Beginning in January, big changes are in store for the Powerball game as it's being redesigned to bring bigger jackpots and better odds to its players.

Starting Jan. 15, 2012, jackpots will start at $40 million and the number matrix will be adjusted to increase the number of winners and make the jackpot easier to win, a news release said. The overall odds of winning any prize will improve, and there will be more chances to win a prize of at least $1 million cash.

The bigger jackpots result from the change in price, from $1 to $2. Power Play tickets, which will cost $3, that match all five white balls but not the Powerball will automatically win $2 million. The new Powerball game will still offer players nine ways to win prizes, with its second prize moving up to $1 million in cash from the current $200,000, and the lowest prize level (for those who match just the Powerball) being elevated to $4 from $3.

The better odds result from a change in the numbers that can be drawn in the game. The numbers available for the Powerball will be reduced from 1 to 39 to 1 to 35. Powerball players will still choose their first five numbers from a pool of 1 to 59.

The N.C. Education Lottery is part of the Multi-State Lottery Association, the nonprofit association that owns and operates the Powerball game. Powerball is played in 42 states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Today's Powerball drawing is worth an estimated $76 million if taken as an annuity or $40.2 million if the lump sum option is chosen. In Saturday's Powerball drawing, 29,841 players won prizes ranging from $3 to $400 for a total payout of $228,898.

The North Carolina Education Lottery has paid out more than $7.2 million in instant scratch-off ticket prizes since Thursday, June 23.

Carolina Pick 3 players have won more than $1.1 million. Carolina Pick 4 players have won more than $236,000 including nine tickets that won the top prize of $5,000. Carolina Cash 5 players have won more than $297,000.