Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Bowler? - plans for Mega-Strike Jackpot Promotion by Bowling Proprietors Association of America - Brief Article

IT USED TO BE YOU HAD TO survive an island vote-off or make it through a night with Regis to make a quick million. No more. The Bowling Proprietors Association of America is urging its centers to register for Bowling's Mega-Strike Jackpot Promotion, a national program that offers one lucky BPAA-center league bowler the chance to win a million dollars on national TV.

Developed by the Professional Women's Bowling Association, Bowling's Mega-Strike Jackpot borrows from the traditional 50-50 and strike-frame jackpot formats to raise marketing and promotional funds (i.e., BPAA Family tournament, collegiate bowling, scholarship programs, and pro bowling). For a $1.00 a week entry fee, bowlers compete in one of six average-based divisions, trying to roll strikes in pre-determined frames over three games of league play. The higher the average, the more strikes required. Entry fees go into a weekly center jackpot, and a bowler who rolls the required strikes wins the in-center pot. Center jackpot programs began in August and continue through December 2001.

Center winners can enter their state finals in February 2002, and state champs advance to the national finals in March 2002, which determine the national Mega-Strike champion. The winner will get a one-ball chance to roll a strike on television for a million dollars. It's not an all-or-nothing proposal, however. The national champion will win $25,000 for each,pin knocked down if he or she does not strike, with a $100,000 minimum guaranteed.

Proprietors can also win incentive prizes throughout the promotion, including $25,000 should one of their bowlers make the million-dollar strike shot. Center owners can register for the promotion by calling the PWBA at (815) 332-5756 or toll-free at (877) 797-MEGA, or by e-mailing to: pwbaoffice@aol.com.