Excitement Grows Amongst EuroMillions Fans, But What is a Superdraw?
Last Updated: Thursday 29th June 2017, 09:09
Excitement is building amongst EuroMillions enthusiasts across the continent as Friday’s Superdraw rapidly approaches. The draw will offer players the chance to win a guaranteed €100 million (approximately £85 million), but while some ticket holders know exactly what to expect for the event, others may be wondering ‘what is a Superdraw?’
Superdraws have been taking place since 2007 and offer players from all nine participating nations the chance to win a huge sum of money. Events of this kind can take place at random points during the year, with lottery officials triggering a Superdraw when there is enough excess cash in the EuroMillions Booster Fund.
The Booster Fund is a special reserve pot which receives 4.8 percent of the Common Prize Fund from every EuroMillions draw. Usually, the Booster Fund is on hand to guarantee that the EuroMillions jackpot is able to reach its minimum value of €17 million (£14 million) in every draw. From time to time, this fund will contain enough excess money that a special Superdraw can be triggered.
Over the last decade, Superdraws have been delighting EuroMillions players, with a total of 18 having already taken place, lavishing lucky ticket holders with prizes in excess of €100 million. The very first Superdraw took place on Friday 9th February 2007, when a Belgian lottery fan snapped up the jackpot at the first time of asking.
The last Superdraw, which occurred on Friday 30th September 2016, produced a similar result as another Belgian player claimed the top prize, but not until Tuesday 11th October. As the Superdraw jackpot does not have to be won on the night, the prize pot is allowed to grow and grow. Thanks to this ruling and a run of three rollovers, the reward on offer reached a colossal €168 million (£153.3 million) before eventually being claimed by a man who claimed to be a big fan of football, the films of Robert De Niro and cooking with fish.
As mentioned, Superdraw jackpots are not just restricted to their starting value of €100 million. In fact, prizes can increase up to the the game’s jackpot cap of €190 million, a total at which the prize is allowed to remain for four further draws before it must be won. If this eventuality was to raise its head, and no player was able to capture the jackpot after this point, the top prize would roll down and be shared between ticket holders in the highest winning prize tier.
Now that you’re familiar with the concept of a Superdraw, there’s no reason not to enter. So, to be in with a chance of walking up €100 million (£85 million) richer on Saturday morning, you can play through any authorised retailer or, if you fancy beating the rush, you can pick your numbers online. However you choose to take part, good luck!