2 Lucky Stars Euromillions Winnings – Amount Revealed
Curious about what happens if a EuroMillions ticket matches two Lucky Stars? It is a common question, and the answer is not always what people expect.
This blog post sets out what 2 Lucky Stars means in practice, which prize tiers do and do not apply, how potential payouts work, and what to know about tax in the UK.
Read on to learn more.
Is 2 Lucky Stars Considered a Winning Combination?
Matching only the 2 Lucky Stars, without any of the five main numbers, is not a winning outcome in EuroMillions. There is no prize for 2 Lucky Stars on their own under the current prize structure.
That said, combinations that include 2 Lucky Stars together with main numbers do qualify for prizes. For example, 1 main number plus 2 Lucky Stars, or 2 main numbers plus 2 Lucky Stars, are both winning tiers. The more main numbers included, the higher up the prize table that combination sits.
If that is the case, what does it mean for the amount you can expect?
How Much Can You Expect to Get for 2 Lucky Stars?
For 2 Lucky Stars on their own, the amount is £0. It does not pay a prize.
When 2 Lucky Stars are matched alongside main numbers, the amounts are modest compared with tiers that include more main numbers, and they vary by draw. A combination such as 1+2 or 2+2 typically pays a small cash sum that reflects how many tickets achieved that same result and the share of the prize fund allocated to that tier.
If you want a precise figure for a recent draw, the results page on the National Lottery website lists the payout for each tier for that specific date.
Does the Jackpot Include 2 Lucky Stars?
The jackpot is won only by matching all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars in the same draw. That is the top tier.
Matching just the 2 Lucky Stars does not involve the jackpot. Even when 2 Lucky Stars appear alongside some main numbers, the prize remains in a lower tier unless all five main numbers are also matched.
EuroMillions Prize Tiers Explained
EuroMillions prizes depend on how many main numbers and Lucky Stars your ticket matches. There are 13 prize tiers, starting from matching two main numbers up to hitting the jackpot by matching all five main numbers plus both Lucky Stars. As you move up the tiers, the prize amounts increase, with combinations involving both Lucky Stars becoming more valuable when paired with more main numbers.
Here’s the breakdown of the prize tiers:
- 5 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars (Jackpot): Jackpot prize, which varies but starts from a minimum of £15 million
- 5 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star: £130,554.30
- 5 main numbers: £13,561.20
- 4 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars: £844.70
- 4 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star: £77.80
- 3 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars: £37.30
- 4 main numbers: £25.60
- 2 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars: £9.10
- 3 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star: £7.30
- 3 main numbers: £6.00
- 1 main number + 2 Lucky Stars: £4.30
- 2 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star: £3.60
- 2 main numbers: £2.50
It’s important to note that matching 2 Lucky Stars without any main numbers does not qualify for a prize.
Additionally, the UK Millionaire Maker game guarantees at least one £1,000,000 prize in every EuroMillions draw, which is separate from the main prize tiers.
Understanding these tiers helps participants quickly identify any potential winnings by comparing their ticket’s matched numbers to the official prize structure after the draw.
Do 2 Lucky Stars Prizes Vary by Draw?
Because 2 Lucky Stars on their own is not a paying tier, there is nothing to vary for that specific outcome.
For tiers that include 2 Lucky Stars with main numbers, potential payouts do change from draw to draw. EuroMillions uses a prize fund that is shared among winners in each tier, so amounts depend on how many tickets match the same combination and the share allocated to that tier for that draw. This is why you will see slightly different figures when you check results across different dates.
If you are comparing potential payouts, the most reliable place to check is the official results for the draw you played.
How Are EuroMillions Winnings Paid Out?
If you’ve won a EuroMillions prize, how your winnings are paid will depend on where you bought your ticket and the size of the prize.
For tickets purchased online, smaller prizes are usually credited directly to your account. Larger wins may require you to confirm your identity and discuss how you would like to receive the funds, such as via bank transfer.
If you bought your ticket in a shop, smaller prizes can often be claimed at the retailer’s counter. For bigger prizes, you will need to follow the National Lottery’s claims process. This might involve visiting an authorised claims centre, booking an appointment, or submitting your claim by post, depending on the amount. You will need to keep your winning ticket and provide proof of identity when making a claim.
For the latest information on how to claim your winnings, it’s best to consult the National Lottery website.
Tax Rules for EuroMillions Prizes in the UK
If you win a EuroMillions prize in the UK, you will not have to pay income tax on your winnings. The money is paid out tax-free regardless of the amount.
However, once the prize money is in your bank account, any income generated from it, such as interest on savings, may be subject to the usual tax rules. Similarly, if you use the winnings for investments or gifts, these may have their own tax implications.
If you are unsure about how tax might affect your situation, it is a good idea to seek independent financial advice. Understanding how the prize tiers work, the payout process, and the tax position can help you make informed decisions both before and after the draw.
Remember, if you choose to play EuroMillions, it is important to gamble responsibly and never spend more than you feel comfortable losing.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.