The odds of winning the EuroMillions jackpot are 1 in 139,838,160, making it one of the harder major lotteries to win, though it offers more favorable odds than its American counterparts. However, the overall odds of winning any prize on a single ticket are a highly competitive 1 in 13. This combination of a massive rolling jackpot and a relatively high overall prize-winning frequency makes it a staple for lottery players globally.
How EuroMillions works
EuroMillions is a transnational lottery that requires players to select five main numbers from a pool of 1 to 50, alongside two Lucky Stars from a separate pool of 1 to 12. To secure the jackpot, a player must match all seven drawn numbers. Drawings take place bi-weekly on Tuesday and Friday evenings in Paris, offering multiple opportunities each week to participate.
| Main Numbers | Lucky Stars | Draw Days | Jackpot Odds | Overall Win Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 from 1–50 | 2 from 1–12 | Tuesday and Friday | 1 in 139,838,160 | 1 in 13 |
EuroMillions prize tier odds
Aside from the top prize, EuroMillions features 12 secondary prize tiers, meaning players can win cash rewards by matching as few as two main numbers. The prize amounts in most tiers are pari-mutuel, meaning they fluctuate based on ticket sales and the number of winners in each specific category.
| Prize Tier | Match Required | Odds of Winning | Prize (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | 5 + 2 Lucky Stars | 1 in 139,838,160 | €17M minimum (rolls up to €250M cap) |
| 2nd Prize | 5 + 1 Lucky Star | 1 in 6,991,908 | Variable |
| 3rd Prize | 5 numbers | 1 in 3,107,515 | Variable |
| 4th Prize | 4 + 2 Lucky Stars | 1 in 621,503 | Variable |
| 5th Prize | 4 + 1 Lucky Star | 1 in 31,076 | Variable |
| 6th Prize | 4 numbers | 1 in 13,812 | Variable |
| 7th Prize | 3 + 2 Lucky Stars | 1 in 14,126 | Variable |
| 8th Prize | 2 + 2 Lucky Stars | 1 in 985 | Variable |
| 9th Prize | 3 + 1 Lucky Star | 1 in 707 | Variable |
| 10th Prize | 3 numbers | 1 in 314 | Variable |
| 11th Prize | 1 + 2 Lucky Stars | 1 in 188 | Variable |
| 12th Prize | 2 + 1 Lucky Star | 1 in 49 | Variable |
| 13th Prize | 2 numbers | 1 in 22 | €4.40 fixed |
How to improve your chances
Improving your chances of winning EuroMillions relies strictly on mathematical principles rather than prediction formulas or tracking patterns. The most direct method is buying more tickets for a single draw, which mathematically scales your probability of securing a prize. To achieve this cost-effectively, many players join lottery syndicates, pooling funds with others to purchase multiple entries and sharing any subsequent winnings.
Another legitimate approach is utilizing systematic entries. Instead of picking only five main numbers and two Lucky Stars, systematic play allows you to select a larger set of numbers and generate all possible mathematical combinations of those numbers. While this increases the upfront ticket cost, it ensures that if your selected numbers are drawn, you win multiple prizes across different tiers simultaneously.
When comparing EuroMillions to major US games like Powerball or Mega Millions, structural differences become apparent. EuroMillions offers far better overall odds of winning any prize at 1 in 13, compared to approximately 1 in 24 for the major US lotteries. Furthermore, EuroMillions features a strict jackpot cap of €250 million; once this limit is reached, excess funds roll down to the next prize tier with winners, creating highly favorable conditions for players in secondary prize categories due to these periodic mandatory payouts.
How to play EuroMillions online from anywhere
Participation in EuroMillions is no longer restricted by geographic borders. International players can utilize reputable online ticket courier services like TheLotter to purchase official entries securely. These services purchase physical tickets from authorized retailers on your behalf, upload a scanned copy to your private account, and coordinate the transfer of winnings without taking a commission from your prize. Through this platform, you can easily buy EuroMillions tickets online from almost anywhere in the world.
To understand the detailed mechanics of purchasing tickets, selecting your play options, and navigating the prize claims process, you can consult our complete guide on how to play EuroMillions. Additionally, to keep track of previous winning combinations, historical payouts, and historical draw trends, players can access the updated EuroMillions results archive.
Frequently asked questions
What are the exact odds of winning the EuroMillions jackpot?
The odds of matching all 5 main numbers and both Lucky Stars to win the EuroMillions jackpot are exactly 1 in 139,838,160.
Do the odds of winning change based on the jackpot size?
No, the odds of winning remain constant for every draw regardless of the jackpot size, as they are determined purely by the mathematical combination of selecting 5 numbers from 50 and 2 stars from 12.
How do EuroMillions overall winning odds compare to other major lotteries?
EuroMillions has overall winning odds of 1 in 13, which is significantly better than major American lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions, both of which have overall prize-winning odds of roughly 1 in 24.
What happens to the prize money when the jackpot reaches its cap?
When the jackpot is capped at €250 million, any excess funds that would have increased the jackpot roll down to the next lower tier with winners (typically the 5 + 1 category), dramatically increasing the prize values for that tier.
Lottery games are structured around random outcomes, and no strategy can guarantee a winning ticket. Please play responsibly by setting a clear budget and playing only with funds you can afford to lose.