National Lottery to Launch Powerball with Billion-Dollar Jackpots

The National Lottery is preparing to launch the famous US Powerball lottery in the UK later this month. This will give players the opportunity to compete for some of the world's largest lottery jackpots for the first time.

Subject to final regulatory approval, National Lottery operator Allwyn UK will begin selling £4 Powerball tickets from 21 July. They will be available through its retail network, website and mobile app. The first draw available to UK players is scheduled for 23 July.

What is Powerball?

Powerball has built a global reputation for producing life-changing prizes since its launch in 1988. The game has awarded seven jackpots worth more than $1 billion. These include the record-breaking $2.04 billion prize won in California in 2022.

"We're excited to give National Lottery players the chance to dream bigger, while supporting thousands of Good Cause projects across the UK every week." – Andria Vidler, CEO of Allwyn UK

UK players join the Powerball network

The launch follows an agreement between Allwyn UK and the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). It allows UK players to participate in the same jackpot as players across 48 participating US lotteries.

Powerball jackpots will begin at £12 million and have no upper limit. This means prizes can continue rolling over into the hundreds of millions or even exceed £1 billion.

Unlike Lotto's one-off jackpot payments, UK Powerball winners will receive the top prize over a 30-year annuity. This matches the structure used in the United States.

The UK version also includes two prize tiers created specifically for National Lottery players. Matching two main numbers will guarantee an £8 prize. Matching all five main numbers without the Powerball will win £1 million. Other prize levels will vary depending on the number of winners in each draw.

Players will choose five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. A Lucky Dip option will also be available. Draws will take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Tickets will be available until 11:55 pm on the evening before each draw. The draws themselves will continue to take place in Florida.

Expected boost for Good Causes

Allwyn believes the introduction of Powerball will significantly increase funding for projects supported by The National Lottery.

The operator estimates the new game could generate approximately £1 billion for UK Good Causes over its first five years. All proceeds from UK ticket sales will remain in the UK to support charities, community groups, heritage, sport and arts initiatives.

The launch is another milestone in Allwyn's programme to modernise The National Lottery following its takeover of the licence. During the past year, the operator completed the nationwide replacement of retail lottery terminals. It also expanded ticket availability through partnerships with Aldi, GoPuff and Vodafone.

If the current US jackpot continues to roll over, UK players could enter the inaugural draw with an estimated top prize of around $416 million.

Rebecca Paul, President and CEO of the Tennessee Lottery, welcomed the expansion. She said that bringing more players into the Powerball network would help jackpots grow more quickly while increasing returns for participating communities.

Andria Vidler, CEO of Allwyn UK, added that a major national marketing campaign will accompany the launch as the operator looks to introduce UK players to one of the world's most recognisable lottery games.

Key facts