Lotto Changes: Jackpot Three Times Less Likely

Controversial changes to the Lotto have come in which experts say make it three times harder to hit the jackpot.

There are now 59 balls in the mix instead of 49.

The chances of matching all six goes from one in 14 million to one in 45 million; while the chances of matching three balls drops from one in 57 to one in 97.

Dr Simon Goodwin, a senior lecturer at the University of Birmingham's School of Mathematics, told Sky News: "Players will have less than one-third of the chance of winning the jackpot than previously.

"Similarly, the chances of matching five and the bonus ball will drop by more than a third, and the probability of matching 5, 4 or 3 balls will drop too."

But Lotto operator Camelot says other "enhancements" will in fact give players a better overall chance of winning.

A new Millionaire Raffle will guarantee at least one millionaire per draw, while the average winning jackpot is expected to be triple the current level because of more rollovers.

Camelot says the chances of winning at least £1m will be better than the chances of winning the jackpot on the current game, with odds at one in just under 10 million compared with one in 14 million.

Matching two numbers now also means players get a Lucky Dip ticket for another draw.

That should mean an extra 1.8 million winners a week, according to Camelot, with the chance of winning any prize improving from one in 54 to one in 9.3.

The cost of playing stays at £2 a line.

"By giving our players more chances than ever to become a millionaire and with bigger rolling jackpots to play for, we're making Lotto even more exciting," said Camelot boss Andy Duncan.

"This will help to keep the game healthy and thriving in the years ahead - ultimately delivering even more for players and safeguarding the vital millions that Lotto raises for National Lottery projects every week."