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Lotto 6/49EuroMillions — full guide
Prize tiers, how to play, odds, and tips. Jump ahead with Quick Navigation inside the article.
Tip: Use the in-page Quick Navigation links at the top of the guide to jump between sections.
Prize tiers, how to play, odds, and tips. Jump ahead with Quick Navigation inside the article.
Tip: Use the in-page Quick Navigation links at the top of the guide to jump between sections.
Here's something that might surprise you: EuroMillions launched on February 7, 2004, as a transnational lottery created by France's Française des Jeux, Spain's Loterías y Apuestas del Estado, and the UK's Camelot. The first draw was held on February 13, 2004 in Paris.
Fast forward to 2025: Three players won the maximum €250 million jackpot—an Austrian winner in April, an Irish ticket holder in June, and a French player in August. That's nearly $291 million USD per winner.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover everything about EuroMillions in 2026—from how the game works to the 13 prize tiers, jackpot caps, Superdraw events, and smart strategies. Whether you're chasing the €250 million dream or just curious about Europe's premier lottery, this guide covers it all.
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Let's dive in.
EuroMillions is a transnational lottery requiring seven correct numbers to win the jackpot: 5 main numbers (1-50) plus 2 Lucky Stars (1-12). Currently played in nine countries: UK, France, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Switzerland.
What makes EuroMillions unique:
The guaranteed minimum jackpot is €17 million (approximately £14 million), and it can roll over until reaching the €250 million cap. When the cap is reached, it can remain there for up to five consecutive draws before a "Must Be Won" event occurs.
Draw Schedule:
Draws occur every Tuesday and Friday at approximately 21:05 CET (8:45 PM UK time) in Paris, with results published around 21:50 CET.
Ticket Cost:
€2.50, £2.50, or CHF 3.50 per line played, depending on your country.
Step 1: Pick Your Main Numbers
Select 5 numbers from 1 to 50.
Step 2: Pick Your Lucky Stars
Select 2 different Lucky Stars from 1 to 12.
Step 3: Choose Entry Type
Step 4: Wait for the Draw
Tuesday and Friday nights at 21:05 CET.
The game format changed significantly on May 10, 2011, when a second weekly draw was added and Lucky Stars increased from 9 to 11. On September 24, 2016, Lucky Stars increased again from 11 to 12.
Why this matters: More Lucky Stars = longer odds = bigger jackpots.
There are 13 different prize tiers in every EuroMillions draw, from matching just 2 main numbers to the jackpot for matching all 5 main numbers plus both Lucky Stars.
According to the official EuroMillions prize fund distribution:
| Prize Tier | Match | Prize Fund % | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Jackpot) | 5 + 2 Lucky Stars | 43% or 27%* | 1 in 139,838,160 |
| 2 | 5 + 1 Lucky Star | 3.95% | 1 in 6,991,908 |
| 3 | 5 + 0 Lucky Stars | 0.92% | 1 in 3,107,515 |
| 4 | 4 + 2 Lucky Stars | 0.45% | 1 in 621,503 |
| 5 | 4 + 1 Lucky Star | 0.48% | 1 in 31,075 |
| 6 | 4 + 0 Lucky Stars | 0.67% | 1 in 13,811 |
| 7 | 3 + 2 Lucky Stars | 0.38% | 1 in 14,125 |
| 8 | 2 + 2 Lucky Stars | 1.45% | 1 in 985 |
| 9 | 3 + 1 Lucky Star | 1.57% | 1 in 706 |
| 10 | 3 + 0 Lucky Stars | 2.32% | 1 in 314 |
| 11 | 1 + 2 Lucky Stars | 3.27% | 1 in 188 |
| 12 | 2 + 1 Lucky Star | 10.30% | 1 in 49 |
| 13 | 2 + 0 Lucky Stars | 18.25% | 1 in 22 |
Overall Odds: Approximately 1 in 13 to win any prize
*Prize Fund Note: In draws 1-6 of a rollover cycle, the jackpot gets 43% of the prize pool. From draw 7 onwards, it drops to 27% with more allocated to lower tiers and the Reserve Fund.
54% of ticket sales in each draw are added to the prize pool, which is distributed across all 13 prize tiers.
For UK players:
The £2.50 ticket price is split: £1.74 for EuroMillions entry and £0.76 for UK Millionaire Maker raffle. Fifty percent of the £1.74 (£0.87) funds the EuroMillions prize pool.
Important: EuroMillions uses a pari-mutuel system—prizes vary based on ticket sales and number of winners. If multiple people win the same tier, the prize is split equally.
The Euro is the base currency. When UK players win the jackpot, the equivalent figure in pounds is paid based on the exchange rate on the draw date.
For non-jackpot prizes, a special formula accounts for each country's contribution. This means UK prize amounts can be slightly different from a direct Euro conversion.
In February 2020, EuroMillions introduced a progressive jackpot cap system. The cap starts at €200 million and can increase to €210M, €220M, €230M, €240M, and finally €250 million over successive cycles.
Cap Rules:
Current Status: The €250 million maximum was reached on June 13, 2025, and has been won multiple times in 2025.
If the capped jackpot remains unwon after 5 consecutive draws, the entire amount rolls down to the next prize tier with winners. This guarantees someone wins the massive prize pool.
In 2025, EuroMillions awarded the maximum €250 million jackpot three times:
Historical Context: The €250 million wins equal approximately $291.2 million USD or £216.1 million at current exchange rates.
Superdraws are special promotional events where the jackpot is boosted to a guaranteed amount—typically €130 million—regardless of rollovers.
A Super Draw jackpot will roll over to the next drawing if not won. This is different from an Event Draw, where the jackpot is distributed among winners in the next lower tier if not won.
Funding Source:
Superdraws are funded by the EuroMillions Reserve Fund, which receives 10% of the prize pool (18% after the 5th rollover draw). This ensures the minimum €17 million jackpot is always available and funds special promotions.
The most recent Superdraw occurred on September 27, 2024, starting at €130 million. It rolled over and was won on October 4, 2024 in Spain at over €162 million.
Typical Schedule: Superdraws usually occur 2-4 times per year, often around holidays or special occasions.
The odds of winning the EuroMillions jackpot are approximately 1 in 139 million (1 in 139,838,160 to be precise), but the odds of winning any prize are 1 in 13.
Every combination has exactly equal probability. Whether you pick 1-2-3-4-5 or use our random generator, your odds are identical.
Our generator uses cryptographically secure randomization—the same technology used by official lottery operators.
Interesting fact: Recent €250 million winners have included both self-picked numbers and Lucky Dip selections, proving no method has an advantage.
Use Our Random Generator When:
Use Personal Numbers When:
The Reality: Both methods win jackpots equally. Choose what makes playing enjoyable for you.
How does EuroMillions stack up against other major lotteries?
| Lottery | Jackpot Odds |
|---|---|
| EuroMillions | 1 in 139,838,160 |
| US Mega Millions | 1 in 302,575,350 |
| US Powerball | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| UK National Lottery | 1 in 45,057,474 |
| EuroJackpot | 1 in 139,838,160 (same) |
What this means: EuroMillions offers better jackpot odds than US mega-lotteries while maintaining massive prize pools.
For a £2.50 ticket in the UK:
Translation: Like all lotteries, EuroMillions has negative expected value. Play for entertainment, not investment.
Your 1 in 13 odds of winning something are relatively strong. For example, the EuroMillions draw on March 28, 2025 created more than 1.4 million UK winners who shared over £7.2 million in prizes.
Prize claiming procedures vary by country. Here's the general framework:
Prizes up to £500:
Prizes £500 to £50,000:
Prizes above £50,000:
Each participating country has its own claiming procedures:
France, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Switzerland: Contact the national lottery operator in your country of ticket purchase.
All EuroMillions prizes are valid for 180 days (6 months) after the draw date. After this period, unclaimed prizes are forfeited.
Example:
All prizes, including the jackpot, are tax-free except in Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal (since 2013), and are paid as a lump sum.
UK Winners: Completely tax-free. However, any investment income generated from your winnings is taxable.
If you play EuroMillions in the UK, you're automatically entered into the UK Millionaire Maker draw.
Since November 2009, at least one UK player every week has won a guaranteed £1 million. With the introduction of Tuesday draws in May 2011, there are now two Millionaire Maker winners each week.
As of September 2016 changes, two guaranteed Millionaire Maker winners are made per draw—4 per week across Tuesday and Friday draws.
Note: Odds fluctuate based on ticket sales. Special events may create more £1M winners.
Cost: Included in your £2.50 ticket price (£0.76 of your ticket funds this raffle).
System entries allow you to play multiple number combinations on a single ticket by selecting more than the standard 5 main numbers or 2 Lucky Stars.
Example - System 6:
Cost: Multiply the number of combinations by the standard ticket price.
Playing as a syndicate allows groups to buy more tickets and share the cost and winnings.
Benefits:
Drawbacks:
Pro Tip: Many UK retailers and online platforms offer pre-organized syndicates you can join.
Both are European lotteries, but they're quite different:
| Feature | EuroMillions | EuroJackpot |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 5 from 50 + 2 from 12 | 5 from 50 + 2 from 12 |
| Jackpot Odds | 1 in 139,838,160 | 1 in 139,838,160 |
| Minimum Jackpot | €17 million | €10 million |
| Maximum Jackpot | €250 million | €120 million |
| Draw Days | Tuesday & Friday | Tuesday & Friday |
| Countries | 9 countries | 18 countries |
| Launched | 2004 | 2012 |
| Prize Tiers | 13 | 12 |
Play EuroMillions if:
Play EuroJackpot if:
The Truth: Both have identical jackpot odds. EuroMillions offers larger top prizes; EuroJackpot is available in more countries.
2004 - Launch
2004 - Expansion
2005 - First Major Win
2011 - Format Changes
2016 - Major Update
2020 - Progressive Cap System
2025 - Record Year
Total: 19 UK players have won prizes of £100 million or more.
You can't change the odds, but you can optimize your approach.
Set entertainment budget: £10-30 per month maximum
Sample allocation (£20/month):
Rule: Never spend more than you can comfortably afford to lose.
Superdraws and guaranteed events offer better value because:
When to play more:
While all numbers have equal odds, avoiding common selections means you're less likely to share prizes if you win:
Commonly played:
Why this matters: EuroMillions jackpots are split among all winners. Less popular numbers mean fewer people to share with.
Strategy: Use our random generator or pick numbers evenly distributed from 1-50.
Don't put all your budget into one type:
Balanced approach:
Most players don't realize cumulative costs. Keep a simple log:
Average after 1 year: Most players lose £100-200 annually playing weekly. Adjust your budget based on this reality.
EuroMillions is entertainment, not a financial plan.
UK Resources:
European Resources:
Each country has national problem gambling helplines. Contact your local lottery operator for referrals.
Most EuroMillions operators offer self-exclusion programs where you can voluntarily ban yourself from playing for a set period (6 months, 1 year, or permanently).
UK National Lottery: Call 0333 234 5050 to set up self-exclusion.
Q: Can I play EuroMillions from outside Europe?
Yes, several licensed online lottery concierge services allow international players to purchase official tickets. However, you must use authorized services—never unofficial resellers.
Q: What happens if I lose my winning ticket?
Without the physical ticket, you cannot claim your prize. Always sign the back of your ticket immediately and photograph it for records.
Q: Are online tickets as valid as retail tickets?
Yes. Online tickets purchased through official National Lottery websites or apps are fully legitimate and secure.
Q: Can I remain anonymous if I win?
Yes. In the UK and most European countries, winners can choose to remain anonymous. You're not obligated to go public.
Q: What's the youngest/oldest EuroMillions winner?
The youngest known public winner was 17 years old (legal playing age varies by country). The oldest was in their 80s. Most winners are between 30-60.
Q: Do Lucky Dip tickets win as often as self-picked numbers?
Yes. Historical data shows no statistical difference. Both methods have produced multiple jackpot winners.
Q: What happens if the jackpot isn't won after 5 draws at cap?
A "Must Be Won" draw occurs where the entire jackpot amount cascades to the next prize tier with winners, guaranteeing someone wins big.
Q: Can I subscribe to play the same numbers every draw?
Yes. Most lottery operators offer subscription services where your chosen numbers are automatically entered for multiple draws.
Q: How are EuroMillions profits used?
Approximately 20-30% of revenue in each country goes to good causes including arts, sports, heritage, education, and community projects.
Q: What's the difference between Super Draw and Event Draw?
Super Draws roll over if not won; Event Draws distribute to lower tiers if not won. Both start with guaranteed €130M jackpots.
EuroMillions has created some of Europe's wealthiest lottery winners since 2004. With draws every Tuesday and Friday, €17 million minimum jackpots, and the potential for €250 million prizes, it remains Europe's premier lottery.
Your action plan:
The 1 in 139 million jackpot odds are astronomical, but the 1 in 13 odds of winning something make every draw exciting. And with jackpots regularly reaching €100 million+, even a small chance is worth the dream.
Ready to generate your EuroMillions lucky numbers? Use our free random number generator above and play responsibly.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Lottery gambling involves risk. Only play with money you can afford to lose. Must be 18+ in most countries (16+ in UK). EuroMillions is operated by national lottery organizations in each participating country. All prize amounts, odds, and rules are subject to official lottery regulations.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help:
Sources:
Last Updated: January 2026