by Kevin Zimmermann
UNDATED (WHBL) – Powerball Lottery players will be noticing some changes soon. Currently the Powerball jackpots start at $40 million and increase at least $10 million between drawings. But due in part to the fact that people are staying at home during the pandemic and not buying as many tickets, those must change in order that tickets sales can ensure the lotteries are able to support their beneficiaries and continue paying both the jackpot and the lower-tier cash prizes.
Last week the Powerball Product Group announced plans to reduce the guaranteed starting jackpot and minimum increases, but those plans have been scrapped because of the pandemic. Now, following next Wednesday’s drawing the guaranteed minimum will be eliminated and the advertised increases will be determined entirely upon game sales and interest rates, and will only be announced prior to the drawing. By the way, Saturday’s Powerball drawing is worth a guaranteed $180 million.
