In brief
From 10 June 2026, Lotto and Lotto HotPicks changed to two rounds per draw on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Each 2 pound line is entered into both rounds, with separate machines drawing six main balls plus a Bonus Ball. Players still choose six numbers. The odds of winning any prize per line improved from 1 in 9.3 to 1 in 4.9, according to Allwyn.
- Two rounds per draw on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 June 2026.
- Each 2 pound line enters both rounds; six numbers still chosen.
- Odds of any prize per line improved from 1 in 9.3 to 1 in 4.9.
Last reviewed 19 September 2026. Corrected: launch dates verified against the operator's announcements.
What launched and when
The Gambling Commission varied the Lotto and Lotto HotPicks licences with effect from 7 June 2026. The changes allow two rounds per draw every Wednesday and Saturday, Guaranteed Millionaire Raffle event draws through the year, and a revised prize structure. Tickets for the new format went on sale on Sunday 7 June 2026. The first two round draw took place on Wednesday 10 June 2026. The National Lottery is run by Allwyn Entertainment Ltd under a 10 year licence from February 2024 to January 2034 and is regulated by the Gambling Commission. Each game needs its own Section 6 licence, and changes need the Commission's consent, published as a decision notice.
How the game works
Every 2 pound line is entered into two separate rounds on the same night. Two draw machines each draw six main balls from 1 to 59 plus a Bonus Ball. A line can win in Round 1, Round 2 or both. Players still choose six numbers. Lotto HotPicks moved to the two round format and stays priced at 1 pound. The operator publishes both rounds in its draw history. For example, the 19 September 2026 draw, number 3208, had Round 1 numbers 14, 20, 30, 37, 40, 52 with bonus 45, and Round 2 numbers 5, 9, 12, 47, 49, 54 with bonus 1. Kael Tripton's lottery desk at kaeltripton.com/lottery/ shows both rounds and the prize breakdown for every draw.
Prizes and odds
Allwyn said the odds of winning any prize improved from 1 in 9.3 to 1 in 4.9 per line. The number of Lotto millionaires was expected to rise from around 140 a year to around 345. Jackpots continue to start at 2 million pounds and roll over up to five times before a must be won event on the sixth consecutive draw. The jackpot is shared across both rounds. Other prize tiers are fixed cash prizes paid per round. Allwyn reported on 25 August 2026 that 56 players had become millionaires through New Lotto in its first ten weeks, against 35 in the same June to August period in 2025.
What the Gambling Commission approved and player protection conditions
The Gambling Commission varied the Lotto and Lotto HotPicks licences with effect from 7 June 2026. The changes allow two rounds per draw every Wednesday and Saturday, Guaranteed Millionaire Raffle event draws through the year, and a revised prize structure. Each game needs its own Section 6 licence, and changes need the Commission's consent, published as a decision notice. Lottery games are for over 18s. The National Gambling Helpline is 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours. No further player protection conditions beyond these have been announced.
What to watch next
Future Guaranteed Millionaire Raffle event draw dates have not been announced. Any further changes to the Lotto or Lotto HotPicks licences would need the Gambling Commission's consent and would be published as a decision notice. The operator publishes both rounds in its draw history, and Kael Tripton's lottery desk at kaeltripton.com/lottery/ shows both rounds and the prize breakdown for every draw. Whether the expected rise in Lotto millionaires to around 345 a year is sustained over a full year has not been announced.
Frequently asked questions
When did the new Lotto format start?
The first two round draw was on Wednesday 10 June 2026. Tickets for the new format went on sale on Sunday 7 June 2026. The Gambling Commission varied the Lotto and Lotto HotPicks licences with effect from 7 June 2026. The changes allow two rounds per draw every Wednesday and Saturday, Guaranteed Millionaire Raffle event draws through the year, and a revised prize structure.
How does a two round draw work?
Every 2 pound line is entered into two separate rounds on the same night. Two draw machines each draw six main balls from 1 to 59 plus a Bonus Ball. A line can win in Round 1, Round 2 or both. Players still choose six numbers. Lotto HotPicks moved to the two round format and stays priced at 1 pound.
What are the odds of winning a prize?
Allwyn said the odds of winning any prize improved from 1 in 9.3 to 1 in 4.9 per line. The number of Lotto millionaires was expected to rise from around 140 a year to around 345. Allwyn reported on 25 August 2026 that 56 players had become millionaires through New Lotto in its first ten weeks, against 35 in the same June to August period in 2025.
What did the Gambling Commission approve?
The Gambling Commission varied the Lotto and Lotto HotPicks licences with effect from 7 June 2026. The changes allow two rounds per draw every Wednesday and Saturday, Guaranteed Millionaire Raffle event draws through the year, and a revised prize structure. Each game needs its own Section 6 licence, and changes need the Commission's consent, published as a decision notice. Lottery games are for over 18s.
