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US lottery players could see more giant jackpots

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September 17th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – If it seems that giant lottery jackpots have people lining up at convenience stores more frequently, just wait.  Most of the attention has been on Powerball since its rules were changed a couple years ago to boost payoffs. On Wednesday, Powerball’s estimated $400 million jackpot will be the nation’s fifth-largest ever. Organizers of the country’s other big lottery, Mega Millions, are now also planning changes to increase jackpots.

Mega Millions, which is sold in 43 states, plans to boost the initial jackpot to $15 million. It also will lessen the odds of winning jackpots and make other changes that will result in faster growing prizes to grab the public’s attention. Iowa Lottery chief executive officer Terry Rich says the purpose is to “turn up the excitement level” and increase sales.