Powerball Changes: $2 Tickets, Bigger Jackpots, Better Odds
BOSTON (CBS) - Powerball is making some changes to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.
The one you'll notice the most – the price of a ticket is doubling from $1 to $2.
Massachusetts Lottery spokeswoman Beth Bresnahan told WBZ-TV the changes will begin January 15, 2012.
You can expect bigger jackpots and better odds.
The opening jackpot will now start at $40 million, which is a significant jump from the current $20 million.
Second prize will also increase from $200,000 to $1 million.
Even the lowest prize for matching just the red Powerball will increase from $3 to $4.
The Powerball pool of white balls will shrink from 39 to 35, increasing the odds of winning.
The increase in ticket prices will help pay for all of the changes.
Powerball is sold in 42 states.
Drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday night.
