US Powerball players have vowed they are “done” with playing the popular lottery game after it reached UK shores amid its international expansion, accusing officials of corruption.
Jackpot hopefuls say they will play the state’s lottery games rather than test their luck at the massive jackpot, which now stands at more than $600 million after Wednesday’s drawing.
Wednesday’s draw was the first time players in the UK could participate for $5.35 (£4) per line.
Powerball officials touted that the game’s expansion across the Atlantic would bring “the fastest-growing jackpots” as more players bought into the game.
Although UK-based players have to pay more for a ticket, the Powerball expansion has not been welcomed by everyone.
“I won’t buy anymore,” Irene Saladrigas he wrote on Facebook.
“This system is so corrupt. There needs to be a full investigation,” said Roy Stevenson, a San Diego resident Swipe online.
“I won’t play it and I think the casinos are coming here,” Margia Jones said He said in protest.
“What, I’m done shopping!” Terry Curtis was angry.
“I’m done. It’s fake anyway,” Brian Nalick said He also objected to expansion abroad.
The odds of hitting a Powerball jackpot are one in 292 million — and players believe they have a greater chance of winning state lotteries now that the potential pool of winners has been expanded.
“I think they don’t really want me to play Powerball anymore,” said Jesus Martinez, of Irving, Texas. “Texas Lottery here I come.”
“Texas Lottery to win!” Enter Antonio DeLeon.
“This is great, all Americans should stop playing, and only play in your state’s lottery,” Jay Williams He said online.
Anger has been building – despite Powerball bosses insisting there will be no change for US players.
One line still costs $2 and grand prize winners can decide how they want to claim their prize.
Powerball winners in the United States can either claim their prize as a lump sum or in installments over 30 years.
In the UK, jackpot winners will receive their prize over 30 years, and if the winner dies during this period, the money will then go to their estate.
Powerball jackpots in the UK and US are not directly comparable, lottery bosses say.
Jackpots in the US are listed before tax, while in the UK, the prize is listed in GBP after tax.
On Saturday, players in the United Kingdom will have a chance to win a jackpot of £322 million – about $430.5 million.
Lesser prizes are also structured differently.
Players in the UK can win an estimated $15 (£11.90) by matching Powerball alone, compared to $4 in the US.
UK gamblers can win an estimated $1,470 (£1,100) for matching four main numbers – compared to the base prize of $100 in the US.
Bosses at the National Lottery – the company that runs Powerball in the UK – have warned that unfixed prizes could fluctuate depending on ticket sales.
The largest Powerball lottery jackpot ever was $2.04 billion in November 2022 — won by California player Edwin Castro.