National Lottery says sweeping changes will make it easier to win despite huge drop in odds

The chance of matching all six balls will decrease from one in 14 million to one in 45 million

The National Lottery will introduce sweeping changes to its Lotto this weekend, which organisers claim offer more chances than ever to become a millionaire.

Lotto operator Camelot said a new "Millionaire Raffle" will guarantee at least two millionaires each week, the average winning jackpot will triple the current level and the chances of winning at least £1 million will be better than the chances of winning the jackpot in the current game, with odds at one in just under 10 million compared with one in just under 14 million on yesterday's game.

Players who match two numbers will win a Lucky Dip ticket for a future draw, which Camelot said would create an extra 1.8 million winners a week and increase the overall chance of winning any prize from one in 54 currently to one in 9.3.

However, the changes will also see the number of balls increase from 49 to 59, which statitians have pointed out means the chance of matching all six balls will decrease from one in 14 million currently to one in 45 million.

Professor Ian Walker, a statistician from Lancaster University Management School, said: "There are 14 million ways of picking six out of 49. But there are 45 million ways of picking six out of 59. So it's about three times harder to hit the jackpot.

"And more balls means that the chances of matching three of the six winnings balls goes from one in 57 to one in 97. So it's harder to win and a lot harder to win big."

The new-look draw has been met with scepticism from the public, but Camelot believes players will “stay with the game”.

Andy Duncan, Chief Executive of Camelot UK Lotteries Limited, said: “Offering players more chances than ever to become a millionaire on Lotto and bigger rolling jackpots – is part of our programme of continuous innovation and builds on Lotto’s ongoing success.

"New ideas and fresh, enticing prizes will keep the game healthy and thriving – ultimately delivering even more for players and Good Causes.”

The cost of playing will remain at £2 a line, and other prizes such as £25 for matching three numbers will remain the same.

Additional reporting by Press Association