Powerball will be getting a face lift as the iconic game celebrates its 20th birthday in 2012.

In June, U.S. lottery directors approved a price hike and a matrix change. Tickets in the new game will cost $2 when the enriched Powerball debuts January 15, 2012. (Mega Millions will remain a $1 bet.)

“Frequently we hear from players suggesting that in addition to Powerball’s big jackpots, we give away more $1 million cash prizes,” said Alan Yandow, Vermont Lottery executive director and Powerball Group chair.

While players will still choose five numbers from a pool of 59, the group of numbers in the Powerball pool will shrink from 39 to 35, producing better overall odds of winning a prize. Powerball jackpots will start at $40 million, double the current starting jackpot of $20 million.

Source: http://www.lafleurs.com