Ever wondered what makes EuroMillions a little different from other lottery draws? If you are new to it, the extra part called Lucky Stars might seem confusing at first, yet they are central to how prizes are worked out.
Understanding how Lucky Stars fit into the format helps explain why certain tickets land bigger prizes than others.
Stick around for a clear, no-nonsense guide to what Lucky Stars are, how they are drawn, and why they matter.
What Do Lucky Stars Mean in EuroMillions?
In the EuroMillions, Lucky Stars are two extra numbers drawn from a separate pool. If you enter, you first pick five main numbers, then choose two Lucky Stars from 1 to 12. These come from their own set and do not overlap with the main numbers.
Lucky Stars influence which prize tier a line falls into. Matching them, together with some of the main numbers, can move a ticket up the tiers. For instance, getting both Lucky Stars without all the main numbers can still result in a lower-tier prize, while the top prize requires every main number plus both Lucky Stars.
The odds for matching the stars are fixed by the format and do not change based on which specific numbers you pick. Whether you enter online or in a shop, the official EuroMillions follows the same structure and checks.
If you decide to try your hand at the EuroMillions, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Many Lucky Stars Do You Need to Match?
Each EuroMillions line includes two Lucky Stars. In the draw, two stars are selected at random from 1 to 12.
There are 13 prize tiers in total. The mix of main numbers and Lucky Stars you match decides your tier. Matching both stars generally places a ticket in a higher tier than matching just one, provided some main numbers line up too. For example, two main numbers with both stars ranks above two main numbers with one star.
How Are Lucky Stars Drawn in EuroMillions?
Lucky Stars are drawn using an official mechanical machine that is separate from the main-number machine. Twelve balls, numbered 1 to 12, are thoroughly mixed, and two are selected at random. Independent checks are in place to ensure each ball has the same chance of being drawn and that the process is run consistently from one draw to the next.
What Numbers Can Be Lucky Stars?
Lucky Stars are always chosen from 1 to 12. When you make your entry, you pick two different numbers from this range. As covered earlier, these are kept separate from the main numbers, which come from a different pool altogether.
Every number in the 1 to 12 range has the same chance of appearing. That even spread is part of what keeps the draw fair.
How Do Lucky Stars Affect EuroMillions Jackpots?
To qualify for the jackpot, a ticket must match all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars. If either star is missing, the top tier is not available for that line.
The overall chance of matching five main numbers and both Lucky Stars is about 1 in 139,838,160. That scale is why most prizes are won in the lower tiers, where not all numbers need to line up. Special events, such as Superdraws, do not change how Lucky Stars work. The requirement for both stars stays the same.
What Are the Odds of Matching Lucky Stars?
Because the stars are drawn from 12 numbers, there are 66 possible pairs. If you pick one specific pair, the chance of both being drawn on a line is 1 in 66.
The chance of matching exactly one of your two stars is 20 out of 66, which is roughly 1 in 3.3. The chance of matching neither is 45 out of 66. These figures come directly from the format of the game.
Remember, prizes depend on the combination of main numbers and stars. Matching stars on their own is not enough, but combining them with main numbers can move you into higher tiers.
EuroMillions Lucky Stars vs Main Numbers
Each line uses two sets of numbers. You choose five main numbers from 1 to 50, and two Lucky Stars from 1 to 12. The pools are separate, and the same number cannot appear in both.
Main numbers do most of the heavy lifting across the tiers, while Lucky Stars can boost a ticket into higher tiers and are required for the jackpot. Drawing for each pool is kept separate and follows the same strict process to keep things organised and fair.
Understanding that split makes the whole format easier to follow. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**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.
*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.