Allwyn adds Powerball to UK National Lottery in games shake-up

Allwyn has announced two new major game formats for the UK National Lottery, including the addition of a UK-specific version of Powerball, marking the first time the game will be available outside the US.

Founded in 1992, Powerball is the world’s largest rolling jackpot game, with an uncapped jackpot starting at £12m. UK tickets will go on sale in the summer, with a launch date to be confirmed nearer the time.

Powerball will launch in the UK via a partnership with the Multi-State Lottery Association, a non-profit association owned and operated by its member lotteries. Some 48 US-based lotteries participate in Powerball, with the National Lottery to join with a tailored version for UK players.

Tickets will be priced at £4 per line, with players selecting five main numbers and a Powerball, from 1-69 and 1-26, respectively. Draws will take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

UK prizes are available for matching two numbers, while players can also win £1m for matching five numbers. The top jackpot prize may be shared and will be paid out over 30 years. The largest-ever Powerball jackpot of $2.04bn was paid out in 2022.

Allwyn offers two chances to win Lotto 

Meanwhile, Allwyn has also detailed a significant change to the main UK lotto draw. From 7 June, each Lotto line purchased will give players two chances to win with the introduction of a new two-round format for every draw.

The two-round structure will see two sets of six main balls and a bonus ball drawn using two separate machines. As such, players could win in either or both rounds, all from playing a single Lotto line, for the same price of £2 per line.

In line with the current format, jackpots will begin at £2m and can roll over up to five times before a must-be-won event on the sixth consecutive draw. Lower prizes will stay the same but a £1m fixed prize will be introduced for matching five main numbers plus the bonus ball. The main jackpot will be shared across both rounds.

The two-round game format will apply to Lotto draws on both Wednesdays and Saturdays. In addition, the Lotto HotPicks add-on game will move to the new two-round format, and remain priced at £1.

Making the change to the Lotto game, Allwyn said, will improve players’ chances of winning a prize from 1-in-9.3 to 1-in-4.9. It also said the switch-up would help generate more funds for good causes across the UK.

Both the Powerball launch and introduction of the new Lotto format remain subject to final regulatory approval. 

Allwyn talks up lottery innovation

Commenting on the double launch, Allwyn UK CEO Andria Vidler said it demonstrated that the group is delivering on its promise to bring “more entertainment and more innovation” to the UK. 

“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,” Vidler said.

“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.”

Allwyn has faced scrutiny for not delivering on certain pledges it made when it applied for the fourth National Lottery licence. It took control of the lottery in February 2024, but delays with certain plans have led to reports of possible regulatory action. 

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