Third-party Powerball UK betting looks set to be banned
The UK government plans to close a legislative gap to ban British betting operators from accepting wagers on the National Lottery’s newly introduced Powerball game.
Key takeaways:
- The UK government is consulting on a proposal to close a loophole that allowed third-party betting on Powerball UK
- Powerball UK launched in June as a new National Lottery game operated by Allwyn UK
- The government says the change would reduce customer confusion and help maximise funding for National Lottery good causes.
UK.- The UK government has launched plans that could see British betting operators prohibited from accepting wagers on the National Lottery’s newly introduced Powerball game. The move is designed to bring the product into line with existing lottery regulations.
Powerball UK was introduced by Allwyn UK, the operator of the National Lottery, in June. The game is based on the popular US Powerball format, which is known for generating large jackpots. In the United States, prizes have reached into the billions, with the largest jackpot on record standing at $2bn, won in November 2022.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has opened a consultation on a proposal to ban third-party betting on Powerball UK to close a gap in current legislation. Under Section 95 of the Gambling Act 2005, betting companies are allowed to offer wagers on the outcomes of overseas lotteries, such as the original US Powerball draw. However, they are not permitted to offer betting on National Lottery products.
However, because Powerball UK is a newer addition to the National Lottery portfolio, it is not explicitly covered by the wording of the current rules, which refer only to the original range of lottery games. The DCMS believes the legislation should be updated to address this situation.
Vicky Foxcroft, Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), said the proposal to amend Section 95 “seeks to preserve the distinction between betting and the National Lottery” and prevent “customer confusion and threats to the additional good causes expected to be raised from Powerball”.
“This will aim to remove risks of customer confusion for players, and ensure National Lottery good causes are maximised,” Foxcroft said.
The consultation will remain open until midnight on November 4, 2026.
FAQs
Is third-party betting permitted on Powerball UK?
Currently, yes, because the game was only launched in June and the wording of legislation has not yet been updated to refer to it.
Will the UK ban third-party betting permitted on Powerball UK?
That’s what the government intends. It’s inviting feedback on a proposal to amend Section 95 of the Gambling Act 2005 to specifically ban the practice.
Will the change affect betting on US Powerball?
No, betting on US Powerball will still be allowed.
