Powerball Has Been Licensed for Introduction to the UK: What the Gambling Commission Decided

The Gambling Commission has issued Allwyn Entertainment Ltd a new Section 6 licence to introduce the US draw-based game Powerball to the UK.

The licence took effect on 21 July 2026, according to the Commission’s published decision notice. The regulator said it considered both whether the change could lawfully be licensed and whether it should be licensed, before granting approval.

Powerball is a draw-based lottery game from the United States. The Commission’s notice confirms the licensing decision, but it should not be read as an instruction for consumers to play or as a promise about prizes, availability or personal outcomes. Those details may be confirmed separately by the National Lottery operator as plans progress.

What the regulator considered

The Commission said changes were required to section 7b of the Secretary of State’s directions before it was satisfied the proposal complied with the updated directions. It then said the proposed game could lawfully be licensed and should be licensed.

The decision also addresses the National Lottery’s operation and brand. The Commission said it was satisfied that the proposal was unlikely to adversely affect the Lottery’s running with due propriety, and that plans and mitigations had been outlined for potential risks to the National Lottery brand.

That matters because a new game is not assessed only as a product launch. In a regulated lottery environment, the player experience, the integrity of the brand and the way risk is managed are all part of the decision.

Player protection remains part of the decision

The Commission said it was satisfied that potential participant risks could be suitably managed through mitigations already in place. Its notice specifically refers to controls protecting players’ funds, transparency and support around game rules, and monitoring and evaluation tools.

It also says the Commission will continue to monitor and challenge Allwyn on high standards of player protection. The regulator expects Allwyn to monitor potential harm, ensure National Lottery games do not encourage excessive play and intervene when it identifies high-risk players.

For readers, this is the most important part of the announcement. A licence decision does not remove the need for personal limits. Lottery games involve chance; no draw, game or promotion can guarantee a return. Anyone who chooses to take part should set a spending limit they can afford, avoid chasing losses and stop if gambling is no longer enjoyable.

What happens next

The published notice does not give a consumer launch date, ticket price or prize structure for UK Powerball. It confirms that Allwyn has received the licence needed to introduce the game, while retaining regulatory oversight and the player-protection expectations described above.

The Commission also considered potential returns to good causes. It said the proposal could increase contributions to good causes and that approving it was consistent with its duty to seek the greatest net proceeds, subject to its other duties.

If and when more consumer information is released, readers should rely on official National Lottery channels for game rules, eligibility, prices and draw details. Treat headlines about large prizes with care: they are not a reason to spend more than planned.

Casino BonusRush will update this story when an official UK launch announcement or game information is published.