The Eurojackpot is not only a popular lottery in Europe, but it has also become a significant source of funding for charities and good causes in the participating countries. Since its launch in 2012, the Eurojackpot has contributed millions of euros to support various charitable organizations, social causes, and public services.
Let’s learn more about the Eurojackpot, its history, and how it is involved in charitable work in 3 European countries.
History of the Eurojackpot
The Eurojackpot is a European lottery that started in 2012. It was created as a response to the popularity of other major lotteries in Europe, such as the EuroMillions. It was designed to offer bettors in more countries the chance to win big jackpots.
The Eurojackpot is currently available in 18 European countries, including Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. The lottery is operated by a consortium of national lottery organizations known as the Eurojackpot Cooperation, and the draws take place every Friday evening in Helsinki, Finland.
The format of the Eurojackpot is similar to other lotteries, where bettors select five main numbers from a pool of 50 and two more numbers, called Euro numbers, from a pool of 10. To win the jackpot, bettors must match all seven numbers correctly.
The Eurojackpot has a €10 million starting jackpot; if there is no winner, the jackpot can roll over to a maximum of €90 million. If the jackpot is not won at the maximum amount, it can be increased by up to €10 million for each subsequent draw until it is won. There are many winners around the globe; the latest stories about Eurojackpot winners make this lottery even more popular year after year.
How does Eurojackpot give back to charities?
Eurojackpot was founded not only to give bettors a chance to win substantial amounts of money but also positively impact the lives of millions of individuals throughout the continent. Below are some examples of how the participating countries utilize the revenue generated by Eurojackpot to support charitable causes.
Estonia
When paying for lottery bets in Estonia, including those for Eurojackpot, a gambling tax of 18% is applied. This tax revenue is then allocated to aid the federal budget. Within this revenue, 32% is designated for research and education, while another 32% is used to support medicine, social welfare, families, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities. Another 22% is utilized for the advancement of the Estonian Olympic team, with 10% directed towards sporting projects in general and 4% allocated to cultural initiatives.
Iceland
All profits generated from the lottery sales in Iceland are channelled towards supporting sports and other causes in the country. The ownership of the Icelandic Lottery is shared between the Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland, the Disabled Association of Iceland, and the Youth Association.
Spain
In Spain, EuroJackpot is managed by ONCE, a national organization dedicated to assisting individuals with blindness or significant visual impairments. ONCE was established in 1938 with the aim of providing support to those with visual impairments, and in 1988 the ONCE Foundation was established to offer aid, education, and employment opportunities to individuals with any type of disability. As a result, the ONCE Foundation has assisted over 80,000 disabled individuals in finding employment, trained more than 100,000 people, and contributed to more than 33,000 projects.
Takeaway
In conclusion, the Eurojackpot is not only a popular lottery but also a significant source of funding for charities and good causes in the participating countries. The lottery companies that operate the Eurojackpot have committed to donating a portion of their profits to support social projects and initiatives in their respective countries. This contribution to charity has helped support various organizations and public services, including social welfare, disaster relief efforts, cultural preservation, scientific research, sports, and job creation. By betting on the Eurojackpot, participants not only have a chance to win a huge amount of money but also contribute to a better world by supporting charitable causes and initiatives.
FAQs
Which country won the latest Eurojackpot?
The latest €10 million Eurojackpot was won by a Danish bettor on 21st February 2023.
What was the biggest Eurojackpot?
The largest Eurojackpot payout ever recorded was €120 million, which has been the maximum amount since March 2022. Following 15 consecutive draws without a winner, a bettor from Denmark won the €120 million prize on July 22, 2022.
Can a foreigner win Eurojackpot?
Yes, it is possible for foreigners to bet on the Eurojackpot through an online lottery provider. If their bet is a winner, the provider will collect the prize on your behalf.