Receiving an email saying you have won the EuroMillions might sound exciting, but how do official notifications really work, and what should you look for in your inbox?
With scam emails on the rise, it helps to know when emails are genuinely from the National Lottery and what they will and will not include. This guide explains how notifications are sent for both online and paper tickets, what an authentic message looks like, and how to verify it.
You will also find practical advice on checking results safely, updating your email details, keeping your account secure, and reporting anything suspicious.
How Does EuroMillions Notify Winners?
EuroMillions uses different methods to notify players, depending on how the ticket was purchased.
For those who play online through the National Lottery website or app, you may receive an email or an in-account notification that asks you to log in to check your results. For security reasons, these emails usually avoid stating prize amounts or personal details.
If a ticket was bought in a shop, there is generally no direct contact. Paper ticket holders are responsible for checking their numbers using official channels. Prizes are claimed by presenting the ticket at a retailer for smaller wins or by following the instructions on the back of the ticket for larger amounts.
High-value wins can involve extra steps or contact from the National Lottery, always with identity checks to protect privacy. With the basics covered, the next question is how this plays out for individual tickets.
Do I Get An Email If My Ticket Wins?
Whether you receive an email depends on how the ticket was bought.
For online purchases, you may get an email prompting you to log in to your National Lottery account to view the outcome. It normally avoids sensitive details and keeps everything within your secure account.
For shop-bought tickets, there is no automatic email as the ticket is not linked to your contact details. You will need to check the numbers yourself or use official tools to scan or confirm results. If you later add a ticket to an online account, any updates will appear there rather than arriving out of the blue by email.
Curious about how automatic these messages are for online players? Let’s look at that next.
Do Online Players Receive Automatic Winning Emails?
Players who buy EuroMillions tickets online through the National Lottery website or app may receive an email when there is news about their ticket. Think of it as a prompt to sign in, not a full breakdown of the result.
Genuine messages direct you to your account to view details securely. They do not request passwords, financial information, or any kind of payment. If a message tries to collect these, treat it as suspicious and go straight to the official site by typing the address into your browser.
Now, if you prefer paper tickets, the process is a little different.
Do Paper Ticket Holders Get Notified By Email?
Paper ticket holders do not receive automatic email notifications. Because no personal information is attached at the point of sale, the responsibility for checking results sits with the ticket holder.
You can confirm outcomes using official National Lottery tools, such as the website, app, or a retailer’s terminal. Be wary of any unsolicited email claiming you have won if you have not linked your ticket to an online account, especially if it asks for personal details.
Knowing that, it helps to recognise what an authentic message actually looks like.
What Does An Official EuroMillions Winning Email Look Like?
An official National Lottery email is usually brief and clear. It greets you by your registered name and lets you know there is an update about one of your tickets.
It will not state the prize amount or ask for sensitive information like passwords or bank details. Instead, it directs you to log in to your account to view the result securely. Authentic emails come from verified National Lottery addresses, typically ending in “@national-lottery.co.uk”.
Look for correct branding, a professional tone, and clear contact information. Genuine communications do not pressure you to act immediately or to share personal data. If anything seems off, it is worth checking before you click.
How Can I Verify A Winning Email Is Legitimate?
Start with the sender’s address. Official communications come from verified National Lottery domains, such as those ending in “@national-lottery.co.uk”. Be cautious with lookalike addresses that add extra words or unusual characters.
Consider the content and tone. Real emails do not ask you to provide passwords, full bank details, or pay a fee to claim a prize. They keep information minimal and direct you to your account. Poor grammar, odd formatting, or urgency tactics are common signs of a scam.
For complete peace of mind, avoid clicking links in the email. Instead, open your browser, go to the official National Lottery website, and sign in there. If anything still seems unclear, contact the National Lottery’s customer service using the details on their website. So, what should you actually do the moment a supposed winning email lands?
What Should I Do If I Receive A Winning Email?
Treat the email as a prompt rather than proof of anything. Check the sender’s address carefully and read the message with a critical eye. If it asks for personal or banking details, or requests a payment to release funds, do not engage.
The safest approach is to ignore links in the email. Go directly to the official National Lottery website by typing the address into your browser, then sign in to your account to check for any notifications. If you are unsure, contact customer support and ask them to confirm whether the message is genuine.
Keeping everything within official channels protects your information and ensures any claim follows the proper process.
Can I Claim A Prize Based Only On An Email Notification?
No. An email alone is not a valid basis for a claim.
For online tickets, any claim is made within your National Lottery account after you sign in and follow the on-screen guidance. For paper tickets, the physical ticket is required to claim at a retailer or through the official claims process for larger amounts.
Even a very convincing email cannot replace these steps. The formal claim process exists to protect players and ensure that prizes are paid correctly.
How Are Large EuroMillions Prizes Paid And Notified?
Large prizes involve extra care to confirm identity and keep details private.
For online tickets, the National Lottery may follow an initial email or account alert with direct contact, such as a phone call, using the details on your account. For paper tickets, winners usually need to contact the claims team, who will guide them through verification and the paperwork.
Once validated, payment is typically made by bank transfer. Large prizes are not paid in cash or through third parties. Throughout, security and confidentiality are prioritised so that winners can complete everything safely and discreetly.
With that in mind, keeping your account information accurate becomes especially important.
How To Update And Secure Your National Lottery Account Email Details
Accurate contact details help ensure you receive notifications and can access your account without hiccups. Email changes are managed within your account settings on the official website or app, and a quick verification step may be needed to confirm the new address before it goes live.
For stronger security, use a unique, complex password and enable two-factor authentication if available. Avoid sharing login details, and be careful when accessing your account on shared devices or public networks. If anything unusual appears on your account, change your password and contact the National Lottery for support.
All updates should be done directly through official channels, not via links in unsolicited emails.
How To Report A Suspected EuroMillions Email Scam?
If you receive an email that looks suspicious, do not click links or reply. You can forward it to the National Lottery’s fraud team using the address shown on their official website, and consider reporting it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national centre for fraud and cybercrime. Most email providers also allow you to report messages as phishing.
Delete the message afterwards. If you think any personal information may have been exposed, contact the National Lottery for advice, monitor your accounts, and update your security details.
If you choose to play, set sensible limits and use recognised support services such as GamCare or GambleAware if you ever need help. Knowing how genuine notifications work, and how to handle them, keeps you in control from inbox to claim.
**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.