Want to try your luck with EuroMillions? Here’s how to get started in just a few steps:
- Pick 5 numbers (1-50) and 2 Lucky Stars (1-12). You can choose them yourself or let the system generate random ones (Lucky Dip).
- Buy your ticket: Either at an authorized retailer or online via official lottery websites or trusted platforms. Tickets cost €2.50 (or local equivalent).
- Check the draw schedule: Draws happen every Tuesday and Friday at 8:45 PM CET. Make sure to buy tickets before the cutoff time (7:30 PM CET in-store, 7:00 PM CET online).
- Understand the prizes: The jackpot starts at €17 million and can grow up to €250 million. There are 13 prize tiers, with odds ranging from 1 in 22 (smallest prize) to 1 in 139,838,160 (jackpot).
Additional features for UK players: Each ticket includes a free entry into the UK Millionaire Maker, guaranteeing a £1,000,000 winner every draw. You can also play EuroMillions HotPicks for more control over your numbers.
Key tips for beginners:
- Mix odd/even numbers and avoid predictable patterns.
- Join a syndicate to increase your chances.
- Stick to your budget and check results promptly.
Ready to play? Keep reading for a detailed guide to choosing numbers, buying tickets, and understanding prizes.
Step 1: Choosing Numbers
Main Numbers and Lucky Stars
To play, you’ll need to pick 5 main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars for a single entry or line. Want to boost your chances of being in the draw? You can play multiple lines on the same ticket.
Manual or Random Picks?
You have two options: choose your own numbers or let the system do it for you with the Lucky Dip feature, which generates numbers randomly. Both methods give you the exact same odds of winning.
Tips for Picking Numbers
Winning is purely random, but here are a few tips to consider when selecting numbers:
- Mix high and low numbers, as well as odd and even numbers, for a more varied combination.
- Avoid predictable patterns like calendar dates or consecutive numbers, which might result in shared prizes.
- Steer clear of choosing only numbers under 31, as these are often picked and could lead to splitting the prize.
Keep in mind, every number combination has the same chance of winning the jackpot: 1 in 139,838,160.
Once you’ve made your selections, you’re ready to purchase your ticket – either online or in-store.
Step 2: Buying a Ticket
In-Store Purchase
Getting a EuroMillions ticket at a retailer is simple. Just head to any authorized National Lottery store and follow these steps:
- Ask for a EuroMillions playslip from the retailer.
- Mark your numbers on the playslip using a thick horizontal line.
- Choose up to five lines on a single ticket.
- Submit your playslip to the retailer, pay £2.50 per line, and double-check your printed ticket before leaving.
"If you have played EuroMillions at a National Lottery retailer, store your ticket securely, as it is required to claim any winnings." [4]
Prefer the convenience of online? You have options for that too.
Online Purchase Options
Visit your national lottery’s official site or use a trusted provider like TheLotter or Jackpot.com. Here’s how it works:
- Sign Up and Verify: Create and confirm your account.
- Pick Your Numbers: Choose your numbers or use the Lucky Dip option.
- Complete Payment: Pay with a credit/debit card, PayPal, or another secure method. You’ll receive a confirmation email.
Why Play Online?
- Get notified automatically if you win.
- Tickets are stored digitally for safety.
- Subscriptions can save you up to 20% and ensure you never miss a draw.
After completing your purchase, keep track of deadlines to make sure your ticket is valid for the next draw.
Purchase Deadlines
Make sure to buy your ticket before the cutoff time:
| Purchase Method | Deadline (on draw days) |
|---|---|
| In-store | 7:30 PM GMT |
| Online | 7:00 PM GMT |
Miss the deadline? Your ticket will roll over to the next draw automatically.
Prizes and Odds
Prize Levels and Jackpot
The EuroMillions jackpot starts at €17 million and can climb to €250 million through rollovers. After reaching the maximum, it can roll over five more times before the prize is awarded to the next winning tier [2].
EuroMillions offers 13 prize tiers, including:
| Match | Prize Level |
|---|---|
| 5 numbers + 2 Lucky Stars | Jackpot |
| 5 numbers + 1 Lucky Star | Second Tier |
| 5 numbers | Third Tier |
| 4 numbers + 2 Lucky Stars | Fourth Tier |
| Lower Tiers | Fifth-Thirteenth |
Winning Odds and Prize Distribution
The prize pool is funded by ticket sales, with 50% of the £1.74 spent on the main game in the UK dedicated to prizes [3]. Below are the odds of winning at each prize tier, ranging from the jackpot to smaller prizes:
| Prize Tier | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jackpot (5+2) | 1 in 139,838,160 |
| Second (5+1) | 1 in 6,991,908 |
| Third (5+0) | 1 in 3,107,515 |
| Fourth (4+2) | 1 in 621,503 |
| Lowest (2+0) | 1 in 22 |
"While the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 139,838,160, players have a much better chance of winning smaller prizes, with odds as favorable as 1 in 22 for matching just two main numbers." [1]
If multiple players win within the same prize tier, the prize money is divided equally among them [5]. Prize amounts can vary by country due to exchange rates, with the UK using a specific formula to ensure the prizes align with each country’s share of the Common Prize Fund [3].
In addition to the main game, EuroMillions offers extra features designed to boost your chances of winning.
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EuroMillions Tutorial: How to Play + Tips
Additional Games and Features
EuroMillions doesn’t stop at the main draw – it also includes additional options that give players more ways to win and enjoy the game.
UK Millionaire Maker
The UK Millionaire Maker guarantees a £1,000,000 prize for UK players in every EuroMillions draw. Each UK ticket automatically comes with a unique code for this draw – no extra cost involved. The code, a mix of four letters and five numbers, is printed directly on your ticket.
For those looking for even more variety, there’s another option: EuroMillions HotPicks.
EuroMillions HotPicks
EuroMillions HotPicks is a separate game that lets players decide how many numbers they want to match – without involving Lucky Stars.
Here’s how it works:
| Play Type | Numbers to Pick | Match Required | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pick 1 | 1 number | 1 | £10 |
| Pick 2 | 2 numbers | 2 | £100 |
| Pick 3 | 3 numbers | 3 | £1,000 |
| Pick 4 | 4 numbers | 4 | £30,000 |
| Pick 5 | 5 numbers | 5 | £1,000,000 |
This game gives players more control over how they play and win.
European Millionaire Maker Raffles
Occasionally, EuroMillions hosts European Millionaire Maker Raffles, which are promotional events designed to create multiple millionaires across participating countries. Several winning codes are drawn during these events, with each winner receiving €1,000,000 (or the local currency equivalent).
"While there are no specific plans announced, the EuroMillions organizers continually review and update the game to keep it engaging for players." [5]
These additional games and features add new layers of excitement, giving players more choices and opportunities to win. Whether it’s the main draw, HotPicks, or special raffles, EuroMillions offers something for everyone.
Conclusion: Playing EuroMillions
Key Points
EuroMillions offers exciting opportunities for players, whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years. Here’s what you need to know:
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Prize Claim Period | 180 days for offline tickets |
| Minimum Entry | One line per draw |
| Ticket Validation | Keep tickets safe and check results quickly |
Tips for New Players:
- Join a syndicate to boost your chances of winning.
- Choose a mix of odd and even numbers for better combinations.
- Purchase tickets before the 20:30 CET deadline to ensure your entry.
- Stick to a budget that works for you and avoid overspending.
- Check the results promptly after each draw to claim any winnings.
As highlighted earlier, selecting numbers with a balanced strategy can make your experience more enjoyable.
"Participating in a syndicate already increases the chances of winning in itself due to the extensive list of lines played by each person in each draw." [4]
Additional Resources
For more tips and reliable information, check out these sources:
- Official lottery websites in participating countries
- Licensed platforms such as TheLotter and Jackpot.com [4]
- Top Lottery Online for in-depth guides
