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If you’re waiting to find out if you have a jackpot-winning Powerball ticket, you’re going to have to wait a little longer.
Officials with the Multi-State Lottery Association, the organization behind the game, said that Monday’s drawing, with a record $1.9 billion jackpot, was being delayed because of a security issue. The drawing was originally set for 10:59 p.m. Monday EST.
“Tonight’s Powerball drawing has been delayed due to a participating lottery needing extra time to complete the required security protocols. Powerball has strict security requirements that must be met by all 48 lotteries before a drawing can occur,” officials said in a statement Monday night. “When the required security protocols are complete, the drawing will be performed under the supervision of lottery security officials and independent auditors.”
As of Tuesday morning, the numbers still hadn’t been announced.
There are 45 states that participate in Powerball, plus Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
This isn’t the first time that there’s been a delay with Powerball results. On Oct. 19, there was an hour-long delay because of a similar issue.
Officials said the winning numbers and recorded video of the drawing will eventually be posted to the Powerball website and YouTube channel. On Monday night, they didn’t provide details regarding when the drawing would finally take place.
“We apologize for the delay,” officials added.
In a later statement, officials said “it is likely that we will not know the official results of the Powerball drawing until Tuesday morning. Players should hold onto their tickets.”
As might be expected, Powerball players had plenty to say about the situation, given the fervor that had surrounded the drawing.
“Lol we broke Powerball,” one person tweeted.
Others thought there was something odd about the delay, given that it coincided with the blood-moon eclipse. To say nothing of the midterm elections.
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