History and Overview

EuroMillions is one of the largest and most popular transnational lottery games in Europe. Launched on February 7, 2004, by the national lottery operators of France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, it has since expanded to include several other European countries. EuroMillions offers players the chance to win significant prizes with jackpots that can reach hundreds of millions of euros.

How to Play

Playing EuroMillions is straightforward and follows a simple format. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Your Numbers:

   • Players select five main numbers from a pool of 1 to 50.
   • Players also select two Lucky Star numbers from a pool of 1 to 12.

2. Purchase a Ticket:

   • Tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers in participating countries or online through the official national lottery websites or apps.
   • Each line (or play) costs €2.50 (£2.50 in the UK).

3. Quick Pick Option:

   • Players can choose their own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick (Random Selection), where the numbers are randomly generated by the lottery terminal.

4. Multi-Draw Option:

   • Players can opt to play the same numbers for multiple draws in advance, typically up to four weeks.

Draw Time

• Draw Days: The EuroMillions draws take place every Tuesday and Friday.
• Draw Time: Draws are held at approximately 8:45 PM CET (Central European Time).

Prize Structure

EuroMillions features 13 prize divisions, including the jackpot. Here’s a breakdown of the prize structure:

1. Division 1 (Jackpot):

   • Match 5 main numbers + 2 Lucky Star numbers: Jackpot, which can roll over if not won.

2. Other Divisions:

   • Division 2: Match 5 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star number
   • Division 3: Match 5 main numbers
   • Division 4: Match 4 main numbers + 2 Lucky Star numbers
   • Division 5: Match 4 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star number
   • Division 6: Match 4 main numbers
   • Division 7: Match 3 main numbers + 2 Lucky Star numbers
   • Division 8: Match 2 main numbers + 2 Lucky Star numbers
   • Division 9: Match 3 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star number
   • Division 10: Match 3 main numbers
   • Division 11: Match 1 main number + 2 Lucky Star numbers
   • Division 12: Match 2 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star number
   • Division 13: Match 2 main numbers

Odds of Winning

The odds of winning in the EuroMillions game vary by prize division:

• Division 1 (Match 5 main numbers + 2 Lucky Star numbers): 1 in 139,838,160
• Division 2 (Match 5 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star number): 1 in 6,991,908
• Division 3 (Match 5 main numbers): 1 in 3,107,515
• Division 4 (Match 4 main numbers + 2 Lucky Star numbers): 1 in 621,503
• Division 5 (Match 4 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star number): 1 in 31,076
• Division 6 (Match 4 main numbers): 1 in 13,812
• Division 7 (Match 3 main numbers + 2 Lucky Star numbers): 1 in 14,125
• Division 8 (Match 2 main numbers + 2 Lucky Star numbers): 1 in 986
• Division 9 (Match 3 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star number): 1 in 707
• Division 10 (Match 3 main numbers): 1 in 314
• Division 11 (Match 1 main number + 2 Lucky Star numbers): 1 in 188
• Division 12 (Match 2 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star number): 1 in 49
• Division 13 (Match 2 main numbers): 1 in 22

Claiming Prizes

• Small Prizes: Can be claimed at any authorized retailer or through the national lottery website.
• Larger Prizes: Must be claimed at the national lottery headquarters or by mail, depending on the amount won and the policies of the respective country.
• Jackpot Prizes: Require special arrangements for claiming, and winners may need to provide identification and proof of ticket purchase.

Important Points

• Players must be 18 years or older to participate.
• Tickets must be purchased before the cut-off time on draw days, typically at 7:30 PM CET.
• EuroMillions operates in multiple European countries, and winnings are tax-free in most participating countries, but winners should consult with a tax advisor if they have international tax obligations.

EuroMillions offers players across Europe the chance to win life-changing prizes twice a week. With jackpots that can reach hundreds of millions of euros and favorable odds for winning secondary prizes, it remains one of the most popular lottery games in the region, supporting various national lottery beneficiaries and initiatives.