Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, will introduce a new two-round Lotto format from 7 June and plans to launch a UK-specific version of Powerball later this summer, subject to final regulatory approval.
From 7 June, each £2 Lotto line will include two rounds per draw, giving players “two chances to win” from a single line. Allwyn said the change improves the odds of winning any prize from 1-in-9.3 to 1-in-4.9. Tickets go on sale on Sunday 7 June, with the first draw on Wednesday 10 June, continuing on Wednesdays and Saturdays at around 8pm. Two sets of six main balls and a Bonus Ball will be drawn using two separate draw machines.
Allwyn said the updated format is expected to increase the number of Lotto millionaires from around 140 a year to around 345. Lotto jackpots will continue to start at £2m and can roll over up to five times before a must-be-won event on the sixth consecutive draw. The £1m fixed prize for matching five main numbers plus the Bonus Ball remains, while the jackpot for matching six main numbers is shared across both rounds. The Lotto HotPicks add-on will also move to the two-round format and will remain priced at £1.
Powerball will be introduced in the UK in partnership with the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). Allwyn said the UK version will be priced at £4 per line and will offer access to a “shared jackpot” with US participants, with UK jackpot winners paid out over 30 years. UK draws will align with the existing Powerball schedule, with ticket sales closing at 11.55pm the night before draws on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and draw results produced from the Powerball studio in Florida at around 4am on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Allwyn CEO, 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.” She added that Allwyn’s goal is “doubling weekly returns to Good Causes from £30m to £60m by 2034, with £33m a week currently raised.”
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