National Lottery launches new system set to double your chances of winning life-changing jackpot

The National Lottery is set to transform its Wednesday and Saturday Lotto draws with a brand new two-round format launching on 7 June.

Under the revamped system, every line of numbers played will have twice the opportunity to secure a prize, while the cost remains unchanged at £2 per entry.

Tickets for the updated game go on sale from 7 June, with the inaugural draw under the new rules taking place on 10 June.

The National Lottery stated on its website: "Each Wednesday and Saturday Lotto draw will feature 2 rounds. That means two chances of winning a prize with every line of numbers you play, for the same price. And best of all, more than double the number of millionaires are expected to be made."

The mechanics of the new format remain straightforward for players, who will continue selecting six numbers from 1 to 59 or choosing a Lucky Dip for a randomly generated combination.

During the first round, 59 balls enter the initial draw machine, from which six main numbers and a Bonus Ball are selected.

The process then repeats with a fresh set of balls loaded into a second machine for round two.

Players matching two or more numbers from their chosen line in either round will receive a cash prize, effectively giving each ticket two separate opportunities to win with identical numbers.

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Securing all six main numbers in either round will earn players a share of the jackpot prize.

Those who match five numbers alongside the Bonus Ball stand to win up to £1 million.

A prize of £1,000 awaits anyone matching five of the drawn numbers, while four correct selections will yield £50.

The same prize tiers apply across both rounds, meaning players could potentially win in the first draw, the second, or both using their single line of numbers.

Matching just two numbers from a Lotto line will also result in a cash payout under the new structure.

The rollover rules will continue under the new format, with the Lotto permitted to roll over five times before triggering a Must Be Won draw on the sixth consecutive occasion.

Should no player claim the jackpot across both rounds during a Must Be Won event, the unclaimed funds will be distributed differently.

Each player matching two numbers will receive £5, unless exceptional circumstances arise, with any remaining money shared among those who matched three numbers.

The National Lottery has additionally confirmed that special draws featuring guaranteed £1 million prizes will accompany the changes taking effect from 7 June.