Everything You Need To Know About EuroMillions Superdraws
EuroMillions Superdraws are special events which take place a few times a year and offer some of the game’s biggest jackpots. Learn everything you need to know about how Superdraws work, what happens if the jackpot isn’t won and when the next Superdraw will be.
What is a Superdraw?
A Superdraw is a EuroMillions draw which offers a colossal guaranteed jackpot, usually worth €130 million. They are scheduled a few weeks in advance so fans of the game can mark the date on their calendars as a draw not to miss.
It doesn't matter if the top prize is much lower in the draw before a Superdraw, or even if someone wins the jackpot. The advertised amount is guaranteed to be offered, and the event will only be postponed if the jackpot has already climbed above the publicised figure through rollovers.
Superdraws can also be called Megadraws in Ireland, while they are known by various other names across Europe, including ‘Big Friday’ draws in Spain and ‘Super Jackpots’ in other countries.
Where does the money come from?
The money for Superdraws comes from the EuroMillions Reserve Fund. This is a special booster pot which receives 4.8 percent of the Common Prize Fund in all regular draws. The Reserve Fund is used to make sure the minimum jackpot of €17 million can always be offered, and when it runs to an excess it can pay for big events such as Superdraws and EuroMillionaire’s Raffles. All nine participating countries must agree before a Superdraw can be held.
When is the next Superdraw?
The next Superdraw will take place on Friday 7th June, 2019, with a jackpot of €130 million. They are normally held every few months and the next one will be the 24th to take place since the first one in 2007.
How do Superdraws work?
The process of entering a Superdraw is exactly the same as any other draw. You still have to select five main numbers from 1 to 50, plus two Lucky Stars between 1 and 12. The cost of a single line remains €2.50 and you are still automatically entered into the Ireland Only Raffle. The options for playing are the same; you can either take part online or visit an authorised retailer.
Does the jackpot still roll over?
Yes. If there are no tickets that match all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars, the jackpot will roll over as normal. An even larger amount will then be put up for grabs in the next draw. The top prize can grow up to a maximum of €190 million.
Once the jackpot reaches €190 million, it is capped and any additional funds that would have gone to the top prize are instead diverted to the Match 5 + 1 category. The jackpot can stay at €190 million for up to five draws, but if there are still no winners in the fifth draw at this value the full amount will be shared out between players in the next winning category.
How have Irish players fared in Superdraws?
Superdraws have helped to create some of Ireland’s biggest ever lottery wins. While no Irish player has won the jackpot on the night of a Megadraw, the most recent event in February paved the way for a new national record to be set.
Following five rollovers, a family from The Naul in Co Dublin matched the full winning line on Tuesday 19th February to pocket €175 million. They came forward a few days later to claim their money, describing it as a ‘dream come true’ that would allow them to share the money with children, grandchildren and extended family members.
Back in June 2013, a ticket holder from Ireland also split a jackpot of €187 million with a player from Belgium after a Superdraw jackpot had rolled over five times.
You can find out if Ireland has another big winner to celebrate by going to the EuroMillions Results page after the next Superdraw.
17th May 2019
