Last Saturday’s draw was the first time we could visibly see the new Powerball rules in action. While they were implemented in time for the 7 October draw, that draw’s winning numbers were within the old range. So if you were caught by surprise when the 10 October winning numbers — 12, 27, 29, 43, 68(!) and Powerball 1 — were called, here’s a recap of the new Powerball rules.
The times are a-changing… and so are the ranges!
Both the main numbers and the Powerball guess ranges have been changed dramatically. The main number range has increased from 1-59 to 1-69, while the Powerball guess range has decreased from 1-35 to 1-26. Due to the guess range changes, the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot has decreased to 1:292,201,338. Because of this, the Multi-State Lottery Association — Powerball’s operator — expects jackpots to rise higher, faster. There is even talk about a $1 billion jackpot in the near-future!
The changes aren’t odd, but the odds are changing
While the odds of winning the jackpot are lower, it’s not all bad news! The new rules were implemented by Powerball in part to increase the overall number of lottery winners. The odds of winning any prize is now 1:25, up from 1:32 prior to the rule changes. And that’s not the only exciting secondary prize news…
The third prize division gets a raise
To win the third prize division, a ticket must match four main numbers and the Powerball. Prior to last week’s changes, the cash payout for third place was $10,000. Now if you match 4+PB, you’ll win an incredible $50,000! And with another rule change, there’s a possibility that your $50,000 prize could turn into a $500,000 prize!
The Power Play doubles in strength
The Power Play is an optional add-on, which can be purchased along with the lottery ticket. Previously, the Power Play multiplied the second prize division by 2x and all other secondary divisions by 2-5x, depending on the draw. Now a new 10x Power Play option has been added. When jackpots are $150 million and lower, the third to ninth prize divisions will now be multiplied by 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 times. When the jackpot is higher than $150 million, the 10x option will be unavailable. The second prize division will remain at 2x regardless of the draw’s Power Play number or jackpot. Thus you have the possibility of winning half a million dollars by only getting third place!
You don’t have to live in the States to benefit from the new Powerball rules! Play Powerball online from anywhere in the world!
The implementation of the new US Powerball rules, this October, will have several expected results: fewer jackpot winners for one, but when the jackpot does fall, it is likely to be a whole lot bigger than the jackpot sizes previously reached. Expectations are sky-high. Big question is of course if the US Powerball lottery will finally manage to cross that almost magical and much desired $1 billion jackpot amount – what a glorious moment that will be!
The jackpot was able to roll over once again because no player managed to correctly predict the winning numbers, which were 27, 29, 34, 41 and 44. Powerball number 2 and Power Play x3 completed the draw results. Secondary prize winners that opted to activate the Power Play multiplier feature tripled their prize amounts! Except of course the second place prize winners, of which there were two (one from California, one from Puerto Rico), who double their prize when they chose to play with the Power Play activated, taking $2 million home instead of the default $1 million! It is time to prepare for the next draw, and you still have two days to do so. So take a moment to overthink you strategy and your lucky numbers. Once you are confident you picked the right