Powerball Changes: Game sales and interest rates to determine advertised Powerball jackpot

The Minnesota Lottery is a member of the Powerball Product Group, a national association made of lottery directors from across the country. On April 2, the Powerball Product Group announced that changes, which will be effective following the April 8 drawing, are needed to ensure that ticket sales can support the Powerball jackpot and lower-tier prizes.

Powerball game sales have declined in lottery jurisdictions across the country since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Because of the decline in sales, the current minimum starting jackpot and the minimum rolling increases can no longer be supported.

Beginning with the April 8, 2020 drawing all Powerball jackpot rolls will increase based on sales, instead of a $10 million minimum increase. Starting jackpots will also be determined based on sales.

Starting jackpots and minimum rolling amounts will be determined by the Powerball Product Group based on Powerball ticket sales and current interest rates prior to each drawing.

Due to these changes, the Minnesota Lottery will reimburse players who meet the following requirement:

Any player who purchased a “multi-draw” Powerball Ticket from the Minnesota Lottery on or before 5:00 p.m. on April 2, 2020, may claim a refund for the price of all remaining drawings after April 8, 2020 through the expiration of your multi-draw ticket. You can keep your original ticket for free and it will remain eligible to claim any advertised prize associated with your ticket based upon the new game rules. The Minnesota Lottery must receive your refund claim form and copies of qualifying tickets on or before December 31, 2020 for reimbursement. Click here for more information.

The Lottery, like all other state agencies, continues to operate and is strictly following guidance from MMB and the Governor, state law, and within the boundaries set by all the Executive Orders that have been put in place. Our number one priority is the safety of our employees, customers and partners. To that end, we have implemented additional safety measures to comply with all Executive Orders.

Our Lottery products remain available inside those retail partner establishments that have been given the ok to remain open by the state. The Lottery has discontinued product promotions and is only supporting retail partners at this time. If you have questions about these Powerball changes, please click here.