Powerball Gets a Passport: Game to Launch in UK on July 21
Powerball is expanding its horizons! Tickets for the multi-state lottery will soon be available to buy from retailers outside of the USA for the first time, with the game launching in the United Kingdom on July 21.
The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) announced earlier this year that a deal had been struck with UK National Lottery operator Allwyn, and the launch date has now been confirmed. The first draw including UK players will be held on Wednesday July 22 (Thursday morning for UK players).
No Changes for U.S. Players
While the international expansion is an exciting milestone in Powerball history, it won’t actually make much difference at all for U.S. players. The game is staying the same – draw days and times, how to play, prizes and odds – all these key factors are unaffected.
The only changes you might notice are that the jackpot will probably grow a bit quicker, and occasionally you might hear that someone from the UK has landed the top prize. The UK has a population of around 70 million and there is sure to be a big appetite to play the world’s largest lottery, so it should drive up jackpots more quickly.
Powerball officials have assured fans that ‘every ticket sold in the U.S. will continue to support programs and services right here at home’. More than half of the money spent on each ticket stays in the jurisdiction where it is purchased. Tickets sold in the UK only contribute to the jackpot, as they will have a separate prize pot and prize structure for lower tiers.
Tickets in the UK will cost £4, there will be an additional prize tier for matching two main numbers without the Powerball, the Power Play option will not be available, and the jackpot will only be paid out as an annuity rather than a lump sum. The majority of UK prizes will be paid out on a pari-mutuel basis, based on the number of winners in the country and how many UK tickets have been sold.
With the Powerball jackpot currently at $433 million, it could be a great time for the UK to join the game. The extra impetus from UK ticket sales may also help to push Powerball towards its first $1 billion jackpot of the year before too long.
Is Mega Millions Going to the UK?
There have been no announcements about Mega Millions following Powerball across the Atlantic. Allwyn negotiated directly with the MUSL regarding the Powerball expansion, while Mega Millions is run by a separate group - known as the Mega Millions Consortium.
Powerball’s success in the UK is sure to be monitored closely, though, and it may be that Allwyn decides to pursue a deal with Mega Millions further down the line.
There are other possible repercussions too. If Powerball proves to be a hit in the UK - with jackpots growing faster and more money raised for good causes - could the MUSL or Mega Millions look at expanding into other countries as well?
In the meantime, keep track of the latest winning numbers and remember to purchase your tickets in time for upcoming draws. Both Powerball and Mega Millions are building nicely - when will the next big win arrive?
Published: Tuesday, July 7, 2026