UK National Lottery to launch Powerball this month

The UK's National Lottery is set to launch a domestic version of the American Powerball game this month, marking the first time the iconic lottery will operate outside the United States. Subject to final regulatory approval, tickets will go on sale from Tuesday, July 21, at retailers, online, and via the National Lottery app, with the inaugural draw scheduled for Thursday, July 23.

Operated by Allwyn, the UK Powerball will allow British players to compete for the same shared, uncapped jackpot as millions of players across the US. The top prize starts at £12 million and can grow into the hundreds of millions or even exceed £2 billion. UK jackpot winners will receive their prize in payments spread over 30 years.

The game introduces several features tailored for the UK market. Each entry costs £4 per line. A key difference is the addition of an exclusive UK prize tier: matching two main numbers guarantees a fixed £8 prize. Matching all five main numbers but not the Powerball awards a guaranteed £1 million prize. All other prize tiers offer estimated amounts that vary based on the draw and the number of winners.

If the current US Powerball jackpot, estimated at approximately £416...