The odds of winning Powerball and Mega Millions are not in your favor
The odds of winning the Mega Millions or Powerball jackpot are about 1 in 292 million. Here are the things you're more likely to get for the big bucks.
Saturday night's drawing for a $1.30 billion Powerball jackpot has been postponed because required “drawing procedures” were not completed, officials said.
The lottery issued a statement asking players to hold on to their tickets.
Once the verification procedures are completed, the numbers will be drawn and published online, the lottery statement said.
“Powerball rules require that every ticket sold nationwide be scanned and verified by two different computer systems before the winning numbers are drawn,” the statement read. “This is done to ensure that every ticket sold for the Powerball drawing is accounted for and has an equal chance of winning. Tonight, we have one jurisdiction that needs additional time to complete the advance drawing process.”
Blame 'one participant lottery' for Powerball delay
The statement on the Powerball website blamed a “single participant lottery” that needed more time to complete advance drawing procedures. The statement said the measures were taken “to protect the integrity and security of Powerball.”
Players are advised to keep tickets.
The Powerball statement went on to say that the drawing will be broadcast live and the winning numbers will be posted on the Powerball website and YouTube channel.
“Please save your tickets for Saturday’s Powerball drawing,” the statement read. “When the required drawing procedures are complete, the Powerball drawing will be conducted under the supervision of lottery security officials and independent auditors.”
When will the winning Powerball numbers be drawn?
There was no timeline provided.
The statement said that the withdrawal will not take place until the prior withdrawal procedures are completed.
The Multi-State Lottery Association was unable to provide an estimate Saturday night.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.