UK lottery enthusiasts are in for a treat with the opportunity to win a staggering £1 billion following a significant makeover of the National Lottery. Allwyn, the operator, has unveiled plans to introduce a UK version of the popular American Powerball game.
Under the new setup, UK players will be able to participate by paying £4 per line, joining forces with American players for a chance to scoop the massive jackpot exceeding £1 billion. Winners in the UK will receive their share over a 30-year period.
The collaboration between Allwyn and the Multi-State Lottery Association in the US has paved the way for bringing Powerball to the UK, although a specific launch date is yet to be confirmed.
In addition to this exciting development, the National Lottery has announced a revamp for its main Lotto game, giving players two opportunities to win for every £2 ticket purchased. This change, set to kick off on June 7, is anticipated to more than double the number of Lotto millionaires from approximately 140 a year to around 345.
This upgrade marks the most significant transformation to Lotto since its inception in 1994. The inaugural two-round draw is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, while regular Lotto draws will continue on Saturdays and Wednesdays around 8 pm.
Andria Vidler, the chief executive of Allwyn, expressed enthusiasm about the enhancements, stating, “We are fulfilling our commitment to offer more games, entertainment, and innovation to The National Lottery.” She emphasized the goal of catering to diverse player preferences, expanding the player base, and ensuring the National Lottery remains a prominent fixture in national discussions.
The introduction of new games is expected to boost funding for good causes, with the Powerball draw allocating over 30% of ticket proceeds to charitable initiatives. This move is projected to generate around £1 billion extra within the first five years, aiding in the objective of doubling weekly contributions to good causes from £30 million to £60 million by 2034.
Recent data from Allwyn indicates that total National Lottery sales, encompassing both online and retail purchases, reached £8.1 billion in 2025, reflecting a 3.5% increase from the previous year. Over £1.7 billion was channeled towards various charitable causes, including health, education, arts, sports, and heritage, while £967 million was collected in taxes.
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