Powerball Is Going Global as UK Joins the Popular Lottery Game

Powerball is getting even bigger this year. After introducing a new add-on game and creating multiple millionaires in recent drawings, the iconic lottery is now expanding to the United Kingdom.

Starting July 21, UK players will be able to buy Powerball tickets, with their first eligible drawing taking place on Wednesday, July 22. The expansion comes through a partnership with the company that operates the UK's national lottery.

What Changes for U.S. Players?

Good news—almost nothing. Everything stays the same, including:

• Drawings: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:59 p.m. ET
• Ticket Price: $2 (or $3 in Idaho and Montana)
• Game Rules, Odds, and Prize Tiers: No changes

The biggest difference could be larger jackpots. With more players buying tickets worldwide, jackpots may grow even faster before someone wins.

How Will Powerball Work in the UK?

The game will follow the same basic format, but there are a few key differences:

• Tickets cost £4 (about $5).
• UK ticket sales close at 11:55 p.m. local time on draw days.
• Players can win a small prize by matching two white balls, a prize level that doesn't exist in the U.S.
• Non-jackpot prizes vary based on the number of winners, the numbers drawn, and exchange rates.

Jackpot Payout Differences

If a UK player wins the jackpot, they'll receive the prize as a 30-year annuity only.

In the U.S., jackpot winners can choose between a lump-sum cash payment or the annuity option, although most winners choose the cash payout.

If winners are drawn from both the U.S. and the UK in the same drawing, the jackpot will be split equally, just as it is when multiple winning tickets are sold in the United States.

Current Powerball Jackpot

While the UK prepares to join the game, U.S. players are chasing an estimated $416 million jackpot, with a cash option of $186.6 million. The next drawing is scheduled for 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday.