The National Lottery has implemented a major overhaul of its Lotto draw, with new rules taking effect this month. The draw, held every Wednesday and Saturday at 8pm, now features a two-round format. Starting from tonight's draw, two separate machines will draw two sets of six main numbers and a bonus ball.
How the New Format Works
Players are automatically entered into two separate rounds per draw without needing to change how they play. They simply continue to select six numbers from 1 to 59. Prizes are awarded for matching two or more main numbers in a single round. The jackpot, starting at £2 million, is split across both rounds, while other prize tiers remain fixed cash amounts per round.
Millionaire-Making Opportunities
There are still two ways to become a millionaire: matching all six main numbers for a jackpot of at least £1 million, or matching five main numbers plus the bonus ball for a fixed £1 million prize. The Lotto HotPicks add-on game also adopts the two-round format, priced at £1.
Andy Carter, senior winners' advisor at Allwyn, commented: "This is a huge moment for players as we enter a new era for the nation's millionaire maker, Lotto. From now on, every ticket gives you two chances to win for the same £2 price. We're talking more winners, more excitement and hundreds more millionaires made every year."
Improved Odds and More Millionaires
The revamped game is expected to more than double the number of Lotto millionaires, from about 140 annually to around 345. The odds of winning any prize improve from 1-in-9.3 to 1-in-4.9, according to operator Allwyn. Jackpots begin at £2 million and can roll over up to five draws, with a must-be-won draw on the sixth.
