National Lottery operator Allwyn is to introduce two new game formats including bringing Powerball to the UK
This is the first time the game will be made available outside of the US and will give players the chance to win a shared jackpot, paid out over 30 years for UK winners, by matching five main numbers plus the Powerball.
The UK version of the game, priced at £4 per ticket, also features an extra ‘Match 2 main numbers’ prize tier, offers a fixed prize of £8. The ‘Match 5 main numbers’ tier also offers a fixed prize of £1m, while all other UK prize tiers offer generous estimated prizes – which vary depending on the balls drawn and the number of winners in each tier.
Launching in the UK in partnership with the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) – a non-profit association owned and operated by its member lotteries, Powerball tickets will go on sale to UK players later this summer, subject to final regulatory approval, with the exact date to be confirmed nearer the time. UK Powerball players will pick five main numbers ranging from numbers from 1 to 69, and one Powerball number from 1 to 26, or they can choose a Lucky Dip. Tickets will be available to buy online or in store by 11.55pm the night before the draws (on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays), with the draws then happening around 4am the next morning – on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday – from the Powerball studio in Florida.
Changes to Lotto
As well as the new Powerball game, from 7 June, every £2 Lotto line will give players two chances to win – all for the same price and with the same number of balls to choose from, with a new two-round format every draw.
Commenting on changes, Allwyn CEO, Andria Vidler, said: “We are delivering on our promise to bring more games, more entertainment and more innovation to The National Lottery. With extensive upgrades to our digital and retail channels now complete, we have a fantastic summer lined up, as we are now able to bring these exciting new games to our players.
“Lotto has always been the best game to play if you want to become a millionaire. Our new Lotto gives players two chances of winning £1m-plus for the same £2 they spend on each Lotto line today, creating hundreds more millionaires every year. And with its transformative jackpots, which will be paid to UK winners over time, we’re certain that our UK-specific version of the iconic Powerball game will really capture the UK public’s imagination.
“By offering a wide range of complementary games, we’re ensuring there is something for everyone – returning the magic, building our player base and making sure The National Lottery remains part of the national conversation. In turn, this will raise more money for Good Causes, helping us reach our goal of doubling weekly returns to Good Causes from £30m to £60m by 2034, with £33m a week currently raised.”
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