'Security Protocols' Delay $1.9B Powerball Drawing
Monday night's $1.9 billion Powerball drawing was delayed after lottery officials said undefined "security protocols" needed more time to be completed. The Nov. 7 drawing has the largest jackpot in the game's history, with an estimated all-cash value of $929.1 million.
The winning numbers are now expected to be drawn Tuesday morning, according to CNN.
The California Lottery said in a statement on Twitter that one of the participating lotteries needed more time to complete the security protocol. "Powerball has strict security requirements that must be met by all 48 lotteries before a drawing can occur," the statement said.
The drawing traditionally takes place at 10:59 p.m. EST.
When the security protocols are met, the drawing will occur under "the supervision of lottery security officials and independent auditors." The statement said winning numbers would be available as soon as the drawing was completed and thanked players for their patience.
Powerball officials released a statement early Tuesday morning clarifying that the delay was caused by one participating lottery still processing their "sales and play data." Powerball requires all participating lotteries to submit that information before the winning numbers are chosen.
"Powerball has stringent security requirements to protect the integrity of the game and remains committed to holding a drawing that gives all players a fair chance to win," the statement said.
Powerball winners can either collect an all-cash option of $929.1 million or $1.9 billion in equal payments of around $63 million over 30 years.
The odds of winning all five numbers and the Powerball are 1 in 292.2 million.
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