EuroMillions has several ways players might win, based on how many numbers they match. The structure can look complex at first, but a simple overview makes it easier to follow.
This guide explains how many numbers are needed for each prize tier, the odds for every tier, and how prize funds are calculated and shared when there is more than one winner.
You will also find what happens if the jackpot is not won, how the Lucky Stars affect outcomes, typical prize examples, how to claim in the UK, and whether prizes are taxed.
Read on to learn more.
How Many Numbers Do You Need To Win A EuroMillions Prize?
To win any EuroMillions prize, a ticket must match at least two numbers in a single draw. Each line has five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Stars from 1 to 12.
Matching two main numbers is the minimum needed for a payout. Higher prizes are awarded for matching more main numbers and Lucky Stars, with the jackpot paid for matching all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars. There are several prize tiers that recognise different combinations, such as three main numbers, or one main number plus two Lucky Stars.
UK tickets are also entered into the UK Millionaire Maker raffle, which gives a separate chance to win £1,000,000 if the code on the ticket is drawn.
EuroMillions results come from independent random draws and outcomes cannot be predicted. The next section shows how these combinations are arranged into tiers.
EuroMillions Prize Tiers And Required Number Matches
EuroMillions has thirteen prize tiers, ranging from matching two main numbers up to five main numbers plus both Lucky Stars. The jackpot sits at the top and is paid when a ticket matches all seven drawn numbers.
Other tiers cover combinations such as five main numbers and one Lucky Star, four main numbers with one or two Lucky Stars, and three main numbers with either zero, one or two Lucky Stars. Smaller prizes are available for combinations like two main numbers, or two main numbers with one Lucky Star.
In the UK, each EuroMillions ticket also enters the UK Millionaire Maker raffle. One code is drawn per participating draw and pays a guaranteed £1,000,000.
With the structure clear, it helps to look at the chances of landing each tier.
What Are The Odds For Each Prize Tier?
Each tier has its own set of odds, reflecting how specific the matching combination needs to be. The jackpot requires five main numbers and both Lucky Stars, with odds of about 1 in 139,838,160.
For other tiers, the odds improve as fewer numbers are required. Matching five main numbers and one Lucky Star is roughly 1 in 6,991,908. Matching four main numbers and two Lucky Stars is around 1 in 621,503. The lowest prize, for matching two main numbers, is about 1 in 22. Overall, the chance of winning any EuroMillions prize is around 1 in 13.
Knowing the odds, the next step is understanding how prize amounts are worked out and paid.
How Are Prize Amounts Calculated And Paid Out?
EuroMillions prize amounts come from a share of ticket sales that is placed into a prize fund, then divided across the tiers using set formulas. The exact payout in a tier depends on the number of winners and the amount in the fund for that draw.
Some lower-tier prizes are fixed. In the UK, matching two main numbers currently pays £2.50. Higher tiers, including the jackpot, vary depending on ticket sales and whether previous jackpots have rolled over.
Prizes up to certain limits may be credited automatically to an online account or collected from a retailer, while larger amounts involve extra checks and an arranged payment process for security and verification.
How Is The Jackpot Shared Between Multiple Winners?
If more than one ticket matches five main numbers plus both Lucky Stars in the same draw, the jackpot is split equally between them. The jackpot can change from draw to draw based on sales and rollovers, and is usually paid in a single instalment.
If no one matches the full set, here is what happens next.
What Happens If No One Wins The Jackpot?
If there is no jackpot winner, the top prize rolls over to the next draw and grows. This can continue until it reaches a cap. Once at the cap, any extra funds that would have increased the jackpot are shared among winners in the next highest prize tier.
If the jackpot remains unclaimed for a set number of draws while at the cap, the entire jackpot is then distributed to the highest tier with winners in the next draw.
Lucky Stars play a key role in these tiers, so it is worth seeing how they affect outcomes.
How Do Lucky Stars Affect Prize Wins?
Every EuroMillions line includes two Lucky Stars, and they have a direct impact on which tier a ticket falls into. To win the jackpot, both Lucky Stars must be matched along with all five main numbers. Matching one or both Lucky Stars with various counts of main numbers can move a ticket into a higher tier than matching the same main numbers without them.
For instance, three main numbers and two Lucky Stars usually results in a higher payout than three main numbers alone. Some tiers are only available if at least one Lucky Star is matched. In short, Lucky Stars help define the prize ladder across much of the game.
To see how that translates in practice, here are typical examples from recent draws.
Typical Prize Examples For Each Match Combination
EuroMillions pays different amounts depending on the combination matched and how many winners share each tier in a draw.
Matching all 5 main numbers plus both Lucky Stars wins the jackpot, often worth several million pounds. Matching 5 main numbers and 1 Lucky Star may pay around £130,554.30, while 5 main numbers without any Lucky Stars has typically paid about £13,561.20.
For 4 main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars, a typical prize is around £844.70. With 4 main numbers and 1 Lucky Star, the average payout is about £77.80.
Lower combinations still return smaller prizes. For example, 3 main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars might be about £9.10, and 2 main numbers with 1 Lucky Star may be around £3.60. Matching 2 main numbers usually pays £2.50.
UK players also have the separate UK Millionaire Maker raffle, which awards £1,000,000 to one code in each draw. Prize amounts vary by draw and are not guaranteed.
How To Claim EuroMillions Winnings In The UK?
Claiming a EuroMillions win in the UK depends on how the ticket was bought and the amount won.
For tickets bought online or in the National Lottery app, smaller prizes may be paid directly into the player’s account. Larger wins usually trigger a contact from the lottery operator to arrange payment, including security and identity checks.
For tickets bought in shops, smaller prizes can often be claimed from a retailer, while mid-range wins are usually paid via designated post offices. Higher amounts, including jackpots and Millionaire Maker prizes, are handled directly with the National Lottery through an appointment process.
Keep signed physical tickets safe. The claim period for UK prizes is 180 days from the draw date.
Do You Pay Tax On EuroMillions Winnings In The UK?
In the UK, EuroMillions prizes are paid tax free. The winnings themselves are not subject to income tax or capital gains tax.
Tax may apply to any interest or returns earned if the money is saved or invested after the payout. Gifts from winnings can also have implications depending on individual circumstances.
If playing, set sensible limits and use tools that help you manage your play. If gambling is affecting your well-being or finances, support is available from organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.