The operator running the National Lottery has announced what it calls the “biggest ever” transformation of its main Lotto game, arriving in the coming months. This accompanies news of a UK version of Powerball, previously exclusive to America.
Allwyn confirmed Powerball would become Britain’s inaugural “£1 billion-plus mega-jackpot game” pending final regulatory clearance.
Before details on the new game, here’s what’s changing with Lotto and what it means for participants.
This is SIGNIFICANT. Stay tuned 👀 *Game launch is subject to final regulatory approval from our regulator, the Gambling Commission. Rules apply. 18+ pic.twitter.com/HlHrLbGInA
— The National Lottery (@TNLUK) April 14, 2026
What’s changing about the National Lottery’s Lotto?
Beginning in early summer, every Lotto draw will feature a new two-round format, giving players two opportunities to win.
The updated structure involves drawing two sets of six main balls plus a bonus ball, using separate draw machines for each round.
This enables a player to win in the first round, the second round, or both rounds, all from a single ticket entry.
The cost remains unchanged at £2 per line, and the total number of balls stays the same.
Allwyn states the modification increases winning odds from one in 9.3 to one in 4.9 for any prize, and is projected to more than double annual Lotto millionaire creation from roughly 140 to approximately 345.
What will Lotto jackpots and prizes look like after the ‘biggest ever’ change?
As with the present format, Lotto jackpots will start at £2 million and can accumulate through up to five rollovers before a must-be-won draw occurs on the sixth consecutive draw.
Players continue to win by matching two or more main numbers.
Two paths to millionaire status exist – a guaranteed £1 million-plus jackpot for matching all six main numbers, and a fixed £1 million prize for matching five main numbers plus the bonus ball.
The jackpot will be divided between both rounds, while all other prize levels remain fixed cash amounts, awarded per round.
The Lotto HotPicks supplementary game will also adopt the new two-round format, continuing to cost £1.
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Sales for the new Lotto format begin Sunday, June 7, with the inaugural draw scheduled for Wednesday, June 10.
Lotto draws will continue taking place at approximately 8pm every Saturday and Wednesday.
National Lottery preparing to launch new game featuring ‘£1 billion-plus mega-jackpot’
Established in 1992 in America, Powerball holds the title of world’s largest rolling jackpot game, with an uncapped jackpot beginning at £12 million.
In 2022, its record-breaking winner claimed a prize exceeding 2.04 billion US dollars (£1.51 billion).
UK residents will soon join American players in competing for the shared jackpot.
UK Powerball participants will select five main numbers from one to 69, plus one Powerball number from one to 26, or opt for a Lucky Dip.
Have you ever lost your lottery ticket and found it years later? (Image: Getty Images)
Winners will receive their prize over a 30-year period.
However, the UK version includes an additional “Match 2 main numbers” prize tier exclusive to British players, offering a fixed £8 prize.
Tickets can be purchased online or in shops until 11.55pm UK time the day before the draws.
These occur on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with the draws taking place at approximately 4am the following morning UK time (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday), broadcast from the Powerball studio in Florida.
Allwyn has secured an agreement with America’s Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) to bring Powerball to the UK, though a specific launch date remains pending final regulatory approval.
When are National Lottery results announced?
Find out when you can discover if you’re a winner across the following National Lottery games and draws:
Euromillions – every Tuesday and Friday
Set For Life – every Monday and Thursday
Lotto – every Wednesday and Saturday
Thunderball – every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Lotto Hotpicks – every Wednesday and Saturday
Euromillions Hotpicks – every Tuesday and Friday
Which National Lottery draw do you prefer most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.