If you’ve ever checked your EuroMillions ticket and matched just one number and one Lucky Star, you might wonder whether or not that counts as a win.
This blog explores exactly how the EuroMillions prize system works, using clear examples to explain what different combinations could mean for your ticket. It focuses on one of the most commonly asked questions—whether 1 main number and 1 Lucky Star is enough to land a potential payout.
If you’re new to the lottery, or simply looking for straightforward answers, this guide breaks down the rules, the possible prize tiers, and what each result might mean for you.
Lucky Stars: What They Mean in EuroMillions
In the EuroMillions, each ticket involves selecting five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Stars from a separate pool ranging from 1 to 12.
These Lucky Stars aren’t “bonus” numbers in the traditional sense. They’re a required part of your selection and help to determine the potential prize tier you may fall into if you match enough of the drawn numbers.
To be in with a chance of winning a prize, you’ll need to match certain combinations of main numbers and Lucky Stars. For instance, matching 2 main numbers and 1 Lucky Star qualifies for one of the lower tiers, while matching all 5 main numbers and both Lucky Stars leads to the top jackpot tier.
Matching only Lucky Stars—or just one number and one Lucky Star—does not result in a payout. While they’re essential for winning higher-tier prizes, Lucky Stars need to be paired with a sufficient number of main numbers to qualify for any possible prize.
How Winning Combinations Work
The EuroMillions has 13 prize tiers, which are based on how many numbers you match. These tiers are structured by combinations of main numbers and Lucky Stars. The more you match, the higher up the prize ladder. For example:
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Matching 5 main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars places you in the jackpot tier, the highest possible.
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Matching 2 main numbers and no Lucky Stars puts you in the lowest prize tier, with an estimated payout of around £2.50.
So, what happens if your ticket shows 1 main number and 1 Lucky Star?
According to the official UK prize breakdown, this specific combination is not included in any winning tier. It’s a common outcome, but one that unfortunately does not qualify for a payout.
The EuroMillions is a draw-based game, meaning the numbers are selected randomly, and the result of one draw has no effect on future draws. The value of potential prizes can change with each draw, depending on ticket sales and how many players manage to win in each tier.
EuroMillions Prize Ladder Explained
Here’s the current EuroMillions prize breakdown for the UK, using recent average payouts.
It’s important to remember that these are estimates, and amounts can vary from draw to draw:
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5 Main Numbers + 2 Lucky Stars – Jackpot (variable amount)
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5 Main Numbers + 1 Lucky Star – Approximately £130,554.30
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5 Main Numbers – Approximately £13,561.20
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4 Main Numbers + 2 Lucky Stars – Approximately £844.70
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4 Main Numbers + 1 Lucky Star – Approximately £77.80
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3 Main Numbers + 2 Lucky Stars – Approximately £37.30
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4 Main Numbers – Approximately £25.60
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2 Main Numbers + 2 Lucky Stars – Approximately £9.10
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3 Main Numbers + 1 Lucky Star – Approximately £7.30
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3 Main Numbers – Approximately £6.00
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1 Main Number + 2 Lucky Stars – Approximately £4.30
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2 Main Numbers + 1 Lucky Star – Approximately £3.60
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2 Main Numbers – Approximately £2.50
Alongside the main draw, every UK EuroMillions ticket includes automatic entry into the UK Millionaire Maker, a separate raffle. This guarantees that one ticket holder in the UK will win £1,000,000 in each draw.
Players should remember that these amounts can shift depending on how many people manage to win in each prize tier. The jackpot can also roll over if there are no winners, growing larger until it reaches a capped amount - 250 million euros.
What Can You Get With 2 Lucky Stars?
It’s a common assumption that matching both Lucky Stars should result in some sort of payout. But under current EuroMillions rules, 2 Lucky Stars without any main numbers is not a winning combination.
For example, if the winning Lucky Stars are 3 and 8, and your ticket also has 3 and 8 as your Lucky Star picks—but none of the five main numbers match the draw—you won’t win a prize.
According to the current EuroMillions prize structure, matching 1 main number and both Lucky Stars qualifies for one of the lower-tier prizes.
While this combination does include both Lucky Stars, it only results in a small payout because it also includes a main number.
Matching 2 Lucky Stars on their own is not enough to win a prize. The average payout for 1 main number plus 2 Lucky Stars is approximately £4.30, although this can vary depending on the total number of winners and ticket sales for that draw.
EuroMillions vs Lotto: Which Has Better Odds?
When comparing the EuroMillions with the UK Lotto, the biggest difference lies in the odds and potential prize amounts. Here’s a basic look:
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EuroMillions:
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Choose 5 numbers from 1 to 50
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Choose 2 Lucky Stars from 1 to 12
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Odds of winning the jackpot: 1 in 139,838,160
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Odds of winning any prize: 1 in 13
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UK Lotto:
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Choose 6 numbers from 1 to 59
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Odds of winning the jackpot: 1 in 45,057,474
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Odds of winning any prize: 1 in 9.3
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While the Lotto offers shorter odds of winning a potential prize compared to the EuroMillions, the payouts tend to be smaller. The EuroMillions, on the other hand, involves longer odds, but can offer larger jackpots due to its international format.
There isn’t a single game that suits everyone. Some players may be more interested in the potential for higher prizes, while others might prefer games with a greater chance of possibly winning something, even if the amounts are lower.
As both games follow different rules and potential prize structures, it may be a good idea to review the terms, odds, and prize tables before choosing which one you’d like to play.
Is The EuroMillions Worth Playing?
Whether or not the EuroMillions feels worth playing depends entirely on your personal outlook. If you enjoy the idea of selecting numbers and seeing how they play out in a random draw, it can be a straightforward way to take part in a game of chance.
The EuroMillions is played across multiple European countries, which helps create larger jackpots than most national lotteries. For every draw, there’s also a UK-only prize opportunity through the Millionaire Maker.
It’s important to remember that no strategy can influence the outcome. Every number has the same probability of being drawn, and all tickets have equal chances. The game is designed entirely around chance, and as such, any winnings are never certain.
Some players choose their numbers based on birthdays or patterns, while others go for randomly generated picks. Neither method is better than the other, because no combination is more likely to win.
If you decide to take part, it can help to set a spending limit and treat it like any other form of entertainment. Playing in moderation, knowing the odds, and understanding how potential prizes work can help make the experience easier to manage.
The EuroMillions is a game of chance. If you choose to play, it’s important to stay within a budget and never spend more than you’re comfortable losing. For support, advice, or tools to help you manage your gambling, visit BeGambleAware.org or contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.