ROSEVILLE, Minn. – Minnesota Lottery officials confirm the state’s processing systems were slowed by higher sales, and that was what prompted a delay in Monday night’s Powerball drawing.
The Lottery sent a news release Tuesday morning, after the $2.3 billion-dollar winning numbers were finally drawn in Tallahassee, Fla.
“After unprecedented lottery interest, Minnesota’s sales verification system caused a processing delay on Monday, Nov. 7,” the statement read. “The delay was necessary to confirm the Powerball drawing could be conducted securely and accurately. At no time was the integrity of the process compromised.”
The winning ticket was sold near Los Angeles, matching all five numbers and the powerball for a record jackpot of $2.04 billion.
Four tickets worth $50,000 were purchased in Minnesota at retailers in Alexandria, St. Paul, Plymouth, and Waite Park.
