Powerball players in the US have said they “forgot” to play the popular lottery after it reached UK shores amid its international expansion, accusing officials of corruption.
Jackpot hopefuls say they will play their state lotteries rather than try their luck at winning the huge prize, which is worth more than $600 million after Wednesday’s drawing.
Wednesday’s draw saw UK players able to enter for the first time at a cost of $5.35 (£4) per line.
Powerball, the popular lottery game, has reached UK shores. Shutterstock
Powerball officials said the game’s expansion across the Atlantic would lead to “rapidly growing jackpots” and an increase in the number of players participating in the game.
Despite UK players having to pay more per ticket, the Powerball expansion has not been welcomed by everyone.
“Won’t buy again,” Irene Saladrigas wrote on Facebook.
“This system is so corrupt. There needs to be a full investigation,” San Diego resident Roy Stevenson said online.
“I won’t play it, and I think we’ll come to the casino,” Margia Jones said in protest.
“WHAT, I’m done shopping!” Terry Curtis was angry.
“I’m done. It’s rigged anyway,” said Brian Nallick, speaking out against overseas expansion.
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are one in 292 million, and players believe they have a better chance of winning the state lottery now that the potential pool of winners has expanded.
“I think they really don’t want me to play Powerball anymore,” said Jesus Martinez of Irving, Texas. “Texas Lotto, here I come.”
The odds of an American player winning the jackpot do not change despite the wider pool of players. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
“Texas Lotto to win!” Antonio DeLeon intervened.
“This is bs, all Americans should stop gambling and just play their state lotteries,” Jay Williams said online.
Fury is growing even as Powerball executives stress that nothing will change for American players.
One line still costs $2, and jackpot winners can decide how they want to claim their prize.
Powerball winners in the United States can receive their prize in a lump sum or in installments over 30 years.
In the UK, jackpot winners will keep their prize for 30 years, and if the winner dies during that time, the money will go to their estate.
Powerball jackpots in the UK and US are not directly comparable, lottery bosses say.
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Jackpots in the US are quoted before tax, while in the UK prizes are quoted in GBP after tax.
On Saturday, UK players will have the chance to win a jackpot of £322 million, which is about $430.5 million.
The lower prizes are also structured differently.
UK players can win around $15 (£11.90) by matching Powerball alone, compared to $4 in the US.
UK players can win around $1,470 (£1,100) for matching the four main numbers – compared to a base prize of $100 in the US.
Bosses at the National Lottery, the company that operates Powerball in the UK, have warned that the variable prizes could fluctuate depending on ticket sales.
The largest Powerball jackpot ever won was $2.04 billion in November 2022, won by Californian player Edwin Castro.