Published on: April 14, 2026, 08:55h.
Updated on: April 14, 2026, 08:55h.
- Powerball makes its debut in the UK, featuring uncapped billion-pound jackpots
- UK winners to enjoy tax-free prizes distributed over 30 years
- Extensive Lotto revamp aims to double the number of millionaires in the UK
Powerball, the largest jackpot lottery game in America, is set to launch in the UK. The National Lottery operator Allwyn announced on Tuesday that this summer, British players will have the opportunity to compete for jackpots that may reach into the billions, thanks to a new agreement with the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL).
This marks a transformative moment for the UK, introducing unlimited jackpots where the existing Lotto has a limit, allowing rollovers only up to five times before the next draw must yield a winner through lower-tier prize redistribution.
While UK players currently have access to EuroMillions, boasting a larger continental prize pool, it imposes a top prize cap of €250 million. In stark contrast, Powerball jackpots have historically surpassed $1 billion six times, with a record payout of $2.04 billion.
Unlike the US system, where winners can opt for a lump sum or spread their winnings over 30 years, UK Powerball winners will receive payments solely in installments over the same 30-year period. However, due to the absence of taxes on gambling winnings in the UK, players will receive the full advertised jackpot, assuming they live long enough to claim it.
Commitment to Higher Returns
In a statement released on Tuesday, Allwyn indicated that Powerball is projected to generate approximately £1 billion (around US$1.35 billion) more for charitable causes within its first five years, with more than 30% of each ticket’s price directed towards funding community initiatives, heritage, the arts, and sports across the UK.
Allwyn secured the estimated $80 billion (US$100 billion) contract, one of the UK’s largest public sector deals, in 2022, primarily due to its commitment to generate twice the funds of its predecessor, Camelot.
Nevertheless, the early years of Allwyn’s operation have faced challenges, including legal disputes contesting its bid and the necessity to implement a complete technological overhaul. Allwyn CEO Andria Vidler expressed that this move illustrates the company’s progress in “delivering on its promise.”
A significant overhaul of the National Lottery’s draw-based Lotto game is also on the horizon, marking the most substantial change since its inception in 1994. Players can expect to have two opportunities to win for each £2 ticket.
Starting June 7, this update is set to more than double the annual number of Lotto millionaires, increasing from around 140 to approximately 345.
Idaho’s Concerns
Not everyone is enthusiastic about Powerball’s international expansion. In 2021, Idaho lawmakers decided to withdraw from the game if MUSL proceeded with selling tickets in the UK and Australia, citing concerns over revenue potentially benefiting foreign governments. This plan was initially halted as MUSL put its international expansion on pause.
As Powerball prepares for its overseas launch, it remains uncertain if these concerns have been properly addressed or merely set aside.