Powerball is an American lottery game sold in 44 jurisdictions (45 when California joins in April 2013) as a shared jackpot game. It is coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), a non-profit organization formed by an agreement with lotteries. Since the format change on January 15, 2012, Powerball’s minimum advertised jackpot is $40 million (annuity) with a potential of nine-figure prizes (prior jackpots began at $20 million). Its annuity option is paid in 30 graduated installments; winners may choose cash instead. Powerball drawings are held Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:59 p.m. Eastern time. The game uses a 5/59 (white balls) + 1/35 (Powerballs) matrix from which winning numbers are chosen. Each play costs $2, or, with the Power Play option, $3. (Prior to January 15, 2012, games cost $1 each, or $2 with Power Play; that option was added in 2001.)
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