$2 Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $250 Million; Highest Since June 2010

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - Feb 7, 2012) - The jackpot for the new $2 Powerball has climbed to $250 million for the draw on Wednesday, Feb. 8. This is the highest Powerball jackpot since June 2010 and since $2 Powerball launched on January 15.

Since the launch, only two other states besides Arizona have had two second prize winners -- both $1 million each. The first $1 million winning ticket was claimed by a Tucson resident, who purchased it at a Fry's Food Store in Tucson. The second $1 million winning ticket was claimed by a couple from Fort Mohave, who purchased it at the Smith's Food & Drug in Fort Mohave.

In the last week alone, there have been more than 54,000 Powerball winners in Arizona.

"This is an exciting time for the Arizona Lottery since Arizona is one of only three states to boast two second prize $1 million winners thus far," said Karen Bach, assistant director of budget, products and communications for the Arizona Lottery. "The new $2 Powerball game is delivering on its promise of more winners and larger prizes, and we expect to be congratulating more Arizona millionaires this year than ever before."

The new $2 Powerball game offers many appealing features to players, including better overall odds and jackpots that grow bigger, faster. The starting jackpot doubled from $20 million to $40 million and the second prize for matching all five numbers, without the Powerball, increased from $200,000 to $1 million.

The next $2 Powerball draw is this Wednesday, Feb. 8 and the jackpot is up to $250 million.

Players must be 21 years or older to purchase or redeem tickets. Winners have 180 days from the drawing date to claim their prize at an Arizona Lottery office or by mail. Overall odds vary by game. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, these materials may be made available in an alternate format. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-NEXT STEP. Please Play Responsibly. ™

About the Arizona Lottery
The Arizona Lottery operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products; it receives no General Fund dollars from the State. Proceeds from sales of Lottery tickets -- nearly $3 million per week -- fund a variety of state programs. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out more than $4.6 billion in prizes to players, nearly $2.7 billion in net profit to the state and more than $550 million in commissions to retailers.