The highly anticipated $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot drawing, originally scheduled for 10:59 pm ET on April 6, has been delayed due to what the Multi-State Lottery Association said was the need for a lottery additional time to complete safety procedures.
Jay L. Clendenin | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
Saturday’s highly anticipated $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot drawing was delayed due to what the Multi-State Lottery Association said was the lottery’s need for additional time to complete security procedures.
The drawing was originally scheduled for 10:59 pm ET.
Powerball rules require every ticket sold nationwide to be checked and verified against two different computer systems before the drawing, according to a news release.
“This is done to ensure that every ticket sold for the Powerball drawing has been counted and has an equal chance of winning,” the statement read. “Tonight we have a jurisdiction that needs more time to complete the pre-draw process.”
Customers were told to keep their tickets. Once the pre-draw procedures are completed, the draw will be carried out under the supervision of “lottery security officials and independent auditors”.
There was no indication when the next drawing would be, although Powerball drawings are scheduled three times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
The estimated $1.3 billion jackpot would be the fourth largest in Powerball history.