Powerball has announced its plans to cross the pond in an effort to build larger international jackpots.
Lotto players in the United Kingdom will have a chance to win big this summer as they are offered the same Powerball jackpot available to American gamblers.
The Multi-State Lottery Association, which represents 39 U.S. lotteries and runs Powerball, announced Tuesday that it had made an agreement with Allwyn U.K., the government-authorized operator of the U.K.’s National Lottery, to take the beloved lotto game international.
Now that U.K. players will contribute to the Powerball jackpot, the prize is expected to grow more quickly.
“This partnership expands the player base in a way that benefits every jurisdiction participating in Powerball,” Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO, said in a press release announcing the game’s expansion.
“This is a win for Powerball players – as more people play, the faster jackpots grow, all while keeping odds the same for every Powerball drawing, wherever a player buys their $2 ticket,” Strawn said.
Allwyn U.K. CEO Andria Vidler said the National Lottery operator was “delighted to be joining the Powerball community.”
“Our ambition is to bring more games, more innovation and more excitement to The U.K. National Lottery – and it doesn’t get more exciting than Powerball, with its transformative jackpots and life-changing contribution to good causes,” Vidler said.
Not only will Powerball potentially make more millionaires, and potentially billionaires, through the U.K. expansion, the game will also help fund local programs and services.
More than half of every $2 Powerball ticket goes toward helping the local communities where the ticket was sold, according to the game’s officials.
“For 34 years, the game has generated an estimated $38 billion for good causes, including education and scholarships, veteran services, parks and recreation, and other essential programs,” the press release said.
Despite the change in jackpot size, the rules of the game will remain the same, with players choosing five white ball numbers from one to 69 and one red Powerball number from one to 26.
“Because the universe of numbers and draw mechanics remain unchanged, players will continue to have the same odds of winning the jackpot and lower-tier prizes,” the press release explained.
Powerball drawings will continue to be held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday just before 11 p.m. Eastern Time from its Florida studio.
