Changes Coming to Powerball Game

PIERRE – Better overall odds, increased prize amounts and a chance for players to multiply most winnings by up to 10 times during certain jackpot runs are among changes to the Powerball lotto game approved today by the Legislative Rules Review Committee.

The South Dakota Lottery Commission unanimously approved the rules on July 30, 2015. With today’s action, the game changes will take effect beginning Oct. 4, 2015.

Under the new rules, the overall odds of winning a prize will go from 1:31.8 to 1:24.9 while the odds of winning the jackpot increase from 1:175 million to 1:292 million. The game’s $10,000 third prize is being boosted to $50,000 and the Power Play option will be expanded to multiply most prizes (except the jackpot and the Match 5 prize) by up to 10 times whenever Powerball’s annuitized jackpot is at $150 million or less. The starting jackpot will remain at $40 million.

Norm Lingle, executive director of the South Dakota Lottery, says while the changes are expected to deliver bigger jackpots, players will also have the chance to win other significant prizes.

“The change from $10,000 to $50,000 for the game’s third prize really makes for a more substantial win for players who match four of five white balls and the Powerball. Players who spend the extra dollar for the Power Play option have had the opportunity to multiply their prizes by up to 5 times during the regular course of the game but in the past, a 10 times multiplier was only added as a special promotion. By including it as an option when the jackpot is from $40 million to $150 million, more players will get to win bigger prizes,” said Lingle.

Lingle says the game’s matrix will also be revised. Players will choose five white ball numbers from a pool of 69 (currently 59) and one Powerball from a pool of 26 (now 35) red balls. Powerball will still cost $2 per play with an additional $1 for the Power Play option.

The South Dakota Lottery began offering Powerball in 1992. The game is played in 44 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.