> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.megapot.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.megapot.io/appendix/backer-bonus-programs.md).

# Backer Bonus Programs

**Time-boxed incentive programs that pay eligible backers a bonus on top of their standard backer earnings.**

Backers already earn a share of the [backer edge](/getting-started/backer-economics.md) on every ticket sold. Bonus programs sit on top of that: during a defined window, Megapot commits a bonus pool that is distributed to backers who were in the pool at the start and stayed through the end.

***

## Programs

* [Backer Bonus Extension](/appendix/backer-bonus-programs/fall-backer-bonus.md) — 52-drawing program running September 8th to October 29th
* [Summer Backer Bonus Program](/appendix/backer-bonus-programs/summer-backer-bonus.md) — 90-day program running June 25th to September 23rd (settled early on September 7th)
* [Early Backer Bonus Program](/appendix/backer-bonus-programs/early-backer-bonus.md) — launch program running March 24th to June 24th

Each program sets its own dates, bonus pool size, and formula. Check the program page for the specifics.

***

## What Every Program Has in Common

**The bonus is largest when ticket sales are lowest.** Bonus pools are sized inversely to ticket volume: the fewer tickets sold during the program, the larger the bonus. This tops up backer returns while the community is still growing, and tapers off as ticket sales — and the backer edge they generate — pick up the slack.

**Eligibility is set by a snapshot, not a sign-up.** Your USDC must be in the pool before the program's cutoff date. At the start of the program we record the shares you hold; that becomes your eligible share count. There is no registration step — if your funds are in the pool in time, you're in.

**You have to hold to the end.** Eligible shares must stay in the pool for the full program duration. Withdraw any of them and those shares are permanently ineligible, even if you deposit again later. Deposits made after the snapshot earn standard backer returns but do not qualify for that program's bonus.

**Bonuses are distributed proportionally at the end.** Your payout is your remaining eligible shares as a fraction of all backers' initial eligible shares:

```
Your Bonus = Total Bonus Pool × (Your Remaining Eligible Shares / Total Initial Eligible Shares)
```

Bonus tied to withdrawn shares is not redistributed, so only backers who stayed for the full term are rewarded.

***

## Important Disclosures

{% hint style="warning" %}
**A bonus does not protect against losses.** Backing the prize pool carries risk — if there is a jackpot winner, backers may experience losses that exceed the value of any bonus. These programs do not guarantee that your position will be profitable, and they do not offset or insure against jackpot payouts.

Backer bonus programs are discretionary incentives calculated at the end of the program period. They do not constitute a promise of any specific return beyond the formula published on each program's page.
{% endhint %}

***

## Related

* [How to Back the Prize Pool](/getting-started/backer-economics/how-to-back-the-pool.md)
* [Earn by Backing the Prize Pool](/getting-started/backer-economics.md)
* Questions? Reach out on our [Support Chat](https://megapot.io/support)