Powerball's Humble Beginnings as Lotto America in the Late '80s

Lotto America, the precursor to Powerball, was launched in 1987 and initially had a $80 million jackpot limit due to concerns about what winners could do with so much money.

Lotto America was created as an interstate lottery by 7 states and Washington D.C. to offer bigger jackpots and attract more players.

The game was rebranded as Powerball in 1992 to give players better odds of winning smaller prizes.

Powerball jackpots have soared in recent years after changes allowing cross-selling with Mega Millions and increasing ticket prices.

While wealthier players tend to buy tickets for giant jackpots, lower-income groups disproportionately buy tickets for smaller prizes throughout the year.