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Changes To Powerball Coming In 2012

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - People constantly dream of hitting the lottery and the dream may seem more realistic very soon.

Starting next year, your odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are going up. However, you'll be paying more for that better shot.

Next year, the Multi-State Lottery Association is shifting the odds in your favor. You'll still have to pick five white balls from 1 to 59. The Powerball number will now come out of a smaller lot - shrinking from 39 balls to 35.

However, the cost of a ticket will also jump from $1 to $2 and the Powerplay multiplier is still extra.

"Only when it's up high do I play it. I don't waste my money. But, I know if I win, someone else will win with me, like my son," Susan Harrison said.

As the ticket price doubles, so do other jackpots. Match them all and the least you can win is $40 million. If you hit all five white balls and miss the Powerball, the prize jumps from $200,000 to $1 million.

For now, it's still $1 for the Powerball and an extra buck for the Powerplay. Of course, these changes will affect Powerball in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

These new changes will not go into effect until Jan 15.

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