In brief
A UK version of the US draw game Powerball launched on 21 July 2026, after the Gambling Commission issued a new Section 6 Licence to Allwyn. UK players can now take part in draws held in Florida, playing alongside US players for a shared jackpot. Tickets are available online and in store, with draws three times a week.
- Powerball launched in the UK on 21 July 2026.
- UK players join US players for a shared jackpot.
- Draws are Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Last reviewed 19 September 2026. Corrected: launch dates verified against the operator's announcements.
What launched and when
The UK version of the US draw game Powerball launched on 21 July 2026. Allwyn Entertainment Ltd, which runs the National Lottery under a 10 year licence from February 2024 to January 2034, said on 25 August 2026 that this was the first time the game has been available outside the USA. The launch followed a new Section 6 Licence issued by the Gambling Commission with effect from 21 July 2026. The Secretary of State's Directions had to be amended first. Each National Lottery game needs its own Section 6 licence, and changes need the Commission's consent, published as a decision notice.
How the game works
UK players pick five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26, or take a Lucky Dip. Draws take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at around 4am UK time the following morning, from the Powerball studio in Florida. Tickets are sold online and in store up to 11.55pm the night before a draw. UK players play alongside US players for the shared jackpot. Allwyn describes Powerball as the world's biggest jackpot game, with jackpots that can exceed 1 billion pounds. A UK jackpot win is paid out over 30 years.
Prizes and odds
The shared jackpot is the top prize, and Allwyn says it can exceed 1 billion pounds. For a UK jackpot win, the prize is paid out over 30 years. Other prize tiers have not been announced. The odds of winning any particular prize have not been announced. Allwyn said on 25 August 2026 that New Lotto and Powerball together had produced 56 millionaires and almost one million winning prizes in their first weeks. Over 30% of the ticket price is returned to UK Good Causes, and Allwyn expects around 1 billion pounds more for Good Causes over the first five years.
What the Gambling Commission approved and player protection conditions
The Gambling Commission issued a new Section 6 Licence to Allwyn with effect from 21 July 2026 to introduce a UK version of Powerball. The Secretary of State's Directions had to be amended first. The Commission's decision notice cited player protection mitigations: controls to protect players' funds, transparency about the rules, monitoring and evaluation, and interventions when high risk players are identified. Lottery games are for over 18s. The National Gambling Helpline is 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours.
What to watch next
Details of prize tiers below the jackpot have not been announced. The full odds of winning have not been announced. Any future changes to the game would need the Gambling Commission's consent and would be published as a decision notice. Allwyn has said it expects around 1 billion pounds more for Good Causes over the first five years of the licence. The next draws are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with tickets on sale until 11.55pm the night before.
Frequently asked questions
When did Powerball launch in the UK?
Powerball launched in the UK on 21 July 2026. Allwyn said on 25 August 2026 that this was the first time the game has been available outside the USA. The launch followed a new Section 6 Licence from the Gambling Commission, effective from 21 July 2026, after the Secretary of State's Directions were amended.
How do UK players take part in Powerball?
UK players pick five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26, or take a Lucky Dip. Tickets are sold online and in store up to 11.55pm the night before a draw. Draws are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at around 4am UK time the following morning, from the Powerball studio in Florida.
What is the jackpot and how is it paid?
UK players play alongside US players for the shared jackpot. Allwyn describes Powerball as the world's biggest jackpot game, with jackpots that can exceed 1 billion pounds. A UK jackpot win is paid out over 30 years. Details of other prize tiers and the odds of winning have not been announced.
What did the Gambling Commission approve?
The Gambling Commission issued a new Section 6 Licence to Allwyn with effect from 21 July 2026 to introduce a UK version of Powerball. The Commission's decision notice cited player protection mitigations: controls to protect players' funds, transparency about the rules, monitoring and evaluation, and interventions when high risk players are identified.
