On March 28, 2025, a staggering EuroMillions jackpot of 232 million francs (approximately 243 million euros) was up for grabs, marking a historic moment in the world of lottery games. This unprecedented figure not only surpasses the previous record for the largest win in Switzerland but also captures the imagination of countless players hoping to strike it rich. The Loterie Romande announced that to win, participants needed to select the correct combination of five numbers from 1 to 50 and two stars from 1 to 12. With odds of winning set at 1 in 140 million, the challenge is steep, with humorously low chances compared to being canonized by the Pope, as noted by local media.
The excitement surrounding the EuroMillions lottery has grown exponentially since its inception in 2004, when it initially offered a modest jackpot of 15 million euros. Over the years, the game has expanded to include nine participating countries: France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Ireland, and Austria. This broad participation has helped the jackpot balloon to staggering heights, with the current offering exceeding the last record of 240 million euros won by an Austrian player in 2023.
As Swiss players eagerly filled out their tickets, the Loterie Romande reported that the number of tickets sold was expected to surpass 50 million, a record for the lottery. The average number of tickets filled in the region typically hovers around 380,000 per draw, but the lure of such a massive jackpot has clearly sparked heightened interest. The minimum cost for a ticket in Switzerland is 3.50 francs, making it an accessible gamble for many hopeful participants.
However, the excitement of the draw also comes with a reminder of the realities of winning. The odds of snagging the jackpot are daunting, with 139,838,160 possible combinations, making it statistically more likely for one to be seriously injured while putting on a pair of pants than to win the lottery, as humorously pointed out by local news outlets.
For those who may be disappointed this time around, there is still hope for the future. If no one wins the jackpot on March 28, the prize is set to increase to a new ceiling of nearly 240 million francs for the next draw on April 1, 2025. This means that the excitement will not only continue but potentially grow even larger as the jackpot rolls over.
The last record for the largest jackpot won in Switzerland was 210 million euros, claimed by a lucky player on February 26, 2021, a win that remains etched in the memories of many. In fact, the largest amount ever won in the Romandy region of Switzerland was 115,507,763.75 francs, claimed on August 23, 2013. With such high stakes, it is no wonder that players are flocking to lottery outlets in droves.
As the clock ticked down to the draw, participants had until 7:30 PM to validate their tickets, with the draw scheduled for 9:30 PM. The anticipation was palpable, with many players dreaming of what they would do with such life-changing sums of money. The Loterie Romande revealed that in 2024, nine players from Switzerland became millionaires through the EuroMillions, five of whom hailed from French-speaking regions.
In addition to the thrill of potentially winning vast sums of money, it's worth noting that the Loterie Romande contributes significantly to public welfare. Each year, the organization allocates its profits to over 5,000 projects in areas such as sports, culture, health, youth initiatives, social action, research, heritage, tourism, and the environment. In total, 243.7 million francs were distributed to these projects, underscoring the broader societal impact of lottery games.
As the evening of March 28 unfolded, the excitement reached a fever pitch. Players across the participating countries eagerly awaited the results, hoping to join the ranks of the lucky few who have struck it rich in the past. But as the results came in, it was revealed that no one had guessed the winning combination. The numbers drawn were 10, 21, 30, 42, and 45, with stars 1 and 9. This meant that the historic jackpot of 232 million francs remained unclaimed.
This outcome, while disappointing for many, sets the stage for an even larger jackpot in the upcoming draw. With the potential prize now set to reach new heights, interest in the EuroMillions is expected to surge once again. Players will no doubt be eager to try their luck, armed with their favorite numbers and a dream of becoming the next big winner.
As the EuroMillions continues to capture the imagination of players across Europe, it serves as a reminder of the hopes and dreams that come with the simple act of purchasing a lottery ticket. While the odds may be long, the allure of winning life-changing sums of money keeps players coming back for more, eager to take their chance at fortune.
With the next draw just around the corner, the excitement and anticipation are sure to build once again. Who knows? The next big winner could be just a ticket away, waiting for their moment to shine in the spotlight of lottery fame.
