EuroMillions Lucky Stars Explained: Meaning, Rules & Payouts
EuroMillions is played across several European countries and stands out for its many prize tiers. A central feature is the Lucky Stars, which help decide who wins and how much is paid out.
This blog post breaks down what Lucky Stars are, how they are drawn, and how they affect odds and payouts. You will also find information on prize tiers, what happens when prizes are shared, how to claim in the UK, and how tax works on winnings.
If you choose to take part, set sensible limits and treat it as paid entertainment.
What Are EuroMillions Lucky Stars?
In EuroMillions, each entry consists of five main numbers and two additional numbers called Lucky Stars. The Lucky Stars come from a separate pool and have a major influence on which prize tier a ticket falls into.
The Lucky Stars range from 1 to 12. A valid entry must include two Lucky Stars alongside the five main numbers. To win the jackpot, a ticket must match all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars. There are also prizes for matching fewer numbers, including combinations that involve one or both Lucky Stars.
How Many Lucky Stars Do You Choose On A Ticket?
Every standard EuroMillions ticket requires two Lucky Stars, chosen from 1 to 12. Picking only one Lucky Star is not allowed; both must be selected for the entry to be valid.
These two Lucky Stars sit alongside your five main numbers to form the complete line. Depending on how many of these numbers are drawn, the ticket can fall into different prize tiers, with higher tiers requiring more matches.
How Are Lucky Stars Drawn?
Lucky Stars are drawn in every EuroMillions draw using a separate machine from the one used for the main numbers. Two Lucky Star numbers are selected from the pool of 1 to 12, and each draw is overseen to ensure it is conducted fairly.
Each draw is independent. The same Lucky Star can appear in consecutive draws, and any pair of different Lucky Stars can come out together.
With the draw process clear, the next question is how these two extra numbers change your chances.
Lucky Stars And Odds Explained
Lucky Stars shape the odds because many prize tiers depend on matching one or both of them. From a pool of 12 numbers, there are 66 possible two-number combinations, so the chance of getting both Lucky Stars correct on a single line is 1 in 66. Hitting both Lucky Stars and all five main numbers is required for the jackpot, which is significantly harder than landing a lower-tier prize.
Overall, the chance of winning any prize in EuroMillions is about 1 in 13. Lower tiers can be reached by matching fewer main numbers, often with one Lucky Star. Higher tiers typically involve matching four or five main numbers with one or two Lucky Stars. The more numbers matched, the higher the tier and the larger the potential payout.
Prize Tiers In EuroMillions
EuroMillions prizes are organised into tiers based on how many main numbers and Lucky Stars are matched. Higher tiers require more matches, with the jackpot awarded for matching all five main numbers plus both Lucky Stars.
Below are the prize tiers and example UK payouts from a recent draw:
- 5 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars: Jackpot
- 5 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star: £130,554.30
- 5 main numbers: £13,561.20
- 4 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars: £844.70
- 4 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star: £77.80
- 3 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars: £9.10
- 3 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star: £7.30
- 3 main numbers: £6.00
- 1 main number + 2 Lucky Stars: £4.30
- 2 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star: £3.60
- 2 main numbers: £2.50
In the UK, there is also a separate Millionaire Maker prize, which awards £1,000,000 to one UK ticket holder.
Amounts can vary from draw to draw based on ticket sales, the number of winners in each tier, and other factors.
So, how are those figures decided in practice?
How Are Payouts Calculated With Lucky Stars?
EuroMillions uses a prize fund model. A portion of ticket sales goes into the prize pool, and fixed percentages of that pool are allocated to each tier. When a tier has multiple winners, the allocation for that tier is split equally between them. If a tier has no winners, its share may help fund rollovers, which can increase the jackpot in future draws.
Lucky Stars determine which tier a ticket falls into. For instance, matching five main numbers without any Lucky Stars places a ticket in a different tier from matching five main numbers with one Lucky Star. The presence or absence of one or both Lucky Stars is what pushes a line up or down the prize structure.
Exchange rates and special promotional draws can also influence payouts. For current examples by tier, see the prize list above.
Prize Tier Breakdown By Numbers And Lucky Star Matches
Each tier is defined by a specific combination of main numbers and Lucky Stars. The top tier requires five main numbers plus both Lucky Stars, followed by a tier for five main numbers and one Lucky Star, then five main numbers on their own. Mid-tier prizes involve four or three main numbers with one or two Lucky Stars, while entry-level prizes cover combinations such as two main numbers with one Lucky Star, or two main numbers alone. Refer to the prize tiers section for example payouts.
What Happens If Multiple Winners Share A Prize?
If several tickets match the same tier in the same draw, the amount allocated to that tier is divided equally among the winners. For example, if two tickets match the jackpot numbers, each receives half of the advertised jackpot.
Millionaire Maker works differently. It selects one UK ticket at random and pays a fixed £1,000,000; it is not shared.
This sharing principle applies across the structure, so amounts can be lower than the headline figure when there are many winners in the same tier.
How Do You Claim EuroMillions Prizes In The UK?
How you claim depends on how you bought your ticket. For tickets purchased in shops, smaller prizes can usually be paid by most National Lottery retailers, while larger amounts are claimed by post or through appointments arranged with the National Lottery.
If you entered online or via the National Lottery app, smaller prizes are normally paid into your account automatically. For larger wins, the National Lottery will give you instructions, which may include identity checks and arranging payment.
Check tickets promptly. Prizes can only be claimed within a set period, usually 180 days from the draw date. Unclaimed prizes are returned to National Lottery Good Causes.
On a related note, once a prize is paid, what happens with tax?
Are EuroMillions Winnings Taxed In The UK?
EuroMillions prizes are not taxed in the UK. Winnings are paid in full and are not treated as income. However, any returns earned after receiving the prize, such as interest or investment gains, are subject to standard UK tax rules.
Gifting part of a win can have tax implications over time, such as for inheritance tax. If this is relevant, it is sensible to read the latest HMRC guidance or seek professional advice.
If you play, keep it affordable and stick to limits that suit your circumstances. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, 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.
