Powerball Odds Are Changing

Multistate game changing to create more winners of smaller prizes.

July 08, 2015

ALBANY, N.Y. – The 36 states that participate in the multi-state Powerball lottery are making it harder to win the game’s top prize, at the same time increasing the odds of winning a smaller amount of prize money.

According to news reports, the odds of winning the jackpot — which was a record $590.5 million in 2013 — will increase to 1 in 292,201,338, up from 1 in 175,223,510. But the odds of winning a small sum like $4 will improve from 1 in 111 to 1 in 92. The new rules will take effect in October.

Lottery officials say that the rules change is intended to increase the odds of winning any prize, while making it more difficult to win the jackpot prize. The hope is that these changes will make the game more sustainable by encouraging more frequent purchases. Under the modifications, the percentage of money that goes to the top prize will drop from 68% to 64%, while the percentage going to smaller prizes will increase proportionally.

Powerball sales have slumped since 2013’s $590.5 million payout, the last time the jackpot got that high. Powerball sales declined nationally by 19%, with a similar drop in Mega Millions sales, the other multi-state lottery.

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