$2 Powerball Frequently Asked Questions

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

HOW TO PLAY – WINNING NUMBERS – NEW PAYOUT CHART

I heard Powerball is changing. What are those changes ?

Bigger Jackpots. The starting jackpot will increase from $20 to $40 million* and the jackpot will increase a minimum of $10 million with each drawing.

Better Odds. The overall odds of winning a prize will improve from 1 in 35 to 1 in 31.8, and the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot will go from 1 in 195.2 million to 1 in 175.2 million. Click here for more details.

More Millionaires. The second-tier prize will increase from $200,000 to $1,000,000 – resulting in more millionaires in Maryland.

Will these changes impact the cost?

Yes. The cost of a Powerball ticket will increase from $1 to $2. For those who want the option of a $1 multi-state game, Mega Millions will continue at that price point.

Will there be any changes to how the game is played?

The game will have the same easy-play style, but the number of red balls will decrease from 1-39 to 1-35; no other changes will impact how the game is played.

When do the changes occur?

The changes will occur in Maryland on Sunday, January 15, 2012 and will apply to all 44 states and jurisdictions that sell Powerball. The first Powerball drawing under the new game structure will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. Keep in mind that if there is a current rolling jackpot, the jackpot will continue to grow at the rate of at least $10 million. If there is a winner from the previous drawing, the new jackpot will begin at $40 million.

Will Power Play still be available?

Yes, but Power Play prizes become set prizes that are no longer dependent upon a multiplier. These set prizes are at least double the original Powerball prize and range from $12 for matching just the Powerball to $2,000,000 for matching all five white ball numbers. The cost is still an additional $1 per play. The total cost for Powerball plus Power Play is $3 per game.

What is the deadline to buy tickets for a drawing?

As always, Powerball tickets may be purchased at any Maryland Lottery retailer until 10:00 p.m. the night of the drawing.

When are the drawings?

Drawings will continue to air every Wednesday and Saturday evening on WBAL-TV Channel 11 at 11:22 pm. They will also be rebroadcast later that evening on Maryland Public Television. In addition, players may visit mdlottery.com to view the drawing results at any time after they have occurred.

Where else can I find the winning numbers?

In addition to the televised drawings and website postings, many other local television stations, as well as radio, newspapers and other media outlets carry the winning numbers. They are also posted on our website following each drawing. You may also call the Maryland Lottery’s winning numbers line at 410-230-8830. And, of course, you will find the winning numbers at any of the more than 4,200 Lottery retailers across Maryland.

Can I purchase a Powerball subscription?

No. Currently the Maryland Lottery does not offer subscriptions for Powerball. However, Maryland residents interested in a multi-state jackpot game subscription may purchase a Mega Millions subscription from the Maryland Lottery.

* Variations in starting jackpot may occur.

Enhanced Multi-State Powerball Game Goes On Sale January 15

Powerball Jackpot Keeps on Rolling

dolla and a dream

I can’t believe all of you cheapskates can’t afford $2. you can still get a mega millions for $1 and take te smaller jackpot. this new game give us CHOICES. i like choices. i can choose to play for $2 and a bigger jackpot or i can choose to play for $1 and a smaller jackpot. OR i will do what i always do and buy one of each for $3. if you can’t afford the game you shouldn’t be playingin the first place. The new game increases yor odds of a second teir 1 mil win, what the heck do you want ?
dolla and a dream

I can’t believe all of you cheapskates can’t afford $2. you can still get a mega millions for $1 and take te smaller jackpot. this new game give us CHOICES. i like choices. i can choose to play for $2 and a bigger jackpot or i can choose to play for $1 and a smaller jackpot. OR i will do what i always do and buy one of each for $3. if you can’t afford the game you shouldn’t be playingin the first place. The new game increases yor odds of a second teir 1 mil win, what the heck do you want ?
Don

MY POWERBALL PAYMENTS WENT FROM $4.00 A WEEK TO $0. I’M A WINNER ALREADY.
Rmal4908

I hope they get a subscription going for this game.
Rmal4908

I like the new changes.
Aabmh

The name of this game is GREED! Pure and Simple. If they can’t get your dollar one way they will try another. Stop Playing and the prices will go back. We, the people, are the only losers in this game.
Hopefully Lucky

Maybe I will actually win a million or more. I will always play Powerball and Megamillions
Bwelcher

Shame on this crooked state. Instead of increasing this and bridge tolls ,don’t play and take your bridge and stick it!!

Lee Tyrone10

i have been playing since game started and havent won any thing. Thanks for helping me quit. Just like inter-county connector its for the rich and the poor paid for it but cant use it

Anonymous

Samuel: Unfortunately, there is nothing planned at this time.
Anonymous

Samuel: Unfortunately, there is nothing planned at this time.
Anonymous

Hpwoolf: Thanks for your recent inquiry. We appreciate hearing from our players. The decision to increase Powerball from a $1 game to a $2 game was made nationally. Maryland, is just one of the many other Powerball states that this change is affecting. By making this change, the jackpots will grow bigger and more often starting at $40 million instead of $20 million. The second tier prize is also increasing from $200,000 to $1 million. Because of the change to $2, the odds of winning have increased somewhat from 1 in 195.3 million when it was a $1 game to 1 in 175.2 million now that it is a $2 game. And the overall odds of winning a prize in general has increased from 1 in 35 to 1 in 31.85. As always, revenue from the Lottery games goes to the General Fund to support State services such as education, the environment, roads and highways, public safety and much more. Please visit where the money goes for more information.
Anonymous

Hpwoolf: Thanks for your recent inquiry. We appreciate hearing from our players. The decision to increase Powerball from a $1 game to a $2 game was made nationally. Maryland, is just one of the many other Powerball states that this change is affecting. By making this change, the jackpots will grow bigger and more often starting at $40 million instead of $20 million. The second tier prize is also increasing from $200,000 to $1 million. Because of the change to $2, the odds of winning have increased somewhat from 1 in 195.3 million when it was a $1 game to 1 in 175.2 million now that it is a $2 game. And the overall odds of winning a prize in general has increased from 1 in 35 to 1 in 31.85. As always, revenue from the Lottery games goes to the General Fund to support State services such as education, the environment, roads and highways, public safety and much more. Please visit where the money goes for more information.
Anonymous

Lazzell7: Yes, you can.
Anonymous

Dbluetick65: Yes, the playslip has changed.
Anonymous

Mbmhinnant: Since the jackpot was not hit, it rolled to $80 million.
john rush

i wont by more tickets
john rush

i wont by more tickets
Anonymous

Possible 3 reasons for raising price: (1) gasoline costs are higher? Nope, PB is electronic. (2) Too many people buying $1 tickets? Nope, profit is profit. (3) Players are hooked and will continue at any cost? Well, I know one that won’t…me! I am tired of the GREED…both corporate and state government. Screw MD on this one. Boycott is on fort PB.
Anonymous

Possible 3 reasons for raising price: (1) gasoline costs are higher? Nope, PB is electronic. (2) Too many people buying $1 tickets? Nope, profit is profit. (3) Players are hooked and will continue at any cost? Well, I know one that won’t…me! I am tired of the GREED…both corporate and state government. Screw MD on this one. Boycott is on fort PB.

Hokiedad1

Your choice. I “bet” you won’t keep your “promise” though…
Hokiedad1

Your choice. I “bet” you won’t keep your “promise” though…
Carltorsch

Yup,Just trying to get another $1.00 out of everybody,I agree boycott and force them back to the old game.I guess 4 and 5 times came up to much on power play so they decided to set that at a given amount too !!

Paulharveyisdead

good luck, you’ll never be able to affect change.

Carltorsch

Yup,Just trying to get another $1.00 out of everybody,I agree boycott and force them back to the old game.I guess 4 and 5 times came up to much on power play so they decided to set that at a given amount too !!