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

Summary

Allwyn has unveiled two major changes to the UK National Lottery: a UK-specific version of Powerball (the first time Powerball will be offered outside the US) and a revamp of the main Lotto that gives each £2 line two chances to win.

Powerball will launch in the summer via a partnership with the Multi-State Lottery Association. Tickets will cost £4 per line; players pick five main numbers (1–69) and a Powerball (1–26). Draws will run on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, with an uncapped jackpot starting at £12m. UK prizes will be available from matching two numbers, and a £1m prize is payable for matching five numbers. Top jackpots may be shared and will be paid over 30 years. The exact launch date is subject to regulatory approval.

Separately, from 7 June the main Lotto will adopt a two-round format for every draw: two sets of six main balls plus a bonus ball will be drawn using separate machines. A single £2 line will therefore offer two chances to win in the same draw. Jackpots will still start at £2m and can roll over up to five times before a must-be-won event on the sixth draw. A new fixed £1m prize will be introduced for matching five main numbers plus the bonus. Lotto HotPicks will also move to the two-round format. Allwyn says the change improves the odds of winning a prize from 1-in-9.3 to 1-in-4.9 and will help generate more funds for good causes.

Both initiatives are subject to final regulatory sign-off. Allwyn CEO Andria Vidler said the moves show the operator is delivering more entertainment and innovation; the company has previously faced scrutiny over delivery of some licence pledges since taking control in February 2024.

Key Points

Allwyn to introduce a UK-specific Powerball, delivered in partnership with the Multi-State Lottery Association.
Powerball tickets priced at £4 per line; players select 5 numbers (1–69) plus a Powerball (1–26); draws on Tue, Thu and Sun.
Powerball jackpots are uncapped and start at £12m; top prizes may be shared and are paid over 30 years.
From 7 June, Lotto adopts a two-round draw format so each £2 line yields two chances to win.
Lotto will introduce a £1m fixed prize for matching five main numbers plus the bonus; overall odds of winning improve to about 1-in-4.9.
Changes aim to create more big winners and boost funds for good causes; both measures require regulatory approval.

Why should I read this

Short and simple: if you play the National Lottery, work in retail, or follow gambling policy, this changes tickets, odds and potential payouts. New games and formats could shift player behaviour and purse strings — worth a quick read before summer launches.

Author note

Punchy: This is a bold, sector-shaping move from Allwyn — new mechanics and bigger-ticket formats that will matter to players and the industry. If you care about odds, jackpots or the lottery market, dig into the detail.