The National Lottery's flagship Lotto draw is undergoing a significant transformation this week, with the introduction of a new two-round format that doubles players' chances of winning for the same ticket price. Starting Wednesday, June 10, every £2 line will offer two opportunities to win, marking the biggest change in the game's history.
How the New Lotto Format Works
The twice-weekly draws, held every Wednesday and Saturday at 8pm, will now feature two separate rounds. Two machines will draw two sets of six main numbers plus a bonus ball each. Players automatically enter both rounds with a single line, meaning they can win in one round, both, or even hit the jackpot in either. No changes are required from players, who continue to select six numbers from 59.
Prizes and Odds
Jackpots remain at a minimum of £2 million and can roll over up to five times before a must-win draw. Matching all six main numbers wins at least £1 million, while five main numbers plus the bonus ball secures a fixed £1 million prize. The jackpot is shared across both rounds, but all other prize tiers offer fixed cash prizes per round. The odds of winning any prize improve dramatically from 1-in-9.3 to 1-in-4.9.
More Millionaires Expected
Operator Allwyn projects that the new format will more than double the number of Lotto millionaires, from around 140 to approximately 345 per year. The first two-round draw on June 10 will see tickets on sale from June 7. The first retail ticket was purchased in Great Yarmouth, while the first online ticket came from Aylesbury.
Andy Carter, senior winners' advisor at Allwyn, said: "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."
Chris and Geraldine Bradley, who won £3.5 million in 2006, added: "We know first-hand just how life-changing a Lotto win can be. That's why this new format is so exciting – giving players two chances to win from a single ticket means more opportunities for that same incredible moment."
