What Is EuroMillions?
EuroMillions is one of the largest transnational lottery games in the world, operated jointly across multiple European countries including the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and others. It draws twice weekly — on Tuesdays and Fridays — and regularly produces jackpots worth hundreds of millions of euros.
How to Play EuroMillions
Playing EuroMillions is straightforward:
- Choose 5 main numbers from 1 to 50.
- Choose 2 Lucky Stars from 1 to 12.
- Purchase your ticket before the draw closes on Tuesday or Friday evening.
To win the jackpot, you must match all 5 main numbers AND both Lucky Stars. There are also 12 secondary prize tiers for partial matches, making EuroMillions one of the most prize-rich lotteries available.
Prize Tiers at a Glance
| Tier | Match | Odds (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | 5 + 2 Lucky Stars | 1 in 139,838,160 |
| 2nd Prize | 5 + 1 Lucky Star | 1 in 6,991,908 |
| 3rd Prize | 5 + 0 Lucky Stars | 1 in 3,107,515 |
| 4th Prize | 4 + 2 Lucky Stars | 1 in 621,503 |
| 5th Prize | 4 + 1 Lucky Star | 1 in 31,075 |
| Lower Tiers | Various partial matches | 1 in 22 to 1 in 3,107 |
Jackpot Cap and Superdraw Events
EuroMillions jackpots are capped at €250 million. Once the cap is reached, if no one wins over several draws, the prize money cascades down to the next tier, dramatically boosting secondary prizes. The lottery also organizes special "Superdraw" events with guaranteed large starting jackpots.
Ticket Cost and Where to Buy
Ticket prices vary slightly by country due to local taxes and fees. In most participating countries, a standard EuroMillions line costs between €2.50 and €3.00. Tickets can be purchased at authorised retail outlets or through official national lottery websites and apps.
Tax Treatment of Winnings
Importantly, how EuroMillions winnings are taxed depends entirely on your country of residence. Some countries (like the UK) pay prizes completely tax-free, while others apply income tax to large prizes. Always check your local tax rules before assuming your full prize amount.
Pros and Cons of Playing EuroMillions
- Pros: Enormous jackpots, 13 prize tiers, draws twice weekly, widely accessible.
- Cons: Very long jackpot odds (~1 in 140 million), tickets slightly pricier than domestic lotteries.
Verdict
EuroMillions is an exciting, well-structured lottery with some of the largest prizes in the world. Its 13-tier prize structure means many players win something even without hitting the jackpot. If you enjoy dreaming big and want broad prize coverage, EuroMillions is among the most compelling lottery games available.