National Lottery operator Allwyn unveils biggest ever Lotto overhaul and UK launch of Powerball
The operator of The National Lottery has announced what it describes as the biggest changes in the game’s history, alongside the introduction of a new high-value draw set to launch in the UK for the first time.
Allwyn said a revamped version of Lotto will be introduced from 7 June, giving players two chances to win from a single £2 ticket under a new two-round draw format. The changes will apply to both Wednesday and Saturday draws and will not alter the number of balls players must select.
The company says the overhaul will significantly improve the odds of winning any prize, moving from one in 9.3 to one in 4.9. It is also expected to more than double the number of millionaires created by the game each year, rising from around 140 to approximately 345.
The first tickets under the new format will go on sale on 7 June, with the first draw scheduled for 10 June.
Alongside the Lotto changes, Allwyn confirmed it will launch a UK-specific version of Powerball later this summer. It will mark the first time the game has been made available outside the United States, allowing UK players to take part in draws alongside American participants.
Jackpots in the new game are expected to exceed £1bn, with prizes for UK winners paid out over a 30-year period. The operator said the game could generate around £1bn for UK good causes within its first five years, with more than 30% of each ticket sale directed to charitable funding.
Allwyn’s chief executive, Andria Vidler, said the changes formed part of a wider effort to modernise the National Lottery and expand its appeal.
She said the updated Lotto would give players “two chances of winning £1m-plus for the same £2 they spend today”, while the introduction of Powerball would bring “transformative jackpots” that could capture public interest.
The company added that recent upgrades to its digital and retail systems had made it possible to introduce the new formats, which it hopes will broaden participation and increase returns to good causes.
Allwyn currently raises around £33m a week for charitable projects and has set a target to double that figure to £60m a week by 2034.
