Decentralized lottery platform Megapot is collaborating with Protocol Guild to create what they refer to as the first programmable charity lottery in the crypto space.
By Margaux Nijkerk|Edited by Sheldon Reback May 28, 2026, 3:00 p.m. 2 min readMake preferred on Funding for Ethereum development through lottery (Shutterstock)Key Points:
- The Megapot lottery platform is joining forces with Protocol Guild to launch a blockchain-based charity lottery that channels referral fees from ticket sales directly to Ethereum core developers.
- This initiative aims to tackle the funding shortfall for Ethereum developers by converting speculative crypto activities into a transparent funding source for the maintenance of the network.
Ethereum developers are set to benefit from a new funding mechanism via a blockchain lottery.
On Thursday, Megapot announced its partnership with Protocol Guild, which is an independent funding collective for Ethereum protocol contributors, to roll out what they describe as the cryptocurrency sector's first programmable charity lottery.
Participants can purchase tickets for a daily lottery through a special Protocol Guild portal for a chance to win prizes from a prize pool that exceeds $1.1 million. According to Megapot, the entirety of the referral fees earned from ticket sales will be automatically allocated through smart contracts to developers supported by Protocol Guild.
This initiative responds to growing concerns regarding the sustainability of funding for Ethereum’s core infrastructure. Although the blockchain supports vast amounts of decentralized finance and crypto trading, many developers who maintain the network are reportedly compensated far less than their counterparts in other sectors, as noted by Megapot.
Since 2022, Protocol Guild claims to have distributed approximately $38 million to Ethereum contributors via donations and token pledges, but suggests that maintaining and scaling Ethereum could necessitate an annual budget of between $30 million and $60 million.
“Every token, NFT, or perps trade depends on the tireless work of Ethereum core developers,” stated Megapot CEO Patrick Lung in a statement provided to CoinDesk. “Now, players don’t have to choose between speculation and contribution. They can engage in both.”
This model is reminiscent of traditional charity lotteries, such as the U.K. National Lottery, but enhances the process by integrating it on-chain. Megapot claims its programmable referral system minimizes administrative burdens and guarantees that proceeds are distributed transparently.
“Securing consistent funding for Ethereum protocol stewards is an increasingly critical issue,” remarked Trent Van Epps, the main organizer at Protocol Guild and a former Ethereum Foundation member. “We’re looking forward to seeing how this innovative Megapot integration will elevate the standard for how applications can support the infrastructure they rely on.”
Read more: The Next Stage for Public Good Funding in Crypto
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