POWERBALL® In California Kicks Off With California Dreamin' Song Contest

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The countdown to POWERBALL ticket sales in California has officially begun! And while tickets officially go on sale April 8^th, the California Lottery has decided to get the party started today. To officially kick off the POWERBALL countdown and get players excited about the newest game, the Lottery is inviting aspiring musicians statewide, from choirs and soloists to music groups and barbershop quartets, to participate in the California Dreamin' Song Contest.

Participants will be vying for $5,000 and an invitation to perform at one of the official POWERBALL launch celebrations taking place in San Francisco on April 8^th.  Accessible via the California Dreamin' Song Contest tab on the CA Lottery Facebook Page or at https://californiadreaminsongcontest.thismoment.com/us/base/showcase3 from February 25, 2013 to March 22, 2013, the contest will require eligible contestants to upload a video of their best and most original rendition of the iconic song, California Dreamin', and share it with friends, family, and POWERBALL fans. Video submissions will be available for viewing and favorites can be voted on once a day, every day for duration of the contest. The winning performance will be determined by the Lottery from the videos with the most votes online. The contest is open to California residents only, ages 18 and older.

"The Lottery Commission's unanimous vote to bring POWERBALL to California underscores our commitment to increasing the opportunities we are able to provide to our schools and communities," Lottery Director Robert T. O'Neill said. "We want all Californians to believe in something bigger and the California Dreamin' Song Contest is just one of the ways POWERBALL is making that a possibility. As we countdown to the launch, residents will be seeing a lot more about how the iconic red POWERBALL will be impacting our state."

The POWERBALL excitement started building last November when California's five-member Lottery Commission voted to bring the POWERBALL game to California, and on April 8^th, Californians will finally be able to buy the $2 tickets for a chance share in some of the riches only enjoyed prior by neighboring states. 

The introduction of POWERBALL to the California Lottery's game portfolio is expected to bring in $50-100 million in additional supplemental funds for California schools and have a significant impact on the economy. In addition to more revenue for education and the state generated through game sales, POWERBALL represents endless possibilities for residents – it's an opportunity to dream big and win big with jackpots starting at $40 million. 

With the April 8^th arrival of POWERBALL and two live draws a week, it will be California Dreamin' everyday. Keep following the clock on Facebook (Facebook/CaLottery) for a second by second countdown, and stay abreast of all the possibilities POWERBALL is bringing to the state.

For more information, please visit www.calottery.com.

ABOUT POWERBALL
The $2 POWERBALL game is played much like the popular MEGA Millions® game. Players choose five numbers from 1 to 59 and one red POWERBALL number from 1 to 35. Players can choose their own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick. Draws are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 7:59 p.m. PST. Unlike MEGA Millions and SuperLotto Plus®, POWERBALL's pool closure occurs promptly at 7 p.m. PST each draw day. Besides the jackpot, there are eight additional ways to win prizes. The amounts will vary due to the State's pari-mutuel rules.

A major difference between California's existing draw games is that the POWERBALL jackpot begins at $40 million and increases by at least $10 million every roll.

The mission of the California Lottery is to provide supplemental funding to California schools while simultaneously supporting local communities. More than 96 cents of every dollar spent by our players goes back to local communities in the form of contributions to public schools and colleges, prizes and retail compensation. Since 2000, Lottery players have contributed $1 billion to public schools each year, and, since we began in 1985, Lottery players have contributed a total of more than $24 billion to education. The California Lottery urges its customers to play responsibly and within their budgets. If you feel you have a gambling problem, or know someone who does, you can get help at 1-800-GAMBLER.

CONTACT:
Russ Lopez/Lottery
916-822-8131
Lauren Kay/Remarq
310-397-2233

SOURCE California Lottery