TEXAS LOTTERY COMMISSION APPROVES NEW
POWERBALL® GAME RULE
Bigger Jackpots, Better Odds, More Chances to Win $1 Million
(AUSTIN) – The three-member Texas Lottery Commission unanimously approved game rule changes for
Powerball ® during a meeting held today at Texas Lottery® headquarters in Austin. Bigger starting
grand/jackpot prizes, better odds of winning and more chances to win $1 million will set this new version of
the game apart from the original. The price will also increase from $1 to $2 per play.
The first drawing under the new rule is expected to occur on January 18, 2012, and
Powerball players in Texas will be able to purchase tickets for the updated game beginning on January 15.
Starting jackpots for the game will double to $40 million.
A matrix change will also provide better odds of winning in the enhanced Powerball game.
Players will continue to choose five numbers from one to 59, but the pool of Powerball numbers will drop from 39 to 35.
Odds of winning the grand/jackpot prize will improve to one in 175,223,510, and overall odds of winning any
prize will improve to one in 32.
“After reviewing the changes proposed by the Multi-State Lottery Association, which runs Powerball
, we feel that the new game will benefit Texas Lottery players and retailers, and more importantly, we hope it will
provide increased revenues for the Foundation School Fund,” said Texas Lottery Commission Chair Mary Ann
Williamson.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the new Powerball will be more opportunities for players
to win $1 million or more. The second-tier prize, awarded for matching all five numbers
but not the Powerball number, will increase from $200,000 to $1 million.
Players will also be able to participate in the revamped Power Play® feature for an extra $1 per play.
Power Play will now offer set increases for non-grand/jackpot prizes,
including the chance to win $2 million for the second-tier prize.
“We are excited to provide the enhanced Powerball
game in Texas,” said Texas Lottery Commission Executive
Director Gary Grief. “By introducing this new game at a $2 price point, we are able to emulate our successful
instant ticket strategy of providing a range of games at varying price points. Players who prefer to spend $1
per play will still be able to participate in the Lotto Texas and Mega Millions
drawing games.”
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