What Happens When You Win the EuroMillions Jackpot?
Last Updated: Wednesday 23rd September 2020, 14:02
There’s no denying that when there’s a massive EuroMillions jackpot up for grabs, your thoughts immediately turn to how you would spend such a vast sum of money. But how would you cope if you actually won, and would you have the first clue on what to do next?
The current EuroMillions jackpot is so big that the game’s jackpot cap has recently been activated. Now, imagine checking your numbers this Friday and discovering that the £169 million on offer is all yours. How would you feel? Excited, dazed or even a little scared?
Don’t worry, it’s completely natural to experience a sheer rush of emotion at this point, after all, you’ve just joined big UK winners like the Weirs and the Bayfords in pocketing the EuroMillions jackpot. So where do you go from here?
First Contact
Once you’ve celebrated (and possibly wiped away the tears), it’s time to give the National Lottery a call to confirm your win. You’ll find the number on the back of your ticket or on the How to Claim page. First contact does not have to be made straight away, but you will have to pick up the phone within 180 days of the draw. Failure to do so will result in you missing out on your prize, a scenario you certainly do not want to play out.
When you call, you’ll be greeted by a friendly advisor who will ask you to confirm some information on your ticket and, of course, your winning EuroMillions numbers. Although your ticket won’t be officially validated, the representative will certify whether you have won and ask you to sign the back of your playslip. If your numbers pass the test, it’s perfectly fine to let out an ear-splitting cheer.
Although it might be tempting, it is not advisable to brag about your win on social media. If you don’t fancy the publicity later down the line, avoid updating your Facebook status, tweeting your glee or Snapchatting your success; this might come back to haunt you in the future.
Collecting Your Prize
Every jackpot winner is required to meet with National Lottery officials to claim their prize. This meeting usually lasts two hours and can take place whenever and wherever you want, with some winners waiting weeks before taking the plunge. Don’t worry, there’ll be no difficult questions or ploys to make you part with large chunks of your winnings, but there are a number of items you’ll need to take with you to guarantee you leave with your over-sized cheque.
You will require two forms of ID (your passport and driving licence will suffice) and your winning ticket. They will help you set up a private bank account, and there will be an accountant on stand by should you require assistance. It is highly recommended that you open an account of this type as it will prevent regular branch staff from discovering you have won and leaking details to the press.
You will normally receive your money within a matter of hours, however, it is best to allow up to 48 hours for the transfer to take place. Should you feel the need to immediately splash the cash, you can arrange for an advance from the bank. However, this does not mean that you can dash off with a huge wad of cash and hide it in your house.
Going Public or Remaining Anonymous
This could be the most important decision of your life. The National Lottery advisors will ask how many people you have told about your win and whether you wish to go public or remain anonymous. The National Lottery’s Senior Winners’ Advisor, Andy Carter, claims that around 85 percent of all big money winners remain anonymous, but the choice is entirely up to you, with both sides of the coin offering a range of pros and cons.
Should you opt to share your news with the world, be prepared to meet the paparazzi. You’ll be able to enjoy your 15 minutes of fame (and maybe more if you’re keen on causing controversy with your spending) and there’s no need to keep your big win hidden from friends and family.
However, be prepared for old friends and long-lost family members to creep back into your life. Begging letters may also prove a problem, with Irish EuroMillions winner Dolores McNamara, who landed a €115.4 million windfall in July 2005, finding herself inundated with requests, so much so that her local post office were forced to make extra deliveries to her Limerick home.
Perhaps you’d prefer to remain anonymous? You could enjoy your lottery win in peace, treating those you trust with your secret to a life of luxury. However, it is worth noting that secrets can slip out and a nine-figure jackpot win is something that could prove more than a little tricky to hide.
A Hand to Hold
This may seem like an awful lot to take in, but fear not, as there are specially trained National Lottery advisors on hand to guide you through the entire process. Whether you meet up for a couple of hours or you require their advice further down the line, these experts will be by your side to help you adapt to your life as a multi-millionaire. The most important thing to take from your meetings with the experts is that this is your money and it’s up to you how you spend, spend, spend.
In it to Win it
Of course, if you want to experience the buzz of winning this Friday’s jackpot, you need to be in it to win it. You can select your numbers online or pick up a ticket from any authorised retailer across the country. Good luck!