$2 Powerball Jackpot Increased to $325 Million; Record Largest Cash Jackpot in Powerball History

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - Feb 10, 2012) - The jackpot for the new $2 Powerball has been increased from $310 million to an estimated $325 million for the draw tomorrow, February 11. The jackpots are established based on a forecast of ticket sales. In this case, the ticket sales have outpaced the forecast, resulting in the increase of the estimated jackpot amount.

This is the largest Powerball jackpot since June 2010 and since $2 Powerball launched on January 15. The cash option is $202.9 million, the record largest cash jackpot in Powerball history.

Since the game's launch, only three other states besides Arizona have had two second prize winners -- both $1 million each. Arizona's 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 in Arizona 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.

"Saturday is a big day for the Arizona Lottery since the Powerball jackpot is offering the largest cash option in the game's history. Plus, Arizona's own jackpot game, The Pick, is also exceptionally high at $3.8 million," said Karen Bach, assistant director of budget, products and communications for the Arizona Lottery. "Arizona is one of only four states to boast two second place $2 Powerball winners since the game launched 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 Saturday, Feb. 11 and the jackpot is up to $325 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.