Powerball expected to reach record number

The Powerball jackpot is now expected to reach into record territory for the May 18 drawing.  Officials believe that the jackpot will exceed $600 million, a new record for the game.

The game was changed in January 2012 to offer bigger jackpots, to create many more millionaires, and to offer a better chance to win a cash prize.  Powerball’s previous highest jackpot was $587 million won on November 28, 2012.

Since the new Powerball began on January 15, 2012, it has created nearly 650 millionaires at the second prize level.  That is over nine millionaires created every week with $1 million dollar and $2 million dollar prizes. 

Powerball jackpots start at $40 million and roll until the jackpot is won. Players win by matching the five white ball numbers (1-59) and the red Powerball number (1-35). There are eight other ways to win non-jackpot prizes ranging from $4 to $1 million or up to $2 million if the ticket includes Power Play. The overall odds of winning a prize in the game are approximately 1 in 31.

About Powerball®

Powerball® is a multi-state jackpot game. Drawings are held at 9:59 p.m. CST every Wednesday and Saturday. Five numbered balls are drawn from 1 to 59 and one numbered ball is drawn from 1 to 35. If all your numbers match those that are chosen, you win the jackpot, which starts at $40 million and grows until someone wins. If other players also match all six numbers, the prize will be shared in equal amounts. Each Powerball® play is $2. For an additional dollar, you can add the PowerPlay® option to increase non-jackpot winnings by as much as a million dollars.