Why did the Powerball jackpot end up smaller than the advertised $1.8B?
Share this @internewscast.com

(NEXSTAR) — Before Saturday’s Powerball draw, which resulted in two jackpot-winning tickets, the advertised grand prize stood at $1.8 billion. However, following confirmation of the winning tickets, the jackpot turned out to be about $13 million less than initially stated.

So what changed?

In Powerball (and Mega Millions) jackpots, the winner chooses between receiving their winnings as either 30 yearly annuity payments or a single cash payout. The advertised figures reflect both options. The higher amount, $1.787 billion in this instance, corresponds to the annuitized payments, while the lower amount, $820.6 million, reflects the cash value.

The cash value shown for the jackpot indicates the funds required to provide the estimated annuity prize, according to Powerball officials. Predictions of ticket sales are used to project the jackpot’s cash value, along with interest rates tied mainly to U.S. Treasury bonds, which are purchased to ensure the funding of annuity payments.

Though Powerball officials have not elaborated on why the jackpot was less than the promoted $1.8 billion, and a spokesperson did not promptly respond to Nexstar’s inquiry, it is common for these figures to vary between drawings.

Often, this is due to ticket sales; the majority of tickets are sold on the day of the drawing. If actual sales fall short of expectations — possibly affected by external factors like adverse weather — or if there’s a fluctuation in U.S. Treasury rates, the jackpot’s value may adjust.

But, when the jackpot is over $1 billion, is a difference of $13 million really that much?

For the winners of this jackpot, however, there is a catch. As there were two winning tickets, one in Missouri and another in Texas, both ticket holders will evenly divide the prize. Powerball officials state that the winners (who may choose to remain anonymous) will receive either $893.5 million in annuities or a one-time payment of $410.3 million.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Orlando Authorities Unveil Sketch of Suspect in Sexual Assault Investigation

ORLANDO, Fla. – In an effort to gather more information, the Orlando…

Breakthrough in Chance Englebert Case: Police Discover Key Belongings, Attorney Confirms

A recent development has emerged in the mysterious case of Chance Englebert,…

Actress Diane Keaton’s Passing Attributed to Pneumonia

As technology advances, certain tools and platforms gradually become outdated, and Internet…

Shocking Turn: Jake Haro’s Unexpected Guilty Plea in Son’s Murder Case Stuns Legal Experts

The recent guilty plea from Jake Haro, admitting to the murder of…

Tips to Identify Authentic Police Officers After North Augusta Arrest

AUGUSTA, Ga. – In an unusual case that has captured the attention…

U.S. Military Operation on Cartel Vessel Results in Rare Survivor Rescue, Official Reports

In a significant development, the U.S. military executed an operation targeting a…

Graduate Student’s Shocking Allegations: A Dark Tale of Drugging and Sexual Assault Uncovered

The Los Angeles Police Department is reaching out to the public for…

Virginia Attorney General Debate Heats Up: Jones and Miyares Clash on Key Issues

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — During Thursday’s heated debate at the University of…

Pinellas County Family Awaits Justice: $10.2 Million Wrongful Death Settlement Unpaid

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A family in Pinellas County is steadfastly…

Nestle Announces Major Restructuring with 16,000 Job Cuts to Streamline Operations

Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported. For the best experience, we…

Empowering Tampa Bay Veterans: Key Issues Addressed at Recent Community Workshop

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The Tampa Bay Area is home to a…

Local Heroes Celebrated at 2025 200 Club Award Ceremony

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The 200 Club honored local heroes at the…