(Boise, ID) – Powerball is growing and changing to offer bigger jackpots and the chance to create many more millionaires. The first draw reflecting the new version of America’s game is set for Wednesday, October 9, 2002, but ticket sales will start on Sunday, October 6. Highlights of the 4 changes taking place on October 6, 2002:

BIGGER JACKPOTS! Four white balls will be added. 53 white balls will now bounce around in the drum instead of 49. The number of red balls will stay the same at 42. The dynamics of the Powerball design mean that the jackpot odds will increase from 1 in 80 million to 1 in 120 million. The odds of winning a prize for matching the Powerball alone will actually go down, and the overall odds for winning any prize in the new Powerball game will remain about the same, at 1 in 36. This plan will create bigger jackpots, and bigger jackpots mean more excitement! 

PowerPlay option! Players will be happy to see that the "1" multiplier will be eliminated. Under the new PowerPlay structure, you are guaranteed to at least DOUBLE any prize and the chance to multiply winnings FIVE TIMES is greater! 

More MILLION DOLLAR winners! The new Powerball offers a new Match 5 bonus prize. Whenever the Powerball jackpot reaches a new record high, it will increase in maximum increments of $25 million. And money will be put into a bonus pool that will enhance the Match 5 prizes. When the jackpot is hit, the bonus pool will be divided equally among all Match 5 winners. The Match 5 prize of $100,000 may be increased to $1 MILLION or more. 

Change in length of annuity option! Although most winners take the cash option, Powerball will now extend the current annuity option from 24 years (25 payments) to 29 years (30 payments). Annuity winners will receive their first payment immediately and will then receive a guaranteed return and annual payments for the next 29 years after their win. 

Powerball was launched in February 1992. It changed to its current version in November 1997. 

23 states and Washington D.C. now offer Powerball as part of their lottery game lineup.