Many players wonder what happens if a Euromillions ticket only matches 2 main numbers, or 1 main number and 1 Lucky Star. The jackpot gets the attention, but there are smaller tiers that pay out, too.
This guide explains how those lower tiers work, what they usually pay, and the odds of landing them. It also covers how prize money is calculated, how to check your ticket, and what to expect when claiming a small win in the UK.
If you simply want clear, practical answers on these less talked-about prizes, you’re in the right place.
Euromillions Prize Tiers Explained
Euromillions has 13 prize tiers, set by how many main numbers and Lucky Stars you match. Payouts start from matching 2 main numbers and go all the way up to 5 main numbers plus both Lucky Stars, which lands the jackpot. Amounts vary by tier and can move slightly between draws depending on ticket sales and how many winners there are.
Recent examples give a good feel for the scale: 5 main numbers plus 1 Lucky Star can pay around £130,554, 4 main numbers plus 2 Lucky Stars around £845, 2 main numbers £2.50, and 1 main number plus 1 Lucky Star £4.30. UK tickets also include automatic entry into the Millionaire Maker, which guarantees at least one £1 million winner in the UK each draw.
With the tiers in mind, let’s look closely at the two combinations most people ask about.
What Prize Do You Get For Matching 2 Numbers?
Matching 2 main numbers usually pays £2.50. This sits at the entry point of the main draw’s prize structure and often covers the cost of a single line. The amount can vary slightly if the draw’s prize pool shifts, but £2.50 is the typical figure for this tier.
This tier is common because it needs fewer matches than the higher levels, which is why the payout is modest. Players who match more numbers or add Lucky Stars move into higher tiers with larger prizes.
Wondering how things change when a Lucky Star is involved? That brings us to the next outcome.
What Prize Do You Get For Matching 1 Number And 1 Lucky Star?
Matching 1 main number and 1 Lucky Star generally pays £4.30. It sits just above the 2 main numbers tier and is one of the more frequent small prizes. As with other tiers, the exact amount can vary a little from draw to draw, but £4.30 is the usual benchmark.
This tier pays more than 2 main numbers because combining a main number with a Lucky Star is statistically less common than simply getting two mains.
What Are The Odds Of Matching 2 Numbers Or 1 Number And 1 Lucky Star?
The odds reflect how many combinations are possible in a draw. For these two outcomes, the chances on a single ticket are roughly:
- 2 main numbers: about 1 in 22
- 1 main number and 1 Lucky Star: about 1 in 50
Smaller prizes are naturally more likely than the larger ones, which is why their payouts are lower. Each draw is independent, with outcomes driven by the numbers drawn that night.
If you’re curious why the amounts paid sometimes move a little, the next section explains how the lower tiers are set.
How Is Euromillions Prize Money For Lower Tiers Calculated?
Lower-tier prizes, such as 2 main numbers or 1 main number and 1 Lucky Star, are typically fixed amounts that are published in advance of the draw. In practice, that means 2 main numbers usually pay £2.50, and 1 main number plus 1 Lucky Star usually pays £4.30, though occasional small adjustments can appear when overall sales or prize allocations change.
Higher tiers are more likely to be funded by a share of the prize pool, which is why their amounts can vary more significantly. Having fixed amounts at the bottom makes it easy to see what a small win is likely to be worth.
With that in mind, here are the typical amounts you asked about.
Typical Payout Examples For 2 Numbers And 1+1 Lucky Star
In recent draws:
- 2 main numbers has typically paid £2.50
- 1 main number plus 1 Lucky Star has typically paid £4.30
These are examples, not guarantees. They reflect how the lower fixed tiers usually look in practice, with only small movements from draw to draw.
How Do I Check If I Have Won And Claim A Small Prize In The UK?
Official results are published on the National Lottery website and app shortly after each draw, and most retailers display them too. Compare your ticket to the results and keep hold of any paper ticket until your claim is settled.
How you get paid depends on how you bought the ticket. Retailer tickets can usually be paid at the till for small amounts, most commonly up to £100, and often up to £500 depending on the shop. Larger prizes may need to be claimed at a designated post office or by post. If you played online or in the app, small wins are normally paid automatically into your National Lottery account, with an email or app notification to confirm.
Claims must be made within the published time limits. Once that deadline has passed, prizes cannot be paid, so it is worth checking tickets promptly.
If your ticket does pay out, there’s a common question that follows.
Are Euromillions Winnings Taxable In The UK?
Lottery prizes in the UK are paid tax-free. That means you receive the full amount shown for your tier, whether it is a small lower-tier payout or something larger.
Taxes may apply later on to money you earn from your winnings, such as interest on savings or potential inheritance tax considerations for large gifts. For anything substantial, independent financial advice can help you plan.
One final point people often ask about is whether a single main number ever returns anything.
Does Matching Only One Main Number Ever Win Anything?
A single main number on its own does not pay a prize. To qualify with one main number, it needs to be combined with Lucky Stars. One main number plus one Lucky Star pays a small fixed amount, and one main number plus two Lucky Stars pays more again.
If you choose to play, keep it affordable and within your personal limits.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be constrerued as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.