Feb. 1, 2010

Powerball® and Mega Millions® Join Forces to Create Largest Market for Jackpot Games in the United States

Multi-state games to generate additional funds for Rhode Island as players benefit from more chances to win bigger jackpots

In the largest lottery agreement in U.S. history, Powerball® and Mega Millions® today launched their partnership, creating the largest market ever for jackpot games. As of Sunday, players in 33 jurisdictions, Rhode Island included, were able to purchase tickets for both Powerball® and Mega Millions® at official lottery retail locations.

Thirty-three jurisdictions, representing a combined population of 199 million people and 147,000 retail outlets, now offer two multi-jurisdiction jackpot games with four drawings a week, instead of one multi-jurisdiction game with two drawings a week. The market for these games has the potential to expand to 45 jurisdictions representing 291 million people and 182,000 retail outlets.

“Our players enjoy large jackpot games, so we’re excited to be able to offer them another game in addition to PowerBall®,” said Gerald Aubin, Director, Rhode Island Lottery. “By offering both games, we anticipate having more winners, seeing our Retailers earn more sales commissions, and raising more revenue for the state.”

Since Powerball®’s inception on February 10, 1988, and Mega Millions®’ inception on August 31, 1996, the games have generated an astonishing $17.6 billion for good causes. With two large multi-state games, participating jurisdictions are expected to generate substantially more money for these good causes.