You’ve checked your EuroMillions ticket and spotted that you’ve matched either two main numbers or one main number with a Lucky Star. It’s not always obvious what that means for your payout, especially if you’re new to the game.
EuroMillions uses a tiered prize system, so smaller combinations can still return a cash amount. This guide explains exactly what those two results mean in the UK, how often they occur, and how to claim if you win.
How Are Euromillions Prizes Structured?
EuroMillions is built around prize tiers that are based on how many main numbers and Lucky Stars you match. You choose five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Stars from 1 to 12. Draws take place every Tuesday and Friday.
The top prize is the jackpot, awarded when all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars are matched. Below that sit 12 further tiers, each with its own payout. The lowest winning combination is two main numbers.
A share of ticket sales goes into the prize fund for each draw. In the UK, most lower-tier payouts are fixed amounts, which means you know in advance what they pay. The jackpot and some higher tiers vary because their pots are split among all winners and can grow when there is no jackpot winner.
With that framework in mind, here is what those two specific outcomes pay.
What Prize Do You Win With 2 Main Numbers?
Matching two main numbers qualifies for a fixed payout in the UK. As of 2024, that amount is £2.50. It’s set to be broadly equivalent to the cost of one EuroMillions line, so it usually returns your stake for that line.
This payout is not affected by how many other players also match two numbers. It is paid per winning line, so if two lines on the same ticket each match two main numbers, the total would be £5.
There are no add-ons at this tier. If you also match a Lucky Star alongside two main numbers, your result moves into a different tier with a different amount.
What Prize Do You Win With 1 Main Number And 1 Lucky Star?
Matching one main number and one Lucky Star also pays a fixed amount in the UK. It is £2.50, the same as the two-number tier explained above.
This result only counts when both appear on the same line: a single main number on its own, or just a Lucky Star, does not qualify for a prize. If you add more matches beyond this combination, your ticket moves into a higher tier with a larger payout.
So how often do these outcomes come up?
What Are The Odds Of Matching 2 Numbers Or 1 Number And 1 Lucky Star?
Each EuroMillions result has a specific probability based on the number pools. For two main numbers, the odds are roughly 1 in 22. For one main number plus one Lucky Star, the odds are about 1 in 50.
These figures apply to each individual line entered. Every draw is independent, and previous results do not influence the next one. The format of selecting five numbers from 50 and two Lucky Stars from 12 is what sets those probabilities.
Typical Prize Amounts For Small Euromillions Wins
Smaller EuroMillions results pay fixed amounts in the UK, which keeps things simple when you check your ticket. Matching two main numbers pays £2.50. Matching one main number and one Lucky Star also pays £2.50.
A step above these, two main numbers plus one Lucky Star is usually a little higher, often around £4.40. That figure can change from time to time if prize allocations are adjusted, but it remains a low, fixed-tier payout.
The key point is that lower tiers pay set amounts, while higher combinations and the jackpot increase significantly and can vary by draw.
If you land one of these prizes, here is how the claiming process typically works.
How To Check And Claim Small Euromillions Prizes
Claiming Deadlines And Verification
Official results are published on the National Lottery website and app, and are also available through authorised retailers and in many newspapers. Retailers can scan a printed ticket and confirm the outcome.
For tickets bought in a shop, most retailers pay wins up to £100 in cash. Many can also pay prizes up to £500, either in cash or by cheque depending on store policy. Larger amounts over £500 and up to £50,000 usually involve a short claim process, with funds sent directly to you once verified.
If you played online or through the National Lottery app, wins up to £500 are normally credited to your account automatically. For higher amounts, you will be contacted with next steps.
All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw. Unclaimed amounts go to National Lottery Good Causes after that. Keep your ticket or confirmation safe until your prize is paid, as it may be needed for verification.
What Happens If Multiple Players Win The Same Prize?
It is common for several players to land the same result in a single draw. For fixed lower tiers, such as two main numbers or one main number plus one Lucky Star, the payout does not change when there are multiple winners. Everyone who qualifies receives the set UK amount for that tier.
For variable tiers, including the jackpot, the total pot for that tier is shared equally among all winning tickets. If three entries match all numbers and both Lucky Stars, the advertised pot is split three ways.
For small wins, the takeaway is straightforward: the amount you see listed for that tier is the amount you receive. If you ever need support, advice is available at begambleaware.org.
**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.