Ever wondered what those Lucky Stars are all about in EuroMillions? You’re not alone — these extra numbers can change which prize tier you reach and how much you might win, yet their role is often misunderstood.
This guide explains how Lucky Stars are selected, how they affect prize categories and odds, and where to check results. Read on for clear explanations and practical examples so you know exactly what those two small numbers on your ticket represent.
How Do Lucky Stars Work in EuroMillions?
In every EuroMillions draw you pick five main numbers from 1 to 50, plus two Lucky Stars from a separate pool of 1 to 12. The Lucky Stars are drawn independently from the main numbers, and both must match along with all five main numbers to win the jackpot.
Beyond the jackpot, matching one or both Lucky Stars changes which prize tier you qualify for. For example, five main numbers plus one Lucky Star is the second-highest prize tier, while fewer main numbers combined with one or two Lucky Stars place you into mid-level categories. Even matching only the two Lucky Stars, without any main numbers, qualifies for the lowest prize tier.
The inclusion of Lucky Stars therefore broadens the structure of prizes available and affects the relative value of several tiers. Next, we’ll look at what those tiers actually look like and the specific role Lucky Stars play in each.
Winning Tiers Explained: The Role of Lucky Stars
EuroMillions prizes are split across thirteen tiers, each determined by how many main numbers and how many Lucky Stars are matched. The higher the combination of matched numbers, the higher the prize category and typical payout.
Matching all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars wins the jackpot. Dropping to five main numbers and a single Lucky Star moves a winner into the next tier, which pays substantially less but can still be significant. Mid-range tiers usually involve combinations such as four main numbers with one or two Lucky Stars, or three main numbers paired with Lucky Stars, and so on.
At the bottom end, a ticket that matches only both Lucky Stars receives a small fixed prize. The exact payout for each tier can vary with ticket sales and the number of winners in that category. With a clearer picture of the tiers, it’s useful to see the effect of Lucky Stars on the underlying odds.
How Many Lucky Stars Do You Need to Win?
To reach the top prize you must match both Lucky Stars as well as all five main numbers. Many other prize tiers are unlocked by matching one or both Lucky Stars with various numbers of main balls — for instance, five main numbers plus one Lucky Star yields the second tier, while two main numbers plus both Lucky Stars is a lower-tier prize that still pays out.
Because different combinations map to different tiers, the presence of the two Lucky Stars creates opportunities to win across more categories than a simple main-number-only game would allow. The next section explains how those combinations translate into concrete chances of winning.
Matching Lucky Stars Only: What Can You Win?
A ticket that matches only the two Lucky Stars — with no main numbers — is eligible for the lowest prize tier and typically receives a modest fixed sum. There are no substantial payouts for matching just one Lucky Star on its own; single-Star wins are meaningful only when combined with at least two main numbers, depending on the tier.
This design ensures that the Lucky Stars are not merely decorative: they provide additional routes into the prize structure, particularly at lower and mid levels, but they do not create high-value wins on their own. With that in mind, let’s examine how the addition of Lucky Stars changes your overall chances.
EuroMillions Odds: How Do Lucky Stars Affect Your Chances?
The requirement to select two correct Lucky Stars from a pool of twelve increases the difficulty of winning the top prizes and is a main reason why the jackpot odds are long. The odds of matching all five main numbers plus both Lucky Stars are 1 in 139,838,160.
Other examples illustrate the spread across tiers: matching five main numbers and one Lucky Star has odds of about 1 in 6,991,908, while matching four main numbers and both Lucky Stars is around 1 in 621,503. At the lower end, matching two main numbers plus both Lucky Stars has odds near 1 in 986, and matching both Lucky Stars only is 1 in 22.
These figures show how Lucky Stars both extend the prize matrix and increase the challenge for the highest prizes. Having considered the maths, it helps to understand how those numbers are drawn to appreciate the safeguards behind the process.
How Are Lucky Stars Drawn and Picked?
Lucky Stars are selected in a separate draw from the main numbers. A dedicated machine contains twelve numbered balls and two are drawn to determine the Stars for that draw. The separate process means the main-number draw and the Lucky Star draw operate independently, with each using its own set of equipment and procedures to avoid any overlap.
Draws are performed under strict procedures and oversight to ensure integrity. Operators publish results soon after each draw and independent adjudicators verify the process. Security measures include routine checks of the equipment, controlled access to the draw room and documented chain of custody for the balls and machines, all designed to maintain fairness and consistency.
These controls exist to provide transparency and confidence in the draw mechanics. Knowing how the Stars are drawn makes it easier to interpret results when you check them, which is covered in the final section. Understanding the separation and verification helps users see why published outcomes can be trusted and how they relate to the main-number draw.
EuroMillions Prizes: How Payouts Change With Lucky Stars Matched
Prize values depend on the tier reached, which in turn depends on combinations of main numbers and Lucky Stars. The jackpot goes to any ticket matching five main numbers and both Lucky Stars; lower tiers correspond to progressively fewer matches and smaller payouts.
For example, five main numbers plus one Lucky Star pays more than five main numbers without any Stars, and four main numbers with two Stars pays more than the same four without Stars. The smallest fixed prize is for matching only both Lucky Stars. Since prize funds are influenced by ticket sales and the number of winners, amounts for each tier can change from draw to draw.
Understanding these relationships helps set realistic expectations about potential returns. If you want to verify exact prize amounts for a specific draw, the next section explains the best places to find official results.
Common Misconceptions About Lucky Stars
Several misunderstandings circulate about Lucky Stars. One widespread belief is that certain Star numbers appear more often than others; in fact, each Star has the same probability of being drawn and historical frequency does not alter future draws.
Another mistaken idea is that matching only the Stars guarantees a large payout. As noted earlier, matching both Stars without main numbers qualifies for the lowest prize tier and pays a modest fixed amount. Some players also think there are strategies or patterns that reliably improve Star selection; no statistical method can change the odds of a random draw.
Clear expectations about what the Stars can and cannot do will help anyone decide whether and how to play. With that clarity, the final section shows how to confirm your numbers after a draw.
Where to Check Your Lucky Stars and Results
Official results are published shortly after each draw on recognised outlets that verify and publish the full number set, including the two Lucky Stars. These sources display the prize breakdown for every tier and typically include details on how to claim winnings.
Always check your ticket against an official result to confirm any win. Operators that present full draw details make it straightforward to see whether your main numbers and Lucky Stars match a prize tier. For peace of mind, use a reputable provider to view results and follow their published claiming procedures.
With the mechanics, odds and prize structure clarified, you should now have a complete picture of how Lucky Stars shape EuroMillions outcomes and where to look to confirm results.
