Guaranteed starting jackpot amounts and minimum jackpot increases were eliminated after the April 8 drawing, and future jackpot increases will be determined and announced by the Product Group prior to each drawing. Previously, Powerball® jackpots started at $40 million (annuity) and increased by a minimum of $10 million (annuity) between drawings.
Just like other enterprises around the world that are making adjustments, Powerball® is taking steps to ensure the game continues to support good causes in all 48 U.S. lottery jurisdictions.
What about the previously announced changes? Will they still happen if the jackpot is won?
For all jackpots won after the April 8 drawing, the starting jackpot will be determined by the Product Group and announced prior to each drawing.
Is this change permanent?
A collective group of 38 U.S. lotteries, known as the Powerball Product Group, will determine how long this change will last.
Does this change apply to any other lottery draw games?
No. This change only applies to Powerball.
Is it possible for the Powerball jackpot to increase by more than $2 million between drawings?
Yes. If stronger ticket sales and higher interest rates support a higher advertised jackpot, then the Powerball jackpot will increase by more than $2 million between drawings.
Are there plans to change the $2 ticket price, set cash prizes, or game odds?
No. The elimination of minimum jackpot increases and guaranteed starting jackpot amount will not alter Powerball’s $2 ticket price, set cash prizes, or game odds.
About POWERBALL
It's America's Game! Since 1992, POWERBALL® has inspired the country with a chance to become a millionaire, while raising nearly $22 billion for good causes supported by lotteries. Powerball set a world record jackpot of $1.586 billion in January 2016. The record prize was shared by winners in California, Florida and Tennessee.
Powerball tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are broadcast live every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold.
Powerball jackpots start at $20 million and increase by a minimum of $2 million per draw until the jackpot is won. Players select five numbers from 1 to 69; and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Players can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 times with the Power Play® option for an additional $1 per play. NOTE: The Match 5 + Power Play prize is always $2 million. The 10X multiplier is only in play when the advertised jackpot is $150 million or less.
Powerball jackpot winners may choose to receive their prize as an annuity, paid in 30 graduated payments over 29 years, or a lump sum payment. Both advertised prize options are prior to federal and jurisdictional taxes.
The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.