Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 23
Powerball Expands to UK, Adding 49th Lottery as $567 Million Jackpot Growth Speeds
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 23

Powerball Expands to UK, Adding 49th Lottery as $567 Million Jackpot Growth Speeds

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 23

Summary

  • Wednesday’s drawing marks Powerball’s first UK ticket sales, the first time a non-U.S. lottery has contributed to the shared jackpot.
  • 49 lotteries now feed the prize pool, and each UK ticket adds the same amount to the jackpot as a U.S. ticket, giving jackpots more room to rise between drawings.
  • U.S. players will see no game changes: tickets stay $2, drawings remain three times a week, and jackpot odds hold at 1 in 292.2 million.
  • UK players will pay 4 pounds per ticket, compete for the same jackpot, and receive any jackpot win as annual payments over 30 years rather than a cash-or-annuity choice.
  • The immediate test comes with Wednesday night’s estimated $567 million jackpot, carrying a $251.8 million cash option before taxes.

Insights

With Powerball now in the UK, which country will be next to join the global jackpot?
Will UK players embrace a £4 ticket for a jackpot they can't take as a lump sum?
How does a global lottery affect the mission of funding local community projects?