Coronavirus Causes Powerball To Change Jackpot Rules

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the U.S. more than many other countries and some states have ordered their residents to stay at home to try and contain the spread of the virus. Everyday activities such as buying lottery tickets from stores have therefore become increasingly difficult in many places.

A number of state lotteries have also made changes to the way they work, for example closing their claim centers or cutting down the hours when they are open.

Drawings have so far remained unaffected and taken place as scheduled, but changes have now been announced as the situation continues to evolve quickly.

What Are The Powerball Changes?

The Powerball Product Group has made it clear that draws will carry on. The game provides a valuable stream of revenue to all the participating states and jurisdictions, with a significant chunk of the money raised from ticket sales going towards local good causes.

To ensure this support can continue, the minimum jackpot will be dropping from $40 million to $20 million. This will be the advertised annuity amount for a winner who chooses to take the jackpot in annual instalments over 29 years.

The other big change to Powerball jackpots is the minimum roll between drawings. The top prize will increase by at least $2 million each time there is no winner. Previously, the jackpot had gone up by $10 million or more each time it was not won.

The changes will take effect the next time the jackpot is won. The top prize is currently worth $160 million following a rollover on Wednesday March 25.

‘America’s Favorite Jackpot Game’

Explaining why the decision was taken to adjust jackpots, Gregory Mineo, the Powerball Product Group Chairman and Maine Lottery Director, said: “Powerball players in many U.S. lottery jurisdictions are under shelter-in-place orders or recommendations from their governors or mayors, which have affected normal consumer behaviors.

“Just like other enterprises around the world that are making adjustments, we are making proactive changes to continue to offer the world’s premier lottery product. We would like to offer support to our loyal players during this unprecedented time. We are committed to being America’s favorite jackpot game.”

There has been a decline in ticket sales across the U.S. in recent weeks due to the restrictions that are currently in place. Only a few states – Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas – offer online play, which is a safer method as you can take part from home and your numbers are kept secure.

Keep up to date with the latest results by checking the Powerball Numbers page after every drawing.