Powerball launched UK ticket sales on Tuesday, allowing British players to join the lottery and outraging American players who could see their money go into the pockets of people in a foreign country.
“This next step brings us closer to a thrilling milestone for Powerball,” Rebecca Paul, President & CEO of the Tennessee Lottery, said in a statement. “More players means faster-growing jackpots, more excitement and even greater impact for the communities we serve.”
Powerball assured players that the price of the tickets and the odds would not be affected, as it will still be $2 to play in the United States. Additionally, the odds of choosing the five white ball numbers and the red Powerball number — the jackpot — will still be an astronomical 1 in 292.2 million.
The new Powerball pools American and British money only for the jackpot, ABC News reported, and an American and U.K. player will have to split the winnings if they get the same numbers.
“More than half of each Powerball ticket sold stays in the jurisdiction where it is purchased, helping fund public programs and services, including education, scholarships, veteran services and more,” Powerball said.
British players have to pay more for each ticket — £4, which is about $5.35 — the New York Post reported. Additionally, the prize is post-tax for U.K. players, and they must receive the jackpot in installments over 30 years, whereas American players can choose to receive a lump-sum payout.
In return, British players win more for the smaller prizes. A player in the United Kingdom can win £11.90 ($15) — by matching the Powerball alone, whereas American players only win $4. Additionally, U.K. gamblers can win around £1,100 ($1,470) for matching four of the main numbers — while players in the United States only win $100 for the same lucky draw.
News about the change has been met with overwhelming opposition on social media.
“Holy crap. Powerball is now the lottery equivalent of USAID,” one person complained.
“My money will not go to allow a ‘UK Gang Rapist’ win millions outta luck,” another social media user stated, referencing an independent report commissioned by MP Rupert Lowe detailing how 250,000 white British girls and women have allegedly been raped by Muslim grooming gangs.
“Oh good. They’ve found another way to divert American funds to other places,” another person declared.
Many people have stated that they will be moving from the multi-state Powerball to single-state lotteries, where the odds of winning are better, and the money stays local.
A person is more likely to become president, be struck by lightning twice, be killed by a cow, or win an Olympic gold medal than to win the Powerball jackpot, according to The Oklahoman.
Californian player Edwin Castro won the largest Powerball jackpot in history, banking $2.04 billion in November 2022.
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