If you’ve ever checked your EuroMillions ticket and spotted “Lucky Stars”, you might have wondered what they mean. These extra numbers play a key role in shaping the outcome of each draw.
This guide breaks down what Lucky Stars are, how they work, and why they matter when it comes to possible prize tiers. By understanding their purpose, you can make more sense of how EuroMillions results are structured and what your combinations might mean.
What Are Lucky Stars in EuroMillions?
Every EuroMillions entry involves choosing seven numbers in total.
You pick five main numbers from 1 to 50, and two Lucky Stars from a separate set of 1 to 12.
The Lucky Stars are drawn from a different pool to the main numbers, meaning the same number can appear both as a main number and as a Lucky Star. In each draw, five main numbers and two Lucky Stars are selected at random.
If your chosen numbers match some or all of these, your prize depends on the specific combination. For example, to win the jackpot, you need all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars to match. The Lucky Stars define how each ticket fits into one of the 13 prize tiers.
Lucky Stars vs Main Numbers: What’s the Difference?
Although both are chosen by the player, the main numbers and Lucky Stars serve different purposes in the EuroMillions.
- Main Numbers (1–50): These form the foundation of your entry and influence the majority of the prize tiers.
- Lucky Stars (1–12): These are separate bonus numbers that help decide higher or lower potential prize categories.
Matching only main numbers can qualify you for smaller prizes, while combining main numbers with one or both Lucky Stars may move your entry into a higher tier. To win the top prize, both Lucky Stars and all five main numbers must match the draw.
Because the Lucky Stars are drawn from a smaller pool, matching both is significantly less common than matching a single one. They add an extra element that determines how your ticket ranks among the prize levels.
Why Are Lucky Stars Important for Winning?
Lucky Stars shape most of the EuroMillions prize structure. They aren’t simply additional numbers — they directly affect whether you land in one of the higher prize categories.
For instance:
- Matching 5 main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars secures the jackpot.
- Matching 5 main numbers and 1 Lucky Star falls into the second-highest tier.
- Matching 4 main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars is one of the higher-middle tiers.
Each tier is based on a unique mix of main numbers and Lucky Stars. The more numbers that match, the higher the possible prize tier, but every combination is random.
The EuroMillions is a game of chance, meaning outcomes can’t be predicted, influenced, or improved by any strategy.
How Many Lucky Stars Do You Need to Match?
You choose two Lucky Stars, and each draw also produces two Lucky Stars.
To reach the jackpot, both must match. Matching one may still lead to a smaller win, depending on how many main numbers you also match.
The EuroMillions offers 13 prize tiers in total, ranging from smaller prizes for matching two main numbers up to the top prize for matching all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars.
Here’s how Lucky Stars typically feature across potential prize combinations:
- 5 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars – jackpot
- 5 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star – second prize tier
- 4 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars – high-middle tier
- 3 or 2 main numbers + 1 or 2 Lucky Stars – lower tiers
Because Lucky Stars appear in most of the tiers, they play a major role in how prizes are distributed across the draw.
What Are the Odds of Matching Lucky Stars?
The odds in the EuroMillions depend on how many possible combinations exist between the numbers drawn.
With 12 Lucky Stars, there are 66 possible pairs. However, the full odds of winning depend on both main numbers and Lucky Stars together.
The approximate odds of winning with Lucky Stars are:
- 5 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars – 1 in 139,838,160
- 5 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star – 1 in 6,991,908
- 4 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars – 1 in 621,503
- 4 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star – 1 in 31,075
- 3 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars – 1 in 14,125
- 2 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars – 1 in 986
- 3 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star – 1 in 706
- 2 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star – 1 in 49
These figures highlight how the odds become longer as more numbers must align. The jackpot is the rarest result, while lower-tier prizes are more likely, though still dependent on random outcomes.
Because the numbers are drawn independently, each combination has an equal chance of appearing. There’s no formula, pattern, or prediction method that can alter this.
Do Lucky Stars Change Your EuroMillions Jackpot Chances?
Yes — they’re essential. Both Lucky Stars must match to win the jackpot. Without them, even matching all five main numbers would place you in a lower prize category.
The inclusion of Lucky Stars significantly increases the total number of possible outcomes in the game. With 50 main numbers and 12 Lucky Stars, there are more than 139 million possible number combinations for every draw. This is why the top prize is so rare and why the Lucky Stars have such an impact on the results.
They effectively decide how high your ticket sits in the prize structure. Although some prize categories only need one Lucky Star, the top tier requires both. The more Lucky Stars that match, the higher your potential prize category might be.
Like all lotteries, the EuroMillions is based purely on chance. Some people choose meaningful numbers such as birthdays, while others opt for a random selection — but statistically, every combination is equally likely.
If you take part, you may want to decide in advance how much you’re comfortable spending. Lottery games are designed as entertainment, and outcomes can’t be guaranteed. If you ever feel that gambling is affecting you, it may be helpful to take a step back or seek professional advice before continuing.
*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.