Powerball tickets are now being sold in the United Kingdom, marking the first time the American lottery has admitted players from outside the United States and its territories.

British participation began Tuesday (July 21) ahead of Wednesday night’s (July 22) US draw. The expansion adds Britain’s National Lottery to a game already sold by 48 US lotteries, across 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Previously, to most Brits, “Powerball” referred not to a lottery but to a popular dishwasher tablet brand.

What does this mean for US players? It’s difficult to say exactly because it depends on UK ticket sales.

A country with a population of almost 70 million suddenly contributing to the prize pool should help jackpots grow faster. But the additional entries also make it more likely that someone will hit the jackpot before a big rollover develops.

And of course, Americans could find themselves sharing jackpots with UK winners or even see a billion-dollar prize disappear across the pond – and they won’t pay any tax on it, since gambling winnings are tax free.

Participation will be more expensive for UK players, though. A UK line costs £4, roughly US$5.35, while Americans will continue to pay $2.

'Jackfon - 'Slot Games''

[MOBILE] [RUSSIA] [MAGAZINE] [2005]

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