> 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/fall-backer-bonus.md).

# Backer Bonus Extension

**The Backer Bonus Program runs from September 8th through October 29th, targeting \~20–25% APY for backers who hold their position for the full period.**

If your USDC is in the pool at the September 8th drawing and stays there through October 29th, you're eligible. No sign-up required.

{% hint style="info" %}
The [Summer Backer Bonus](/appendix/backer-bonus-programs/summer-backer-bonus.md) is paid out on September 7th. If you're in that program, leave your funds in the pool until after that day's drawing, you'll collect your summer payout and roll straight into this one.
{% endhint %}

***

## How the Bonus Works

We commit to a **$31,200 bonus pool** that scales down linearly as tickets are sold. The formula is fixed at the start of the program and does not change based on pool composition or lottery parameters.

**The Formula:**

```
Bonus Pool = max($0, $31,200 - (tickets_sold × $0.10))
```

Equivalently:

```
Bonus Pool = $31,200 × max(0, (312,000 - tickets_sold) / 312,000)
```

**Fixed Commitments:**

* **Maximum bonus pool:** $31,200
* **Ticket threshold:** 312,000 tickets (6,000 per drawing × 52 drawings)
* **Rate:** $0.10 per ticket below threshold

| Total Tickets Sold (52 drawings) | Bonus Pool |
| -------------------------------- | ---------- |
| 0 tickets                        | $31,200    |
| 50,000 tickets                   | $26,200    |
| 100,000 tickets                  | $21,200    |
| 150,000 tickets                  | $16,200    |
| 200,000 tickets                  | $11,200    |
| 250,000 tickets                  | $6,200     |
| 300,000 tickets                  | $1,200     |
| 312,000+ tickets                 | $0         |

This bonus is distributed proportionally among eligible backers at the end of the program.

{% hint style="info" %}
**What does this mean for you?** Combined with your share of the 12.5% backer edge from ticket sales, this program provides a floor of roughly 20% APY for the pool, rising to \~25% APY as ticket sales approach the 312,000 threshold. If ticket sales exceed 312,000, you earn more than the target from ticket sales alone.
{% endhint %}

***

## Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the bonus, you must meet **all** of the following criteria:

1. **Be in the pool for the September 8th drawing** — Your USDC must be active in the pool when the program begins. This means deposits must be in before the September 8th drawing.
2. **Maintain your position through October 29th** — Your eligible shares must remain in the pool for all 52 drawings.
3. **Partial withdrawals** — If you withdraw any of your eligible shares, those shares become permanently ineligible for the bonus (even if you re-deposit later).

***

## How Your Bonus Is Calculated

Your share of the bonus pool is determined by a simple formula:

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

**Key mechanics:**

* **Snapshot at the September 8th drawing**: We record the number of shares you hold at the start of the program. This becomes your "eligible shares" amount (equal to the USDC you have in the pool).
* **Withdrawals reduce eligibility**: If you withdraw shares, those specific shares become ineligible — you cannot re-add them later.
* **Proportional distribution**: Bonus tied to withdrawn shares is not distributed, ensuring only committed backers are rewarded.

***

## Example Scenario

Let's say you have 100,000 USDC in the pool at the September 8th drawing:

1. Your 100,000 shares are recorded as eligible
2. Over the 52 drawings, 200,000 total tickets are sold
3. The bonus pool is $31,200 - (200,000 × $0.10) = **$11,200**
4. The total initial eligible shares across all backers is 1,100,000
5. You keep all 100,000 shares in the pool through October 29th

**Your bonus:** $11,200 × (100,000 / 1,100,000) = **$1,018**

Combined with your share of the $25,000 in backer edge from actual sales (200,000 × $0.125), your expected total earnings from the program would be approximately $3,291 on your 100,000 position — representing roughly 23% APY on your position.

***

## Important Disclosures

{% hint style="warning" %}
**This 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 this bonus. This incentive program does not guarantee that your position will be profitable, nor does it offset or insure against jackpot payouts.

This bonus is a discretionary incentive calculated at the end of the program period based on actual ticket sales. This program does not constitute a promise of any specific return beyond the bonus pool formula described above.
{% endhint %}

***

## Program Timeline

| Date                                  | Event                                                               |
| ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **September 8th, before the drawing** | Deposits must be made by this time                                  |
| **September 8th**                     | Program begins — snapshot of eligible shares taken at the drawing   |
| **September 8th – October 29th**      | 52 drawings                                                         |
| **October 29th**                      | Program ends — bonus calculated and distributed to eligible backers |

***

## FAQ

**I'm already in the pool. Do I need to do anything?**

No. If you have funds in the pool at the September 8th drawing, you're automatically eligible. Just keep your funds in the pool through October 29th — no sign-up or additional action required.

**Can I add more funds after September 8th?**

Yes, but only shares held at the September 8th snapshot are eligible for the bonus. Additional deposits after the start date earn standard backer returns but do not qualify for the bonus program.

**Can I withdraw during the program?**

Yes — you're never locked in. Withdrawn shares simply become ineligible for the bonus, and the rest of your position keeps earning.

***

## Ready to Participate?

Get your USDC into the pool before the September 8th drawing.

* [Backer Bonus Programs](/appendix/backer-bonus-programs.md) — all programs at a glance
* [Summer Backer Bonus Program](/appendix/backer-bonus-programs/summer-backer-bonus.md) — the program this one continues
* [How to Back the Pool](/getting-started/backer-economics/how-to-back-the-pool.md)
* [Understand Backer Economics](/getting-started/backer-economics.md)
* Questions? Reach out on our [Support Chat](https://megapot.io/support)