Big Changes Coming To Powerball

Updated: 5:15 PM Dec 21, 2011 Big Changes Coming To Powerball It will cost more to play, though chances of winning will increase Effective January 15, 2012, there will be some changes in the way Powerball is played. Officials say the changes are designed to make it easier to win prizes. Posted: 10:38 AM Dec 21, 2011 Reporter: Ann McIntire Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com Powerball Changes Effective January 15th, there will be some changes in the way Powerball is played. Officials say the changes are designed to make it easier to win prizes. According to Powerball officials, jackpots will start at $40 million, double the current $20 million and it will go up faster. In addition, the red ball side will fall from numbers 39 to 35 while the white ball side will stay the same. < Another change will be the price. Instead of starting at $1, tickets will increase to $2 per play. Players will continue to have the option to play for enhanced prizes by adding Power Play for an additional $1. "I play it once or twice a week," says Donna Smith. "I always tell my husband I'm going to get us the money." As for the bigger jackpots, Smith says, "I think it will encourage me a little bit more." She doesn't think the price increase will scare players away. Neither does Meagan Carpenter, who buys tickets with her co-workers. "We do it every week, we've been doing it for about a year now, so I'll probably still play. If your odds are better then you have that better chance of winning your $2 back, so like we say in our work thing, you got to be in it to win it. If you don't want to win it, then don't play, it's your money, your choice." Officials say the changes are in response to player requests. "One of the comments we frequently receive from our players is that they want more chances to win a non-jackpot prize," said Nebraska Lottery Director Jim Haynes. "The changes that will be made in January will add some exciting elements to the game and allow us to continue to support good causes across Nebraska." Powerball also wanted larger jackpots to compete with other lotteries like Mega Millions, which will stay at $1 per ticket. Although the Powerball jackpot is going up, the odds are still 1-in-175 million of winning that jackpot. We all dream and know exactly what we would do if our numbers come up. "Give a little bit out," says Smith. "I've got a lot of gifts given to me so I'd like to return that, pay it forward." Powerball is offered in 43 states as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands. To date, Nebraska Powerball players have claimed more than $510 million in jackpots.       Find this article at: http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/Changes_Coming_For_Powerball_Players_136001788.html?ref=788 *********************************************************************** Big changes coming to Powerball in January by Press Release Posted on December 19, 2011 at 8:56 AM COLUMBIA, SC  – Bigger jackpots, better odds and the promise of more millionaires are coming to the Powerball game in January. Also in store, an increase in the ticket price from $1 to $2. The added cost brings with it benefits.  Powerball's® starting jackpot is doubling to $40 million.  The overall odds and the odds of winning the jackpot are improving and will be the best offered in the game's 20 year history. More $100 million-plus jackpots are anticipated. The changes come into play starting Sunday, January 15. "We are excited about these developments and are anxious to see what our players think of the new, enhanced Powerball," said Lottery Executive Director Paula Harper Bethea.  "The positives are many, but the possibility of more millionaires is certainly an attractive element our players have asked for in the past," added Bethea. With the change, those lucky enough to match five white balls will win $1 million, up from $200,000.  Add PowerPlay and the match five white balls prize jumps to $2 million. PowerPlay will remain at a $1, but the multiplier is being replaced by increasing set prize amounts. In the new game, a Powerball ticket with PowerPlay will cost $3. Bethea is optimistic the Powerball changes will be well received but is not making any predictions when it comes to sales. The Lottery recognizes not all players will want to or need to spend $2 on a Powerball ticket. Mega Millions offers an alternative jackpot-driven game available at the $1 price point. "Our players demand fresh products and more options," said Bethea.  "Powerball has differentiated itself from Mega Millions, so our players will now have a choice to make.  Whatever they decide, education is, and always will be, the real winner." ************************************************************* Read Comments Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station. by john on Dec 27, 2011 at 05:40 PM no way $2 powerball I wont play. Reply by pat on Dec 22, 2011 at 12:41 PM I think when it get's to 200 million they should have 4 fifty million dollar winners. who really needs 200 million? Reply by Davey on Dec 22, 2011 at 01:39 PM in reply to pat Really, Pat? And if only one player gets all the numbers right, how do they select the other three? Reply by T on Dec 22, 2011 at 10:46 AM I don't buy a ticket actually thinking I will win, it's just a fun game and for a $1 I had no problem. I won't pay $2. Reply by Rob on Dec 21, 2011 at 10:05 PM Played Powerball since it started in Nebraska, now will switch to Mega Millions. No way will I pay $2 per play. Hope they go bust!!! Reply by good for them on Dec 21, 2011 at 06:29 PM My point is that the powerball isn't a necessity just like cable. The powerball is a choice. No one is telling you to get a ticket. I'm for the increase. With that said I have never WASTED my money on the powerball and never will. Reply by jeff on Dec 21, 2011 at 05:36 PM hmmmmmmm lets see, you'll charge me 100% more for a ticket ($2 instead of $1) and my odds of winning are still the same, 1 in 175mil---------don't think so Reply by Anonymous on Dec 23, 2011 at 01:32 AM in reply to jeff Now you're thinking! I used to play, but I don't have any justification for having $20 million dollars. $20 thousand dollars would be a Godsend to me, but responsibly giving away a major portion of $20 million would become a full-time job for me, and I'm retired! I don't want to work that hard. Reply by Bill on Dec 21, 2011 at 05:13 PM I made a request for that list of people who wanted it to go to 2 bucks have yet to see it been a month now. I say it's made by the over paid people at the schools not the teachers but the Admin. they are way over paid look it up and you will see 90% of them make more then the gov. of this state and he is eleted to his job not hired. The schools are draining us dry with over paying people. Reply by June on Dec 22, 2011 at 02:40 AM in reply to Bill Well of course the schools are the problem, I mean gee whiz what do we need schools for, 75-80 years ago a lot people didn't finish 8th grade and they managed to get jobs and survive...yeppers that what's wrong with this country....education Reply by cry me a river on Dec 21, 2011 at 05:13 PM To all you out there, cry me a river. Why dont you just give your money to a charity out there and do some good for people that need it. Im excited about the changes. Reply by good for them on Dec 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM My point is that the powerball isn't a necessity just like cable. The powerball is a choice. No one is telling you to get a ticket. I'm for the increase. With that said I have never WASTED my money on the powerball and never will. Reply by oh on Dec 22, 2011 at 10:20 AM in reply to good for them nobody forces anyone to get cable tv. That's a choice, too. Eating isn't a choice. What you eat is. Steak or butter sandwiches? Instead of cable, get a free library card and read. Reply by Anonymous on Dec 21, 2011 at 04:20 PM I doubt that players requested to pay twice what they were to play. Reply by good for them on Dec 21, 2011 at 03:46 PM I've seen too many people that can't afford food for themselves but will buy a ticket. I am glad it went up to 2 dollars. I am for it. Thank you powerball. Reply by Anonymous on Dec 21, 2011 at 04:24 PM in reply to good for them I have also known people who can't afford food still have cable..so whats your point? Reply by Frank on Dec 21, 2011 at 03:23 PM The only way I'll play is if it gets over $300 million which will not happen because their sales is going to tank. Mega Millions will be the new game of choice for 80% of the powerball players. Reply by David on Dec 21, 2011 at 03:18 PM For those of you against gambling,it donates alot of money the the school districts. If your a homeowner are you willing to make up the difference in higher taxes to make up the difference? Also I assume you are also not a part of any 401K plan at your job(if you work)because all those are,are work sponsored gambling. Reply by Dan on Dec 21, 2011 at 05:11 PM in reply to David thats bull Daivd your taxes will go up because the money hngry superintendents and principles will cry for more money as making 100,000. a year is not enough. Don't fall for the crap this money goes to the schools all taxes paid 80% goes to the out ofr control school budgets to over pay over educated idiots. Reply by June on Dec 22, 2011 at 02:41 AM in reply to Dan Oh goody, another person who thinks to much education is a bad thing Reply by David on Dec 22, 2011 at 08:17 AM in reply to Dan Show me actuall documentation,that 80% of all taxes paid go to the schools,as you insinuated. And yes some are overpaid,however most are not. I mean it is a shame when a teacher whose has a degree makes less than all I do,which is customer service work,and I do not have a degree. Reply by Barb on Dec 21, 2011 at 03:14 PM I agree with Ed. I want to see those who requested the price increase. I sure you won't be able to produce any. Reply by Your Mom on Dec 21, 2011 at 03:06 PM If they want to make winning easier, give me the white numbers before hand, and I'll guess the red ball. Read Comments Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station. by Anonymous on Dec 21, 2011 at 02:54 PM the more of you that stop playing the better chance of me taking it all. Reply by Anonymous on Dec 21, 2011 at 04:32 PM in reply to Your chance will be the same if you were the only one who bought a ticket just less money if you did win. Reply by l on Dec 22, 2011 at 02:15 PM in reply to i like your thinking! Reply by wp on Dec 21, 2011 at 02:42 PM $3.for a powerball w/power play? how about 2 plays for a buck with more winners! Reply by Sean on Dec 21, 2011 at 02:25 PM I think they should just abolish the powerball. Gambling is evil. Reply by Boone on Dec 21, 2011 at 02:18 PM I was born naked and hungry, guess I'm going out the same way. They can keep their sucker ball. Reply by Ed on Dec 21, 2011 at 01:52 PM Officials say the changes are in response to player requests. I want to see the requests that people want the price of a ticket to double. Reply by BIG AL on Dec 21, 2011 at 01:23 PM I agree with everyone else, SUCKER BALL is just increasing the ante. Also, just one question, out of all the SUCKER BALL tickets sold in this state, how many jack pot winners? Reply by John on Dec 21, 2011 at 12:59 PM I'm done buying them! Reply by Tyee on Dec 21, 2011 at 12:51 PM Well, that does it for me. I play a quick pick every game. I will not pay $2.00 for a ticket. Reply by anonymous on Dec 21, 2011 at 12:25 PM agreed -- I won't spend $2 on it.... Reply by Todd on Dec 21, 2011 at 12:08 PM It looks like they are just increasing the ticket price 100% and then glossing that over with gimmicks. Reply by Just Me on Dec 21, 2011 at 11:45 AM If they want to make Powerball (Gambling) more exciting in this state, maybe they should just legalize Casinos. Reply by Jerry on Dec 21, 2011 at 11:36 AM They never asked me what I thought, anybody else?? Reply by Mel on Dec 21, 2011 at 11:36 AM I'm one of those buyers that only gets a couple of tickets when the jackpot is high. Not sure what percentage of us are represented in overall sales, but frankly, this price increase just made it not worth my time/money. There is something that says "no way" about paying $2 for what has always been a $1 source of entertainment. Reply by 4-2-bucks on Dec 21, 2011 at 11:35 AM I'll stick to a cup of coffee, it never lets me down Reply by Bill on Dec 21, 2011 at 11:34 AM Looks like the tax on the mathematically challenged has doubled from $1 to $2....... Read Comments Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station. by Anonymous on Dec 21, 2011 at 11:26 AM Greed seems to have taken over. I have played Power Ball since the beginning but will not pay $2 for a ticket. Most states have local lottery that has a lot better odds for $1 and Mega Millions is still a $1. Reply by jmw on Dec 21, 2011 at 11:23 AM Think I will stay with the Pick 5. So much better odds. On Powerball, you are lucky to get a free ticket. Reply by Anon on Dec 21, 2011 at 10:54 AM I won't play anymore. $2 per play. Whatever. Reply by sli on Dec 21, 2011 at 10:42 AM yeah right ... easier to win - doubt ... I think it's more money for the lottery admin ... Reply by HL on Dec 21, 2011 at 10:40 AM So... doubling the price and reducing the odds to, oh, maybe 70 million to one rather than 85 million to one. Yup, that'll make it much easier to win. I think I'll keep not spending my money on Powerball. www.WHEC.com Powerball ticket price increase will mean bigger jackpots Posted at: 12/28/2011 12:02 PM If you don't make it a habit to buy lottery tickets now, you may want to start. New York Lottery officials tell News10NBC that starting January 15th, the price of Powerball tickets will be going up from $1 to $2. The increase will take effect in all 43 states that participate in the Powerball drawing. The price increase means a bigger payoff for winners. Right now, the starting point for Powerball jackpots is $20-million, and it increases with each drawing when there are no jackpot winners. After the price change, the starting jackpot for Powerball will increase to $40-million. Under the the new pricing system, the total value of jackpots will also increase much faster, which could lead to record-setting drawings. People who like to buy their Powerball tickets with the Power Play option will still have to pay a dollar extra, making Power Play tickets $3 rather than the current price of $2. For more Rochester, N.Y. news, visit our website www.whec.com