2009 Press Releases

January 06, 2009

POWERBALL UPDATE BRINGS BIGGER JACKPOTS, FASTER
Jackpots now start at $20M as part of nationwide change

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.

Since the start of operations in 1975, the Delaware Lottery has contributed more than $2.8 billion to the state’s General Fund to help finance needed state services that benefit everyone in Delaware. The Lottery offers a variety of games: POWERBALL®, HOT LOTTO®, MULTI-WIN LOTTO, PLAY 3, PLAY 4, and assorted Instant Games. Delaware Lottery game and promotional details are available at delottery.com, at licensed retailers, and from the Lottery's office in Dover.

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