Winning on Euromillions is about more than just matching the main numbers. Many players notice the Lucky Stars feature, yet are unsure what matching just two Lucky Stars actually means for their prize. There are plenty of questions about whether matching two Lucky Stars in a draw leads to a win and how much it might be worth.
This blog post explains what it means to have two Lucky Stars on a ticket, whether matching only these leads to a prize, and which prize tier this falls under. It also looks at the odds involved, typical prize amounts in the UK, and how payouts are calculated. You will find clear examples and a quick guide to checking results and claiming prizes.
Common misunderstandings about two Lucky Stars wins are covered as well, so you can read the prize table with confidence.
What Does Matching Two Lucky Stars Mean?
In the Euromillions draw, players choose five main numbers and two Lucky Stars on each ticket. The Lucky Stars are a separate set of numbers from the main numbers, drawn from a pool of 12.
Matching two Lucky Stars means that, on a single line, the two Lucky Star numbers a player picked are both drawn. This could happen even if none of the main numbers are matched, or it may be combined with matches from the main number pool.
The reward for matching two Lucky Stars by themselves is not the same as matching main numbers with Lucky Stars. According to the current prize breakdown, matching only the two Lucky Stars does not result in a prize. Prizes start at different combinations, including matching one main number with two Lucky Stars.
So does matching only those two translate into a win? That is answered directly below.
Does Matching Only Two Lucky Stars Win Anything?
Matching only the two Lucky Stars on a Euromillions ticket does not lead to a cash prize. According to the current prize breakdown, there is no prize tier for matching just the two Lucky Star numbers if no main numbers are also matched.
Prizes begin at combinations involving main numbers, such as two main numbers, or one main number with two Lucky Stars. Simply put, two Lucky Stars on their own are not enough for a payout.
That places it outside the payout table. Next, here is where it fits in the official tiers.
Which Euromillions Prize Tier Covers Two Lucky Stars?
The Euromillions prize structure includes several tiers based on different combinations of matched numbers and Lucky Stars.
According to the current breakdown, there is no prize tier that covers matching only the two Lucky Stars, without any main numbers. Matching both Lucky Stars by themselves does not qualify for a payout.
However, if a player matches two main numbers alongside one Lucky Star, or matches one main number plus two Lucky Stars, these combinations fall into separate prize tiers with variable amounts. Each of these is itemised in the official prize table.
Rules and prize tables may be updated from time to time, so it is always worth checking the latest details on the official site before relying on figures. With the tiers clear, it helps to know how often two Lucky Stars appear.
What Are The Odds Of Matching Two Lucky Stars?
In the Euromillions lottery, the Lucky Stars are drawn from a separate pool of 12 numbers. Each ticket has two Lucky Stars selected, and the draw results include two Lucky Star numbers as well.
The odds of matching both Lucky Stars, without considering any main numbers, are 1 in 66. This is because there is one winning pair out of 66 possible pairs of two numbers from 12.
These odds relate only to the Lucky Stars. Prizes that involve two Lucky Stars usually require at least one main number as well, which is why the next section on prize calculation matters.
How Is The Prize For Two Lucky Stars Calculated?
In Euromillions, prizes are determined by how many main numbers and Lucky Stars are matched. The overall prize pool for non-jackpot tiers is shared between all players who match the same combination of numbers in any given draw.
The prize for combinations involving Lucky Stars, such as one main number plus two Lucky Stars, or two main numbers and one Lucky Star, is worked out from the total prize fund and the number of winners in that tier on the night. The amount a player might receive can change from draw to draw.
For the combination of only two Lucky Stars, with no main numbers, there is currently no prize tier. All other combinations are detailed in the official prize breakdown and have their own prize values.
With that in mind, here is what players in the UK tend to see for the lower tiers that include two Lucky Stars.
Typical Prize Amounts For Two Lucky Stars In The UK
In the current EuroMillions prize breakdown, there is no category for matching just the two Lucky Stars without any main numbers.
Prize amounts start with combinations that include main numbers. In recent UK draws, matches such as two main numbers plus one Lucky Star, and one main number plus two Lucky Stars, have typically returned low single-digit prizes, often in the region of about £5 to £9. These are shared among all winners in that category for each draw, so the exact payout varies.
The National Lottery updates the values after every draw, so the latest results page is the best place to see the actual amounts for that night.
How To Check, Claim And Tax Two Lucky Stars Winnings In The UK
To see whether a line that includes two Lucky Stars has won a prize, players can check results on the official National Lottery website or app, or ask at participating retailers. Results are usually published shortly after each Euromillions draw.
If a ticket is a winner, the claim process depends on how it was bought. Online wins are credited to the player’s National Lottery account. For retail tickets, smaller prizes can normally be claimed in-store, with larger amounts handled through designated outlets or direct contact with the National Lottery.
In the UK, all lottery prizes, including those for combinations with two Lucky Stars, are paid out tax-free. Winners receive the full prize amount. Any interest or income that might arise later from spending or investing those winnings is handled under normal personal tax rules.
If you want a quick sense of how the tiers play out in real life, the examples below bring the numbers into focus.
Example Draw Scenarios Showing Two Lucky Stars Payouts
Here are a few examples to show how winning combinations that include two Lucky Stars may affect prize amounts, based on recent patterns.
Scenario 1:
A player matches 1 main number and 2 Lucky Stars. This usually returns a small prize, often somewhere around £6 to £9 in the UK.
Scenario 2:
A player matches 2 main numbers and 1 Lucky Star. This also tends to be a low single-digit win, commonly around £5 to £8.
Scenario 3:
A player matches 3 main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars. This tier is comfortably higher than the lowest ones and is often paid in the tens of pounds, though it can vary from draw to draw.
It is important to note that matching only the two Lucky Stars, with no main numbers, does not result in a payout.
These examples are simply illustrations. Actual payouts vary by draw based on the prize fund and the number of winners.
Common Misconceptions About Two Lucky Stars Wins
One common misconception is that matching only the two Lucky Stars will always result in a cash prize. In reality, a ticket with just the two Lucky Star numbers, and no main numbers, does not qualify for a payout under the current rules.
Another misunderstanding is that matching two Lucky Stars means a player has reached a high prize tier. While prizes do exist for certain combinations including Lucky Stars, the higher-value awards require multiple main numbers in addition to the Lucky Stars.
Some players may also believe that the value of prizes for Lucky Star matches is fixed. In fact, the amount may change between draws depending on the prize fund and the number of winners in that tier. Each draw is independent of previous results.
If gambling starts to affect your well-being or your finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential help. Understanding how the two Lucky Stars work means you can read your ticket with clarity and check results with confidence.
**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.