EuroMillions is one of the most popular lottery games in the UK, with multiple prize tiers in every draw. A frequent question is how much is paid for matching 2 Lucky Stars, and how that sits alongside the jackpot odds.
This guide sets out what you can win, how odds work across the tiers, how prize pools and rollovers affect payouts, and what to expect when prizes are paid in the UK. It also covers how to check and claim, tax considerations, and a few common misunderstandings about Lucky Stars.
As with all lottery games, outcomes are random and there is never a guarantee of winning. If you choose to play, keep it affordable and within your own limits.
How Much Do You Win For Matching 2 Lucky Stars?
If a EuroMillions ticket matches only the 2 Lucky Stars and no main numbers, this qualifies for a set prize. The typical prize for this match is £4.30, and it stays the same regardless of how many winners there are in a draw.
This tier is one of the lower levels, and it is paid as a fixed amount. Other combinations, such as matching main numbers with Lucky Stars, pay different amounts according to the official prize table.
Prize structures can change from time to time, so it is worth checking the latest details before each draw.
What Are The Odds Of Matching 2 Lucky Stars?
In EuroMillions, each line consists of five main numbers and two Lucky Stars. Matching just the two Lucky Stars, with no main numbers, is one of the recognised prize tiers.
The odds of matching only the two Lucky Stars are 1 in 22 for each line played. Each entry has the same chance in every draw, and results do not carry over.
So, how do those odds compare with the very top tier?
What Are The Odds Of Winning The EuroMillions Jackpot?
To win the EuroMillions jackpot, a player needs to match all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars on a single ticket.
The odds of doing this are 1 in 139,838,160 for each line played. These odds are fixed because every combination within the number ranges is equally likely to be drawn.
Jackpots are rare by design, which is why most prizes sit in the lower tiers. With that in mind, it helps to see how the full prize table fits together.
EuroMillions Prize Breakdown By Match Tier
EuroMillions offers several prize levels depending on how many main numbers and Lucky Stars are matched. Some amounts are fixed, while others vary. The current prize breakdown is as follows:
- Matching 5 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars wins the jackpot, which varies per draw.
- Matching 5 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star pays £130,554.30.
- Matching 5 main numbers pays £13,561.20.
- Matching 4 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars pays £844.70.
- Matching 4 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star pays £77.80.
- Matching 3 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars pays £9.10.
- Matching 3 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star pays £7.30.
- Matching 3 main numbers pays £6.00.
- Matching 2 Lucky Stars pays £4.30.
- Matching 1 main number + 2 Lucky Stars pays £4.30.
- Matching 2 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star pays £3.60.
- Matching 2 main numbers pays £2.50.
In addition, there is a separate UK Millionaire Maker draw, where selected tickets may win £1,000,000.
Amounts can be updated by the operator, so always check the latest prize table before you play.
How Prize Pools And Rollovers Affect Payouts
EuroMillions prize money comes from a prize pool funded by ticket sales. A set proportion of each draw’s sales is allocated to prizes and then divided among the tiers.
If no one wins the jackpot in a draw, the top prize rolls over to the next draw. This increases the potential jackpot over time until it is won or reaches the cap. When the jackpot cap is reached, additional funds that would have increased it are shared among winners in the next highest tier with winners.
Lower fixed tiers, such as matching 2 Lucky Stars, are not affected by rollovers. Mid-to-higher non-fixed tiers can shift in value depending on the size of the prize pool and how many winners there are in each category.
How Prizes Are Paid In The UK
In the UK, EuroMillions prizes are paid as a lump sum. This applies to all prize amounts, from small wins to jackpots.
For online tickets, lower-tier prizes are generally credited to the player’s National Lottery account automatically. For paper tickets, smaller prizes can usually be claimed in-store, while higher amounts need to be processed through the National Lottery’s claim procedures. Substantial wins, including the jackpot and Millionaire Maker prizes, require identification and verification before payment.
It is worth checking claim deadlines and keeping any paper ticket safe until you have confirmed the result and completed any claim.
How To Check And Claim A 2 Lucky Stars Prize?
To confirm a prize for matching 2 Lucky Stars, compare your numbers with the official EuroMillions results after the draw. Results are available on the National Lottery website, via the app, and at authorised retailers.
If the ticket was bought online, eligible prizes are typically paid into your National Lottery account. For paper tickets, retailers can scan and confirm results, and many can pay lower amounts in cash. If a prize exceeds a retailer’s payout limit, you will be guided to claim directly through the National Lottery.
Keep your ticket secure and make any claim within the deadline shown by the National Lottery.
Are EuroMillions Winnings Taxed In The UK?
In the UK, EuroMillions prizes are not subject to income tax. Whether it is a lower-tier amount or a jackpot, the prize is paid in full as a lump sum.
Future decisions about the money can have tax implications. Gifts, estates and certain investments may be subject to taxes such as inheritance tax or capital gains tax. Independent financial advice can help with planning if needed.
Common Misconceptions About Lucky Stars
A common misconception is that Lucky Stars are separate from the main draw. In fact, they are part of the same game, drawn from a dedicated pool for the Lucky Star positions.
Another belief is that some Lucky Star numbers appear more often. Each draw is independent, and every number in the Lucky Star pool has the same chance of being selected in any given draw.
It is also sometimes assumed that matching Lucky Stars alone leads to a large payout. The 2 Lucky Stars prize is fixed and sits in the lower tiers, so it does not increase with rollovers or ticket sales.
Some think buying more tickets changes the likelihood of winning on a particular line. Each line has the same independent chance in each draw, and one entry does not influence another.
If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. Services such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help, and tools are available to set limits and help manage your play.
**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.