The UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has proposed banning betting operators from taking wagers on Powerball UK draws. The consultation runs until midnight on 4 November 2026.
Allwyn UK, the National Lottery operator, launched Powerball UK in June. The format is widely played in the United States, where jackpots have reached billions of dollars. The record win of $2bn was recorded in November 2022.
Under Section 95 of the Gambling Act 2005, bookmakers can accept bets on foreign lotteries, including the US Powerball, but not on National Lottery products. Powerball UK is a new product that does not fall under current restrictions because the law references only the original lottery lineup.
DCMS is moving to close the loophole. Vicky Foxcroft, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the department, said Section 95 "seeks to maintain the distinction between betting and the National Lottery." The ban on third-party betting should prevent "confusion among customers and threats to the additional charitable funds that Powerball is expected to generate."
The logic is clear: if all other National Lottery products are excluded from bookmaker offerings, Powerball should follow the same model. But the move also signals that Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government is monitoring gambling regulation closely and prepared to intervene.
DCMS recently revised the Aim to Permit rule for retail gambling premises licensing. The cabinet is also reportedly considering higher taxes on gaming machines.
