll watch the new Powerball.
For a few years, the two seemed as equals. Both games would climb over the $100 million mark and occasionally $200 million. Then Mega Millions started to gain a slight edge on jackpot rollover amounts. Powerball tried to one-up the cosmopolitan lottery by landing the Florida contract. 'No dice,' said Governor Bush. What happened next would befuddle rural America. A most unfortunate series of jackpot winners descended upon the Powerball game in late 2004, continuing into the early spring of 2005.
At the same time, Mega Millions brought on board the most populous state in the union, California. Changes, big changes were rumored to be in the works. And so it was. New odds of 175m:1...flashy prizes...a new starting jackpot.
In a flurry, Powerball countered with a new matrix slightly worsening the odds of the old Mega Millions matrix. New gimmicks...a higher starting jackpot than Mega, better prizes, a hot new Powerplay. All for naught...
Mega Millions will capture the headlines from now on. Why?
California. Not just the 12th state in the US of MM. A population surge of 33%!!!!!!! Population in Mega Millions states will come close to doubling that of Powerball states. Rollovers of $20 million at a jackpot of $80 million are around the bend.
Californians are more like New Yorkers than Texans in their lottery expenditures.
It is the dawning of a new era. The rule of Mega Millions has begun.