UK lottery enthusiasts are in for a treat with the prospect of winning a staggering £1 billion in prizes under the revamped National Lottery scheme. Allwyn, the operator, confirmed plans to introduce a UK version of the popular American Powerball game. Participants will pay £4 per line for a chance to win a portion of the massive jackpot, which will be distributed over 30 years to winners in the UK.
The partnership between Allwyn and the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) in the US will bring the Powerball experience to the UK, although the exact launch date is yet to be finalized. Excitingly, the National Lottery is also enhancing its offerings by providing two winning opportunities for every £2 ticket purchased for its primary Lotto game.
Starting from June 7, the updated Lotto game is expected to significantly increase the number of millionaires, aiming to elevate the count from approximately 140 annually to around 345. This transformation represents the most substantial upgrade to the Lotto system since its inception in 1994.
The inaugural two-round draw is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, with subsequent draws continuing on Saturdays and Wednesdays around 8 pm. Allwyn’s CEO, Andria Vidler, expressed enthusiasm about the enhancements, emphasizing the commitment to delivering a diverse range of games and experiences to the National Lottery community.
The introduction of new games is projected to boost contributions to charitable causes, with over 30% of Powerball ticket sales allocated to such initiatives. This initiative is anticipated to generate approximately £1 billion in additional funding within the initial five years. Ms. Vidler highlighted the goal of doubling the weekly returns to good causes from £30 million to £60 million by 2034, with the current weekly contribution standing at £33 million.
In a recent report, Allwyn disclosed that total National Lottery sales, including retail purchases, reached £8.1 billion in 2025, reflecting a 3.5% increase from the previous year. Over £1.7 billion was allocated to various charitable causes, encompassing health, education, arts, sports heritage, and other charitable endeavors, with an additional £967 million raised in taxes.
