Taking a chance on the Powerball game will soon cost Texans more -- and bring greater chances of reward.
Starting next year, the cost of a Powerball ticket will increase to $2 from $1 as lottery officials tout a revamped game of chance that offers larger cash payouts, better odds and more chances to win $1 million."We are excited to provide the enhanced Powerball game in Texas," said Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission. "By introducing this new game at a $2 price point, we are able to emulate our successful instant-ticket strategy of providing a range of games at varying price points. Players who prefer to spend $1 per play will still be able to participate in the Lotto Texas and Mega Millions drawing games."On Jan. 18, marking Powerball's 20th anniversary, starting jackpots will double to $40 million.Players will still choose five numbers from a pool of 59, but the one Powerball number will be from a pool of 35 rather than the current 39, according to lottery officials.Players may also pay an extra $1 to play a revamped Power Play feature, which offers set increases for non-grand-jackpot prizes, including the chance to win $2 million or more.Lottery officials say the rule changes, approved this month, will give players more chances to win $1 million or more. They also say the changes improve the odds of winning any prize to 1 in 32 and of winning the jackpot to 1 in 175 million. The current jackpot odds are 1 in 195 million.Lottery watchdog Dawn Nettles of Garland said she's not a fan of the changes."It will not work, and it is an illegal rule change," said Nettles, who runs the online Texas Lotto Report.Powerball kicked off in Texas in January 2010, partway through fiscal 2010, when it generated $68.5 million in sales in Texas, Lottery Commission records show. In fiscal 2011, Powerball sales totaled $124.2 million."We feel that the new game will benefit Texas lottery players and retailers and, more importantly, we hope it will provide increased revenues for the Foundation School Fund," commission Chairwoman Mary Ann Williamson said.Online: www.powerball.comAnna M. Tinsley, 817-390-7610Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
