How Long Can the EuroMillions Jackpot Stay at its Cap?
Last Updated: Wednesday 13th October 2021, 09:42
The EuroMillions jackpot cannot go any higher after reaching its maximum amount of €220 million (£186 million) in the draw on Tuesday night. This cap helped to create bigger payouts in the next tier down and will continue to generate prize opportunities until it is won.
Bigger Prizes Below Jackpot
When the jackpot reaches €220 million, no more funds can be added on top. The money is instead kept aside for the highest prize category in which there are winners. This is usually the players who match five main numbers and one Lucky Star.
This is exactly what happened on Tuesday 12th October, so there was a larger prize fund than normal in the second category. Four UK ticket holders won in the Match 5 + 1 Lucky Star category and received £995,740 each.
In the previous draw, there were also four UK winners in the second tier. The prize for each one was £118,041, with the jackpot cap not in effect at that stage.
There is sure to be a multimillion-pound prize fund again on Friday night in the category below the jackpot, as well as the €220 million top prize if anyone matches all seven numbers.
When Must the Jackpot Be Won?
The EuroMillions jackpot can only stay at its maximum amount for four draws, before it must be won in the fifth draw at €220 million. After hitting its cap on Tuesday, that means the date of a potential Must Be Won draw is Tuesday 26th October if it remains high until then.
As the jackpot cap is set in euros, the equivalent pound amount may be subject to change. It is based on the exchange rate on the day of the draw, so it could be higher or lower than the £186 million it was worth on Tuesday.
If a Must Be Won draw does have to be held, it could lead to a rolldown. If no tickets match all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars in the Must Be Won draw, the full €220 million will be split between players in the highest category with winners. Just like in the last few draws, this is most likely to be the Match 5 + 1 Lucky Star tier.
If there is a single ticket holder who matches all the numbers, they will become EuroMillions’ biggest-ever winner. The UK is the most successful country out of the nine participating nations, so it could be that a new record will be set in the next few draws. Take part online for your chance to win, or visit an authorised retailer.