National Lottery to boost prize pots following ticket sales slump

Matching five or more balls plus the bonus ball from November will see players win a fixed £1 million, up from an estimated £50,000 which is currently based on sales.

Monday's announcement scrapped its raffle to fund fixed pots for the remaining winning categories apart from the jackpot, which is also anticipated to increase in size and will pay out more regularly.

The changes were in response to an in-depth review launched last year after sales dropped 8.8% in 2016/17 compared to the previous period.

Camelot chief executive Nigel Railton said: "It was clear from the review that we needed to create a more appealing and balanced range of games that offers something for everyone."

The review found that when Lotto changed in 2015 so gamblers pick six numbers from 59, compared to from 49 before, the game resembled its high-stakes sibling EuroMillions too closely because it became harder to win.

The jackpot will only be allowed to rollover five times in the future, compared to 10 currently.

The money will roll down to the fixed categories on the sixth draw, boosting the coffers.

Five balls will win at least £1,750 and four £140, both increases from their current estimated values, and three balls will net £30, up from £25 now.

Wednesday's base jackpot will increase from an estimated £1.8 million to £2 million, and Saturday's from £3.1 million to £3.8 million.

The maximum amount on a rollover will decrease, however, from £22 million currently to an estimated £11 million on a Wednesday and £12 million on a Saturday.