Plenty of people enjoy checking their EuroMillions results, especially when it comes to those Lucky Stars numbers. If you have ever matched only the two Lucky Stars, it can be confusing to know what that means for your prize money and how likely it is to happen in the first place.
What does matching 2 Lucky Stars actually get you, and what are the odds of coming away with a prize? Whether you are new to EuroMillions or just want to be sure you understand the details, this guide breaks it down.
Explore the ins and outs of the 2 Lucky Stars outcome, find out how prizes are decided, and learn how EuroMillions sets its odds. Read on to make sense of your numbers.
How Much Do You Win For 2 Lucky Stars In EuroMillions?
In EuroMillions, matching just the 2 Lucky Stars without any of the main five numbers puts you in the thirteenth prize tier. It is one of the smaller awards but still means you get something back for your entry.
If you match only the 2 Lucky Stars, the prize is usually around £2.50. This can shift slightly from one draw to another because it depends on ticket sales and how many players win in the same category on the night.
EuroMillions allocates a set share of the prize fund to each tier, and the lowest tier, where only 2 Lucky Stars are matched, typically returns roughly the cost of a line. Winnings are paid as a cash lump sum. You claim in the usual way in the UK, either online or from a retailer.
Curious how often this outcome turns up? The odds are fixed, and the next section explains how they work.
What Are The Odds Of Matching 2 Lucky Stars?
Each EuroMillions line includes two Lucky Stars chosen from 1 to 12, alongside your five main numbers. To land the 2 Lucky Stars prize tier, both of your Lucky Stars must match the two drawn and none of your five main numbers can match.
The probability of matching exactly two Lucky Stars and no main numbers is about 1 in 114 per line. This figure is set by the game’s number matrix and stays the same in every draw. It makes no difference whether you choose your own numbers or use a Lucky Dip, as the combinations are generated in the same way.
How Do The Odds Compare With Other EuroMillions Prize Tiers?
EuroMillions has 13 prize tiers, each with its own odds. Matching 2 Lucky Stars only is less frequent than some lower main-number outcomes, but it still appears regularly in weekly results across participating countries.
A common lower-tier result is matching two main numbers only, which has odds of 1 in 22. Matching one main number and two Lucky Stars is less common, at about 1 in 188. At the other end of the scale, the jackpot, which requires five main numbers plus two Lucky Stars, sits at 1 in 139,838,160.
This structure is deliberate. The most challenging combinations pay the most, with a spread of smaller wins across the lower tiers so there are regular returns alongside the rare top prizes.
If you are wondering why the winning amounts vary even when the odds are fixed, the next section looks at how the prize fund is shared.
How Prize Money Is Calculated For The 2 Lucky Stars Tier
The amount paid for matching only the two Lucky Stars is not fixed, although it tends to be similar from draw to draw. EuroMillions splits ticket revenue into the prize fund and then assigns a set percentage to each tier, including the one for this combination.
The thirteenth tier receives a smaller share than the higher levels, and the total allocated to that tier is then divided among all players with the same result on the night. That is why you will often see a familiar figure close to the price of a line.
Factors That Affect Prize Size
One factor is the number of tickets sold. More sales mean a larger overall prize fund, which increases the amount available for every tier, including the one for matching two Lucky Stars.
Another is how many players qualify for the same tier. If many people match the two Lucky Stars in the same draw, the portion for that tier is shared among more winners.
The game rules set out how revenue flows into the prize structure so the calculation is consistent. This keeps the amount for matching two Lucky Stars relatively steady, even though it can move up or down slightly.
Does Matching 2 Lucky Stars Always Pay Out?
If your line matches exactly two Lucky Stars and none of the five main numbers, it qualifies for the lowest prize tier in every draw under the current rules. The amount varies, but there is always a payout for this specific result.
You would only miss out if there was an issue with the claim, such as missing the deadline, not having a valid ticket, or not meeting the age requirement. Provided your entry is valid and claimed in time, the prize is paid.
With that reassurance in place, the next step is simply checking whether your ticket hits that combination.
How To Check If You Have Matched 2 Lucky Stars
Your ticket shows two Lucky Star numbers listed separately from your five main numbers. After the draw, the winning numbers are published on The National Lottery website and app, and are also available at retailers.
To confirm a 2 Lucky Stars only result, compare the Lucky Stars on your ticket with the two drawn for that date. Order does not matter, but both numbers must be present, and none of your five main numbers can match. Online accounts usually display wins automatically, while paper tickets can be scanned at a retailer or via the app.
Keep your ticket safe until you have checked and, if needed, claimed.
How To Claim A 2 Lucky Stars Prize In The UK
If you bought your entry online or through The National Lottery app, eligible winnings are normally credited to your account automatically. You can then withdraw the funds or leave them in your wallet for future entries.
For paper tickets bought in a shop, confirm your result using an in-store terminal or the app’s ticket scanner. Smaller prizes are typically paid in cash at the retailer, up to the outlet’s payout limit shown in store. If the amount is above that limit, the retailer will advise on the next step, often a designated Post Office or a claims process set out by The National Lottery.
All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date. Once you know what the 2 Lucky Stars outcome means, how often it occurs, and how claims are handled, you can read your ticket with confidence and act promptly if you have a win.
**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.