EuroMillions is one of the best-known lottery games in the UK and across Europe. Many people pick numbers each week, yet it is not always clear how many are needed to win a prize or the jackpot.
This guide breaks down the prize structure in plain English. You will find the number of main numbers and Lucky Stars needed for each tier, how odds work, how prizes are calculated and shared, plus how to check results and claim.
If you choose to take part, treat it as paid entertainment and keep play within your means.
How Many Numbers Do You Need To Win The Jackpot?
To win the EuroMillions jackpot, a ticket must match all 5 main numbers and both Lucky Star numbers in a single draw.
The main numbers are from 1 to 50, and the Lucky Stars are from 1 to 12. This is the only combination that leads to the jackpot. Matching fewer numbers can still return a prize, but not the top tier.
Outcomes are random and cannot be predicted. Not all combinations require both Lucky Stars, though, which leads neatly to the smaller prize tiers.
How Many Numbers Do You Need To Win Any Prize?
A EuroMillions prize can be won by matching at least two main numbers, or by matching one main number together with both Lucky Stars.
Those combinations sit at the lower end of the structure and usually return smaller amounts. As the number of matches increases, so does the position in the prize table. Matching four or five main numbers, with or without Lucky Stars, moves a ticket into the higher tiers, and matching all 5 plus both Lucky Stars is the jackpot.
That raises a natural question about the role of Lucky Stars in particular.
Do You Need Lucky Stars To Win A Prize Or Jackpot?
Lucky Stars are drawn from a separate pool and affect both eligibility for prizes and the size of those prizes. For the jackpot, both Lucky Stars must be matched along with all five main numbers.
At the other end of the table, it is possible to win without any Lucky Stars at all, provided at least two main numbers are matched. Between those points, hitting one or both Lucky Stars alongside several main numbers generally improves the payout because it places the ticket in a higher tier.
With that in mind, it helps to see how the tiers are structured.
Prize Tiers And Required Matches
EuroMillions uses a tiered system where each set of matches places a ticket into a defined prize category. Some tiers pay fixed amounts, while others share a portion of the prize fund for that draw.
Jackpot: 5 Numbers + 2 Lucky Stars
This is the top tier. A ticket must match all 5 main numbers and both Lucky Stars in the same draw. If more than one ticket reaches this combination, the jackpot is shared equally among them.
Major Secondary Matches: 5 + 1 and 5 + 0
These are the next strongest outcomes. Matching 5 main numbers with 1 Lucky Star, or 5 main numbers with 0 Lucky Stars, produces significant prizes below the jackpot. They typically account for a substantial share of the prize fund whenever they are won.
Remaining Prize Tiers And Minimum Matches
Prizes also cover several other combinations, starting from 2 main numbers or 1 main number with 2 Lucky Stars, and stepping up through mixes such as 3, 4 or 5 main numbers with different Lucky Star matches. The more numbers matched, the higher the tier and the larger the typical return for that category.
Knowing the tiers is useful, but many players also want a sense of how likely each outcome is.
What Are The Odds For Each Prize Tier?
Each prize tier has its own odds, based on the number of combinations that can produce that result. The jackpot, which requires 5 main numbers plus 2 Lucky Stars, has odds of 1 in 139,838,160. Matching 5 numbers and 1 Lucky Star has odds of 1 in 6,991,908, while matching 5 numbers without any Lucky Stars sits at 1 in 3,107,515.
The probabilities improve as you move to lower tiers. Matching 4 numbers and 2 Lucky Stars is about 1 in 621,503, and matching just 2 main numbers is around 1 in 22. Each line has the same chance in every draw, and results are independent from one draw to the next.
Understanding the chances is one thing. How the money is distributed when those outcomes happen is the next.
How Are Prize Amounts Calculated And Shared?
EuroMillions divides the prize fund across tiers. Lower tiers often pay fixed amounts that do not change from draw to draw. Higher tiers, including the jackpot and major secondary matches, usually receive a percentage of the prize fund and are shared among all winners in that tier.
If several tickets hit the same tier, the amount allocated to that tier is split equally. When the jackpot is not won, it normally rolls over and grows for the next draw. From time to time, special event draws can boost the jackpot to a set starting level. There is also a cap on how high the jackpot can grow, after which additional funds can flow down to the next tiers according to the rules.
All payouts follow the official game rules for the draw in question.
How Long Do You Have To Claim A Prize?
In the UK, EuroMillions prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date. This applies to all prize sizes.
If a prize is not claimed in time, it is not paid. Unclaimed funds are instead directed to National Lottery funded projects. Keep tickets secure, check results soon after the draw, and make any claim within the deadline.
With the time limit in mind, here is how to confirm your results and collect any winnings.
Checking Winning Numbers And Claiming Winnings
Official results are published on the National Lottery website and app, and also appear through selected media. Always compare the numbers on your ticket with the published results for the relevant draw date.
For online entries, prizes are usually credited to your National Lottery account. For in-store purchases, the physical ticket is required. Smaller prizes can often be paid by retailers, while larger amounts are handled through designated claim centres or directly with the National Lottery. Keep tickets safe until any claim is settled, as only a valid ticket holder can receive a payout.
If you decide to play, set sensible limits and take breaks. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, support is available through independent 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.