LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Lottery players had another shot Saturday night at a Powerball jackpot that has grown to an estimated $1.3 billion after more than three months without a winner, but they'll have to wait a bit longer.
The drawing scheduled for 10:59 p.m. was delayed, according to Powerball officials.
"Tonight, we have one participating lottery that needs additional time to complete required pre-draw procedures, which have been enacted to protect the security and integrity of the Powerball game," Powerball said in a statement. "Powerball game rules require that every single ticket sold nationwide be checked and verified against two different computer systems before the winning numbers are drawn. This is done to ensure that every ticket sold for the Powerball drawing has been accounted for and has an equal chance to win. Tonight, we have one jurisdiction that needs extra time to complete that pre-draw process."
People should hold onto their tickets for Saturday's drawing. Powerball officials said when the required pre-draw procedures are complete, the Powerball drawing will be performed under the supervision of lottery security officials and independent auditors.
There have been 40 consecutive drawings since the last time someone won Powerball's top prize on New Year's Day. The 41st drawing Saturday night will tie a record for drawings set twice before in 2022 and 2021.
The jackpot, which ranks as the eighth largest in U.S. lottery history, has grown so large because the long odds of 1 in 292.2 million make winning so difficult. That has enabled the top prize to roll over three times a week for months.
The $1.3 billion prize is for a sole winner who is paid through an annuity, with an initial payment and then 29 annual payments. Winners almost always choose a cash payout, which for Saturday night's drawing would be an estimated $608.9 million.
Powerball is played in 45 states plus Washington, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press Contributed to this report.
