EuroMillions, one of Europe’s most popular lotteries, offers UK players the opportunity to win life-changing prizes every Tuesday and Friday.
This comprehensive guide is your ultimate resource for mastering EuroMillions in the UK, covering everything from selecting your numbers to claiming your winnings—perfect for both seasoned players and first-timers looking to try their luck.
What Is EuroMillions?
EuroMillions is a transnational lottery that spans nine participating countries, including the UK. Draws take place twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday evenings, at 8:00 PM GMT.
Players pick five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Stars from 1 to 12, aiming to match the winning numbers and take home the jackpot, which starts at €17 million and can roll over to a maximum of €250 million.
How to Play EuroMillions in the United Kingdom
1. Choose Your Numbers
To play EuroMillions, select:
- 5 main numbers between 1 and 50.
- 2 Lucky Stars between 1 and 12.
You can:
- Pick your numbers manually.
- Opt for a Lucky Dip, where numbers are randomly generated.
- Use a EuroMillions random number generator to create your entry.
2. Decide How Many Lines to Play
Each EuroMillions ticket can have up to seven lines per play slip, and you can play multiple slips at once.
3. Choose Your Draws
- Select whether to play in the Tuesday draw, the Friday draw, or both.
- Decide if you want to play for a single week or up to four weeks in advance.
4. Purchase Your Ticket
- In-Store: Buy your ticket from any authorised retailer in the UK.
- Online: Purchase via the official National Lottery website or mobile app.
Cut-off time for ticket sales is 7:30 PM GMT on the day of the draw.
How to Play Online
Playing EuroMillions online is increasingly popular, offering several benefits over traditional paper tickets:
- Convenience: Buy tickets anytime, anywhere.
- Secure Entries: Tickets are stored in your online account, so you’ll never lose them.
- Automatic Notifications: You’ll be notified of any winnings via email or the app.
- Set Up Direct Debit: Never miss a draw by entering your numbers automatically on an ongoing basis.
Setting Up a Direct Debit
Follow these steps to set up a Direct Debit for EuroMillions:
- Fill Out an Online Play Slip
- Choose your numbers and specify how many lines to play.
- Decide whether to enter the Tuesday draw, Friday draw, or both.
- Select ‘Play Continuously by Direct Debit’
- Instead of choosing a set number of weeks, opt for continuous entry.
- Submit Your Bank Details
- Enter your sort code and account number.
Your Direct Debit will take effect within four weeks, and you’ll receive confirmation of your entries before each draw.
How Much Does It Cost to Play EuroMillions in the UK?
Each line costs £2.50, and every ticket includes one free entry into the UK Millionaire Maker, offering an additional chance to win £1 million.
Additional UK EuroMillions Games
UK Millionaire Maker
With every EuroMillions ticket purchased in the UK, you receive an automatic entry into the Millionaire Maker draw. A unique code is printed on your ticket, and if it matches the winning code, you win £1 million.
Special editions of Millionaire Maker occasionally guarantee multiple £1 million winners in a single draw.
EuroMillions HotPicks
EuroMillions HotPicks is a separate game using the same five main numbers from the EuroMillions draw. Players choose how many numbers to match, with increasing prize amounts for matching more numbers.
- Match 1 number: Win £10
- Match 2 numbers: Win £100
- Match all 5 numbers: Win £1 million
HotPicks costs £1.50 per line and can be played independently of EuroMillions.
How to Win EuroMillions
EuroMillions offers 13 prize tiers, with the jackpot awarded for matching all 5 main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars. The table below outlines the prize breakdown:
| Match | Average Prize | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 5 numbers + 2 Lucky Stars | Jackpot | 1 in 139,838,160 |
| 5 numbers + 1 Lucky Star | £251,132.15 | 1 in 6,991,908 |
| 5 numbers | £25,743.87 | 1 in 3,107,515 |
| 4 numbers + 2 Lucky Stars | £1,430.75 | 1 in 621,503 |
| 4 numbers + 1 Lucky Star | £93.40 | 1 in 31,076 |
| 3 numbers + 2 Lucky Stars | £50.48 | 1 in 14,126 |
| 2 numbers + 2 Lucky Stars | £10.81 | 1 in 985 |
Claiming Prizes in the UK
For Retail Tickets
- Up to £100: Redeemable at any National Lottery retailer.
- £101–£500: Claimed at designated retailers.
- Over £500: Claim at a National Lottery office or via post.
For Online Tickets
- Winnings are automatically credited to your National Lottery account for prizes up to £50,000.
- For larger amounts, you’ll be contacted by the National Lottery to arrange the claim process.
Cut-Off and Reopening Times
| Day | Retail Ticket Sales | Online Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Retailer opening hours | Until 11:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Until 7:30 PM | Until 7:30 PM |
| Friday | Until 7:30 PM | Until 7:30 PM |
Tickets purchased after the cut-off will be entered into the next draw.
Top Tips for Playing EuroMillions in the UK
- Use a Number Generator: Tools like the EuroMillions random number generator can help create unique combinations, avoiding common patterns.
- Join a Syndicate: Pooling entries with others increases your chances of winning.
- Set a Budget: Stick to an affordable limit and play responsibly.
- Save Your Numbers: Use the app or website to save your favorite combinations for future draws.
FAQ: UK EuroMillions
1. What is EuroMillions?
EuroMillions is a transnational lottery played in nine European countries, offering jackpots starting at €17 million, with draws every Tuesday and Friday.
2. How do I play EuroMillions in the UK?
Select 5 main numbers from 1–50 and 2 Lucky Stars from 1–12. You can choose your own numbers, opt for a Lucky Dip, or use a number generator.
3. How much does it cost to play?
Each EuroMillions line costs £2.50, which includes a free entry into the UK Millionaire Maker.
4. What time do ticket sales close?
Ticket sales close at 7:30 PM GMT on draw days (Tuesday and Friday).
5. What time is the EuroMillions draw?
Draws take place at 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM CET) every Tuesday and Friday.
6. How can I play EuroMillions online?
You can play online via the official National Lottery website or app, where your tickets are stored digitally, and you’re notified of any winnings.
7. Can I play EuroMillions in advance?
Yes, you can play up to 4 weeks in advance or set up a Direct Debit for continuous entry.
8. What is the UK Millionaire Maker?
This is a supplementary game exclusive to UK players. Each ticket includes a unique code, and one winner is guaranteed £1 million in every draw.
9. What is EuroMillions HotPicks?
HotPicks is a separate game using the main EuroMillions numbers. You can win prizes by matching 1 to 5 numbers, with a top prize of £1 million.
10. How do I check if I’ve won?
Check your ticket online, or use Euromillions Results app, or compare it to the results published after the draw.
11. What are the odds of winning EuroMillions?
The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 139,838,160, but the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 13.
12. Can I claim my prize online?
Yes, online prizes up to £50,000 are automatically paid to your account. For higher amounts, the National Lottery will contact you.
13. How long do I have to claim my prize?
You have 180 days from the date of the draw to claim your prize.
14. Can I play EuroMillions if I’m not in the UK?
You must be physically present in one of the nine participating countries to buy a ticket and claim prizes in that country.
15. What happens if no one wins the jackpot?
If there’s no jackpot winner, the prize rolls over to the next draw, potentially reaching the €250 million cap.
16. Is EuroMillions tax-free in the UK?
Yes, EuroMillions winnings are tax-free in the UK.
17. How can I increase my chances of winning?
Joining a syndicate increases your chances by pooling tickets with others. However, the odds for individual tickets remain the same.
18. Can I cancel my ticket?
Tickets purchased in-store cannot be canceled. Online entries can only be canceled within the timeframe specified on the National Lottery website.
19. What happens if I lose my paper ticket?
Lost paper tickets cannot be replaced unless you have proof of purchase. Playing online eliminates this risk.
20. Can I play EuroMillions if I’m under 18?
No, you must be at least 18 years old to play EuroMillions in the UK.
21. What is the difference between Lucky Dip and manual selection?
A Lucky Dip randomly generates numbers for your ticket, while manual selection allows you to choose your own numbers.
22. How is the jackpot prize paid?
The jackpot is paid as a lump sum and is tax-free in the UK.
23. Can I win more than one prize with the same ticket?
Yes, it’s possible to win prizes in different tiers (e.g., match 2 numbers and Lucky Stars) with the same ticket.
24. What happens if multiple players win the jackpot?
If multiple players match all 5 numbers and 2 Lucky Stars, the jackpot is shared equally among the winners.
25. Where can I find the latest results?
You can find the latest EuroMillions results on the National Lottery website, app, or from authorised retailers.
Conclusion: EuroMillions UK
Playing EuroMillions in the UK is straightforward and exciting, offering multiple ways to win life-changing prizes. Whether you prefer buying tickets in-store, online, or setting up a Direct Debit for continuous play, the process is designed to suit every type of player.
Good luck, and may your numbers lead you to the next EuroMillions jackpot!