Powerball, the iconic US lottery game with jackpots that can climb into the billions, is launching in the UK this month for the first time outside the United States. National Lottery operator Allwyn has confirmed that, subject to final regulatory approval, the UK-specific version will officially launch on Tuesday, July 21, with players able to buy a £4 Powerball line in National Lottery retailers and online.
First Draw and Jackpot Potential
The first draw is scheduled for Thursday, July 23. If the current Powerball jackpot, estimated at $416 million, continues to roll until then, UK players will have a chance to win a massive prize from the outset. The UK version offers uncapped jackpots starting at £12 million, which can grow into the hundreds of millions and even billions, shared with US players.
Allwyn CEO 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."
How the UK Game Works
UK players will pick five main numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26, or choose a Lucky Dip. Tickets must be bought by 11.55 pm the night before draws, which occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The draws happen around 4 am the following day (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays) from the Powerball studio in Florida.
The UK game features an extra ‘Match 2 main numbers’ prize tier, available only to UK players, offering a fixed £8 prize. The ‘Match 5 main numbers’ tier also offers a fixed £1 million prize, while other UK prize tiers offer estimated prizes that vary based on balls drawn and number of winners. Jackpot winnings for UK players are paid out over 30 years.
Impact on Good Causes
Since its founding in 1992, Powerball has generated an estimated $38 billion for good causes, including education, veteran services, and parks. The UK version is expected to raise around £1 billion for UK good causes over its first five years, with all funding from UK ticket sales going directly to UK beneficiaries.
Rebecca Paul, President & CEO of the Tennessee Lottery and former President of the World Lottery Association, said: "This next step brings us closer to a thrilling milestone for Powerball. More players means faster-growing jackpots, more excitement and even greater impact for the communities we serve."
Partnership and Launch Details
Powerball is launching in the UK in partnership with the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), a non-profit owned by its member lotteries. Allwyn has tailored the game for UK players while maintaining the shared jackpot with 48 US-based lotteries. The biggest-ever Powerball winner of over $2.04 billion was recorded in 2022.
Vidler added: "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."
