EuroMillions and EuroJackpot are two of Europe’s biggest lotteries, but they differ in key ways. Here’s what you need to know upfront:

• EuroMillions offers larger jackpots (up to €250 million) and better odds of winning any prize (1 in 13). Tickets cost €2.50 per line.
• EuroJackpot has smaller jackpots (up to €120 million) but higher payouts for secondary prizes. Tickets are cheaper at €2 per line.
• Both lotteries have identical jackpot odds (1 in 139,838,160) and similar formats (pick 5 main numbers + 2 bonus numbers).

Quick Comparison

If you prefer bigger jackpots and frequent smaller wins, EuroMillions might be for you. If you’re after better secondary prizes and lower ticket costs, EuroJackpot could be the better choice.

Winning Odds and Prize Levels

Prize Level Breakdown

EuroMillions and EuroJackpot differ in their prize structures. EuroMillions features 13 prize tiers, while EuroJackpot has 12. A major distinction is how prizes start: EuroMillions awards prizes for matching just two main numbers, but EuroJackpot requires matching two main numbers and one Euro number to win anything .

Now, let’s look at the odds of hitting the jackpot.

Main Prize Winning Chances

The odds of winning the jackpot are identical for both games: 1 in 139,838,160 . This is because both lotteries use the same format – players pick five numbers from 1 to 50, along with two bonus numbers .

Total Prize Winning Odds

While the top prize odds are the same, the overall chances of winning any prize vary greatly. EuroMillions offers a 1 in 13 chance of winning, significantly better than EuroJackpot’s 1 in 32 . This difference is largely due to EuroMillions’ additional prize tier and better distribution of lower-tier prizes. These factors make EuroMillions a more appealing option for players aiming for smaller, more frequent wins.

Prize Money and Caps

Prize Ranges and Limits

EuroMillions and EuroJackpot have different starting jackpots and maximum limits. EuroMillions has a cap of €250 million, while EuroJackpot’s maximum is €120 million .

These caps not only set the upper limits for jackpots but also influence the scale of record-breaking wins.

Biggest Prizes Ever Won

The largest EuroMillions jackpot was claimed on December 8, 2023, when an Austrian player won €240 million through an online ticket purchase . On the other hand, EuroJackpot’s biggest prize was €120 million, won by a Danish player on July 22, 2022, with a ticket bought at a Meny store in Blåvand .

How Prizes Increase

Each lottery handles rollovers differently, which affects how jackpots grow.

• EuroMillions holds its €250 million cap for up to four draws. If no one wins, the extra funds are added to the next prize tier. Once the jackpot is won or rolled down, the cap increases by €10 million .
• EuroJackpot, when hitting its €120 million limit, redirects excess funds to the second prize tier .

These differences shape the appeal of each lottery. EuroMillions often grows faster due to its higher cap and larger player pool, while EuroJackpot’s smaller cap might attract players looking for more frequent, moderately sized jackpots.

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Lower Prize Tiers

Beyond the jackpot and mid-tier prizes, both EuroJackpot and EuroMillions offer smaller prize options that can add to your winnings.

2nd and 3rd Place Prizes

Both lotteries deliver notable payouts in their second and third prize tiers. Here’s how they stack up:

• Second tier (5 main + 1 bonus): EuroJackpot averages €750,000, while EuroMillions averages €314,547.55 .
• Third tier (5 main only): EuroJackpot averages €50,000, compared to EuroMillions’ €36,332.73 .

EuroJackpot tends to offer higher payouts for these near-jackpot matches. Let’s take a closer look at smaller prize tiers.

Small Prize Amounts

The distribution of smaller prizes varies between the two lotteries. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of common prize tiers:

EuroMillions also includes an extra tier for matching two main numbers (€3.20), but EuroJackpot generally offers higher payouts across most lower tiers .

When it comes to smaller prizes, your choice may depend on what matters more to you: the chance to win more frequently or the possibility of higher payouts. EuroMillions has better odds for winning any prize at 1 in 13 , while EuroJackpot stands out with larger average payouts in most tiers . This comparison can help you decide which lottery aligns best with your goals.

Ticket Costs and Returns

Entry Fees

EuroJackpot tickets are priced at €2.00 per line, while EuroMillions tickets cost €2.50 per line . This difference in ticket price plays a role in the potential returns for players.

Prize Fund Distribution

Each lottery allocates its prize funds differently, affecting how rewards are distributed across the prize tiers.

• EuroMillions sets aside 50% of its prize fund for the jackpot . Additionally, it reserves 10% for a fund that ensures minimum jackpot levels .
• EuroJackpot allocates its prize fund as follows:
  • 36% for the jackpot tier (5+2 match)
  • 8.6% for the second prize tier (5+1 match)
  • 4.85% for the third prize tier (5 match)
  • 9% to a booster fund

The remaining funds are divided among other prize tiers, ensuring payouts across all categories. These distribution methods directly impact the potential winnings for players.

Money-Back Analysis

When comparing the two lotteries, potential returns hinge on several factors:

• EuroMillions offers a higher jackpot cap of €240 million, compared to €120 million for EuroJackpot .
• EuroMillions also features 13 prize tiers, whereas EuroJackpot has 12 prize tiers .

For players looking for frequent, smaller wins, EuroMillions may be the better choice, thanks to its better overall winning odds (1:13) and higher jackpot cap. On the other hand, EuroJackpot’s lower ticket price and higher average payouts in secondary prize tiers make it appealing for those focused on maximizing returns from non-jackpot prizes.

Draw Times and Access

Drawing Schedule

Both lotteries hold their draws twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. EuroJackpot draws are scheduled for 2:00 PM EST (20:00 CET), while EuroMillions draws happen between 3:00 and 3:10 PM EST (21:00–21:10 CET). This means U.S. players can check EuroJackpot results a little earlier than EuroMillions.

How to Play

U.S. residents have two main options for participating: buying tickets in person while visiting a participating country or using trusted third-party services to purchase physical tickets on their behalf. EuroJackpot is offered in 19 countries, including Germany, Italy, and Spain, while EuroMillions is available in 9 countries, such as France, Spain, and the United Kingdom .

Interestingly, Spain is the only country where both lotteries are officially available . However, platforms like Lottoland do not accept U.S. players . It’s crucial to confirm the reliability of any service and ensure compliance with lottery rules in both the U.S. and Europe.

Making Your Choice

Main Differences

EuroMillions and EuroJackpot differ in their prize structures and ticket prices. EuroMillions has a higher jackpot potential, with a maximum of €250 million, compared to EuroJackpot’s €120 million cap . On the other hand, EuroJackpot tickets are more affordable at €2 each, while EuroMillions tickets cost €2.50 per line .

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key features:

These differences can help you decide which lottery aligns better with your preferences.

Which to Choose

Deciding between the two depends on your priorities. If you’re aiming for bigger jackpots (up to €250 million), better odds of winning any prize (1 in 13), and more prize tiers, EuroMillions might be your pick. However, if you prefer lower ticket costs (€2 per line), higher payouts for secondary prizes, and wider availability across countries, EuroJackpot could be the better option.

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