California To Offer Mega-Jackpot Powerball Lottery In 2013
SACRAMENTO (CBS SF) - California will join the popular, multi-state mega-jackpot Powerball lottery game in 2013 following a vote by the California Lottery Commission Thursday.
The 5-member California voted unanimously to adopt the lottery game which begins with a $40 million jackpot and increases by at least $10 million every time there is no winner.
The Powerball game is similar to California's current Mega Millions game, in which players choose five numbers from 1 to 59 and one Mega number.
Related: Milpitas Woman Wins $14 Million SuperLotto Jackpot
In a statement, California Lottery Commission Director Robert T. O'Neill said it was clear from research that California Lottery customers wanted to play the higher-stakes Powerball, which would cost $2 a play.
"We have to continually offer our loyal players a variety of entertaining Lottery games, and we firmly believe that Powerball is a right fit for the California Lottery," said O'Neill.
O'Neill also said in the statement he expected Powerball to add from $50 to $100 million to the state's education coffers.
Powerball sales will begin in California on April 8, 2013, the first draw will take place on April 10, 2013. The draw takes place in Tallahassee, Florida.
(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
