How to Play the EuroMillions: A Beginner’s Guide
EuroMillions is one of the largest and most popular lotteries in Europe, offering life-changing prizes to players who match the winning numbers. With jackpots regularly reaching into the hundreds of millions, it’s no wonder that millions of people across Europe eagerly participate in every draw. If you’re new to EuroMillions and want to know how to get started, this guide will take you through the entire process from picking your numbers to understanding the prizes and how the Millionaire Maker works.
EuroMillions is a transnational lottery, meaning that it is played across multiple countries. As of today, it is available in nine countries: the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, and Ireland. Players from these countries can participate in the EuroMillions draw, making it a truly international lottery.
The EuroMillions draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening, and each ticket costs £2.50 or its equivalent in the other participating countries. The draw consists of two main elements: the selection of five main numbers and two Lucky Stars, which gives EuroMillions its unique format.
To get started, you first need to buy your ticket. You can play EuroMillions by purchasing a ticket from any authorized retailer in participating countries or by playing online through the National Lottery website or app. Online tickets can be particularly convenient, as you can play from the comfort of your own home, track your tickets, and even set up automatic entries.
Once you’ve got your ticket, the next step is to pick your numbers. Each EuroMillions ticket consists of two parts: the five main numbers and the two Lucky Stars. For the main numbers, you must choose five numbers from 1 to 50, while the Lucky Stars are chosen from a separate pool of numbers between 1 and 12. Players can select their numbers manually, or they can opt for a Lucky Dip, which generates random numbers if they don’t want to pick their own.
Next, you’ll need to decide how many lines you want to play. A single EuroMillions ticket includes one line of numbers. If you want to increase your chances of winning, you can opt to play multiple lines. Each additional line costs the same as the first, so it’s a great way to boost your odds without breaking the bank.
EuroMillions offers players the option to play one-off draws or enter multiple draws in advance. This is particularly helpful if you want to set and forget your tickets for an entire month or longer. The Multi-Draw option allows you to participate in future draws without needing to purchase a ticket every time.
Once you’ve selected your numbers, lines, and draws, it’s time to pay for your ticket. You’ll receive a receipt or an email confirmation (if playing online) that proves your participation.
The EuroMillions draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening at 8:45 PM GMT (9:45 PM CET). During the draw, five main numbers are randomly selected from the first drum, which contains balls numbered from 1 to 50. Then, two Lucky Stars are drawn from the second drum, which contains balls numbered from 1 to 12.
EuroMillions offers a range of prizes, with the jackpot being the most coveted. The amount of money you win depends on how many numbers you match. The top prize is won by matching 5 main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars. There are additional prize tiers for matching fewer numbers, ranging from a small prize for matching just two numbers and one Lucky Star, to significant sums for matching five numbers or four numbers and two Lucky Stars.
In addition to the main EuroMillions jackpot, there’s also a secondary prize pool called the Millionaire Maker. This is a raffle that guarantees at least one person in the UK will win £1 million in every EuroMillions draw.
Each EuroMillions ticket purchased in the UK has a unique Millionaire Maker code, which is automatically entered into the raffle. If your code is drawn, you win £1 million—no need to match any numbers! The Millionaire Maker is separate from the main EuroMillions draw, so it’s possible to win both the Millionaire Maker and the main prize in the same draw.
If you’re considering playing EuroMillions, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, playing consistently is key. Your chances of winning increase if you play regularly, but always play within your budget. Lottery games are based on chance, so it’s important to play responsibly. Another option is to consider joining a syndicate, which allows you to play multiple lines and increase your chances of winning without spending more money. However, be sure to set clear rules for how any prize money will be shared.
Some players like to use systems or strategies to pick their numbers. While there’s no surefire way to guarantee a win, using a system can make playing more enjoyable and give you a sense of involvement. Lastly, always set a budget for your EuroMillions play. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a huge jackpot, but it’s important to stay within your means.
12 Frequently Asked Questions About Playing EuroMillions
- How much does it cost to play EuroMillions?
Each EuroMillions ticket costs £2.50 or the equivalent in other participating countries. - When are the EuroMillions draws held?
EuroMillions draws take place every Tuesday and Friday evening. - How many numbers do I need to win the EuroMillions jackpot?
You need to match 5 main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the jackpot. - What is the Millionaire Maker?
The Millionaire Maker is a UK-only raffle that guarantees one £1 million winner in each EuroMillions draw. - How do I play EuroMillions online?
You can play EuroMillions online by registering an account on the National Lottery website or app, selecting your numbers, and paying for your ticket. - Can I play EuroMillions if I’m not in the UK?
Yes, players in other participating countries can play EuroMillions through the respective national lottery websites or retail outlets. - How are the EuroMillions numbers drawn?
The draw is conducted with two machines: one for the main 5 numbers (1-50) and one for the 2 Lucky Stars (1-12). - What happens if I miss a draw?
If you miss a draw, your ticket will automatically roll over to the next one, provided you’ve chosen the Multi-Draw option. - What should I do if I win?
If you win a prize, follow the instructions on your ticket or online account to claim your prize. For larger prizes, you may need to submit further verification. - Can I win the Millionaire Maker and the main jackpot?
Yes, it’s possible to win both the Millionaire Maker and the main jackpot in the same draw. - What are the odds of winning the EuroMillions jackpot?
The odds of winning the EuroMillions jackpot (matching 5 numbers + 2 Lucky Stars) are approximately 1 in 139.8 million. - Can I play multiple lines at once?
Yes, you can play multiple lines by selecting additional numbers or using the Multi-Draw feature for multiple future draws.
