National Lottery unveils new Powerball game with £1 billion jackpot

14 Apr 2026 • 8:22 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

National Lottery unveils new Powerball game with £1 billion jackpot

  • The National Lottery is introducing a UK-specific version of the US Powerball game, allowing Britons to compete for a shared jackpot exceeding £1 billion for £4 per line.
  • The main Lotto is undergoing its biggest overhaul since 1994, offering players two chances to win for each £2 ticket.
  • These changes, effective from 7 June subject to regulatory approval, are projected to more than double the number of Lotto millionaires annually, from 140 to about 345.
  • The first new Lotto draw is scheduled for 10 June, with jackpots starting at £2 million and rolling over up to five times before a must-be-won event.
  • Lottery operator Allwyn anticipates these upgrades will significantly increase funds for good causes, with Powerball alone expected to generate an additional £1 billion over five years.

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