when was powerball started
1 The Powerball numbers remained the same. 2  On November 5, 1997, the five numbers expanded to 1 through 49, and the Powerball numbers changed to 1 through 42. 3  Powerball started in Wisconsin on April 19, 1992. 4  Players originally chose five numbers between 1 and 45, and a Powerball number between 1 and 45.