California to Join Powerball Frenzy Next Year

Californians may have missed out on this week's record-setting Powerball lottery drawing, but they will be able to buy tickets to the multistate game starting next spring.

The California Lottery Commission voted Thursday to adopt the jackpot lottery Powerball, joining the 42 other states that already play it, along with the District of Columbia. Retailers will begin selling tickets in April.

Powerball frenzy hit a peak this week as the jackpot soared to a record $588 million. Two players, in Missouri and Arizona, matched all six numbers and are expected to share the prize.

In California, Lottery Director Robert T. O'Neill says Powerball could bring in an additional $50 million to $100 million for public schools. It is California's second multistate game, after Mega Millions.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)