Allwyn UK, operator of the UK’s National Lottery, has announced sweeping changes to its flagship Lotto game alongside plans to introduce a UK-specific version of Powerball.
The landmark changes, set to roll out this summer, are aimed at increasing player engagement, improving winning odds and boosting returns for good causes.
From 7 June, Lotto will adopt a new two-round draw format, giving players two chances to win from a single £2 ticket. While the number selection remains unchanged, each draw will now feature two separate sets of numbers, allowing players to win in either round, or both.
The revised format significantly improves the odds of winning any prize, from 1 in 9.3 to 1 in 4.9. Allwyn expects the changes to more than double the number of Lotto millionaires each year, increasing from around 140 to approximately 345.
Jackpots will continue to start at £2m and can roll over up to five times before a “must-be-won” draw on the sixth rollover. Players will still win prizes for matching two or more numbers, with two routes to becoming a millionaire – matching all six numbers for a jackpot win, or matching five numbers plus the bonus ball for a fixed £1 million prize.
Allwyn to introduce Powerball
In a separate development, Allwyn confirmed that a UK version of Powerball will launch later this summer, subject to final regulatory approval. The move will make the UK the first market outside the US to offer the globally recognised lottery game.
Priced at £4 per line, the UK version will allow players to participate in the same rolling jackpot as US players, with prizes paid out over 30 years for UK winners.
Players will select five main numbers and one Powerball number, with draws taking place three times a week from the US.
Powerball is known for its record-breaking jackpots, including a prize exceeding $2bn in 2022. Since its launch in 1992, the game has generated tens of billions of dollars for public causes in the US.
Allwyn said the introduction of Powerball and the Lotto overhaul are expected to significantly increase contributions to UK good causes. The new game alone is projected to generate around £1bn in additional funding over its first five years, with more than 30% of ticket sales allocated to charitable and public initiatives.
The updated Lotto format is also expected to drive higher ticket sales, particularly during special event draws, further increasing funding for community projects across the UK.
Allwyn Chief Executive Officer, 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.”
The news comes as another big move for Allwyn, which recently extended its partnership with Formula 1 after what the duo described as a successful first season.
Further details, including the exact launch date for Powerball, are expected to be confirmed in the coming months.