Powerball Jackpot Dwarfs MegaMillions
Wednesday May 8th 2013The Powerball and MegaMillions jackpots have continued to climb after another week without top prize winners on either lottery. However, despite MegaMillions having rolled over 16 times and having reached a jackpot of US$154 million, it is the Powerball lottery which is dominating with a ten times rollover jackpot of US$222 million. But why has Powerball sped into the lead?
Although both lotteries are played across the United States, there are a number of reasons why the Powerball lottery sees bigger jackpots than MegaMillions. Over the last five years Powerball has seen the most densely populated States in the country - including Florida, New York, Texas, California and Virginia - join its ranks. Powerball also benefited from a redesign in January 2011 which saw a greater proportion of lotto revenue channelled into the jackpot prize. This redesign has resulted in a minimum increase of US$10 million between rollovers, regardless of ticket sales.
Powerball also has a higher starting jackpot of US$40 million, compared to the much lower US$12 million of MegaMillions, which gives it a head start in generating the exciting top prizes that really get lottery players excited! Having said all that, it cannot be forgotten that the highest jackpot ever seen in the USA was won on MegaMillions in March 2012, when it reached a staggering US$656 million.
What will happen during this latest rollover spree? Will the MegaMillions overtake Powerball as the two jackpots climbs higher or will there be a winner on either one or both of the lotteries this weekend? If you want to be in with a chance of winning either one of those jackpots make sure you buy your tickets in plenty of time for the draw. Good luck!