World’s biggest jackpot game launching in UK in July

British lottery players will be able to play in the world’s largest jackpot game this month. The UK’s National Lottery operator, Allwyn, said players will be able to purchase tickets for the game from July 21, subject to final regulatory approval. The UK version of Powerball will be the first available outside the United States and will see UK players play alongside their US counterparts to win the shared jackpot of more than £1 billion, which will be paid out over 30 years.

The National Lottery said jackpots usually start at around £12 million and, with rollovers, can grow to as much as £1 billion or more. Each line will cost £4, and you’ll be able to play online via the web or app, and in-store, up to 4 weeks in advance.

The UK version of the game features new prizes for tiers below the jackpot, available to be won in the UK only, such as an additional ‘Match 2 main numbers’ prize tier, which offers a fixed prize of £8.

The ‘Match 5 main numbers’ tier also offers a fixed prize of £1 million, while all other UK prize tiers offer “generous estimated prizes” which vary depending on the balls drawn, the number of winners in each tier and currency exchange rates.

Draws take place in the United States every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at around 4am UK time. Tickets must be purchased by 11:55pm on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday to enter the following day’s draw.

Players choose five main numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26, or they can opt for a Lucky Dip, where the numbers are selected at random.

The National Lottery said the overall odds of winning any prize on Powerball in the UK are 1 in 14. The odds of winning the jackpot prize are around 1 in 292 million.

It added: “The Powerball jackpot is paid over 30 years to ensure the total amount received is much higher than if the same prize was offered as an upfront, one-off payment. As well as offering the winner a higher overall prize, this provides a steady, reliable income over many years, helping to support long-term financial security.”

The American lottery game is played in 45 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. It was founded in 1992. The biggest-ever Powerball winner of over $2.04bn was made in 2022.

Allwyn chief executive Andria Vidler said: “We’re excited to give National Lottery players the chance to dream bigger while supporting thousands of good cause projects across the UK every week.

“Powerball jackpots can soar into the billions, offering breath-taking sums with the potential to transform lives and communities.

“As we begin the countdown to the first draw later this month, you won’t be able to miss Powerball’s arrival with a major launch lined up.

“We’re encouraging players to get involved when tickets go on sale and we’ll be crossing our fingers for our first UK winner.”