Powerball’s Matrix Changes to Build Bigger Jackpots

Plus a Chance to Mulitply Prizes Up to 10 Times at Lower Jackpot Levels With Power Play

On Oct. 4, 2015, the multistate Lottery game Powerball will welcome a new game matrix designed to create larger average jackpots and more winning experiences. Those who add the $1 Power Play option will have the opportunity to multiply their nonjackpot prize up to 10 times whenever Powerball’s advertised annuity jackpot is $150 million or less.

"The last time Powerball’s game matrix changed was in 2012," explained Louisiana Lottery President Rose Hudson. "Since then, the game’s playing population has grown to include 47 lottery jurisdictions, and jackpots are consequently hit faster. This change will help produce those eye-popping jackpots that players have come to expect with Powerball.”

To produce the added player benefits, 10 numbers will be added to the field of white-ball numbers for a total of 69 and nine Powerball numbers will be removed for a total of 26. These game matrix changes result in higher odds of winning the jackpot, which will go from 1 in 175.2 million to 1 in 292.2 million; however, the odds of winning any prize will improve from 1 in 32 to 1 in 25.

While most of the prize levels remain the same, the $10,000 prize for matching four white-ball numbers plus the red Powerball number will jump to $50,000.

Power Play, the $1 add-on option to Powerball, will also include a 10X multiplier anytime the advertised annuity Powerball jackpot is $150 million or less to encourage game interest at lower jackpot levels. In those instances, the 10X will be added to the standard field of multipliers that include two 5Xs, three 4Xs, 13 3Xs and 24 2Xs. Players who purchase Power Play have the chance to multiply prizes from the bottom seven prize tiers by the multiplier randomly selected during the drawing.

In order to prepare for these Powerball game changes, the Lottery will temporarily and progressively suspend the multidraw option so that plays cannot be purchased in advance for drawings beyond Oct. 3 according to the following schedule:

The Powerball multidraw option will become fully operational again on Oct. 4, when sales start for the new game version. Also, players who regularly use playslips to purchase their tickets must complete a new slip beginning Oct. 4. Multidraw allows players to purchase plays for 20, 10, five, four, three or two advance, consecutive drawings.

Players are advised to sign the back of their tickets for security purposes immediately after purchasing. The Lottery also encourages responsible play and urges anyone with a gambling problem to call toll-free 1-877-770-7867 for help.