Many players wonder what happens after a EuroMillions draw. If a ticket wins, does an email arrive to break the news, or are winners told another way?
Knowing how genuine notifications work, what information they include, and how to spot scams can make the whole experience far safer and simpler.
This guide explains how winners are contacted, what real emails look like, how to claim depending on ticket type, and what to do if a message never turns up.
Read on to learn more.
How EuroMillions Notifies Winners
EuroMillions uses different methods to inform winners, and the approach depends on how the ticket was bought.
For online entries, registered players may receive an email from the National Lottery to say there is news about their ticket. The message usually keeps the detail to a minimum for security, and asks the player to sign in to their account to view the result. Some players may also see an alert in the app or on the website.
For paper tickets bought in a shop, there is no direct outreach. The player needs to check the ticket against the official results, either in-store, online, or via the app. Smaller prizes can usually be paid by retailers up to their set limit, while larger amounts must be claimed through the National Lottery’s standard process.
Syndicate players will see updates in their online account if the syndicate is managed there. Informal, paper-based groups should follow the same checking and claiming steps as any retail ticket.
If email is part of the process for online tickets, what exactly should people expect to see?
Will The National Lottery Email Me If I Win?
If a EuroMillions ticket was bought online, the National Lottery may send an email to say there is an update on the account. It is best thought of as a prompt rather than a full breakdown of the outcome.
The message typically does not include the prize amount or list the numbers. Players are asked to log in through the official site or app to view details securely. The same type of email can appear for a range of outcomes, including smaller wins or account messages.
Those who buy tickets in shops will not receive emails. Paper ticket holders must check results themselves and then claim any prize using the instructions on the back of the ticket or provided online.
What Information Will A Genuine Winning Email Contain?
A legitimate EuroMillions email keeps things concise and private. It usually confirms there is an update, invites the player to sign in, and avoids sharing sensitive or ticket-specific information in the body of the message.
Genuine emails come from an official National Lottery domain, typically ending in national-lottery.co.uk. They do not ask for passwords, banking details, identification documents, or payment of fees. Any request along those lines should be treated as suspicious.
In short, real messages nudge the player to check their secure account and leave the details behind the sign-in screen, where they can be viewed safely.
How Can I Tell If A Winning Email Is Real?
Most of the time, legitimacy shows up in the basics already outlined in the previous section. A few extra checks help confirm it:
- Look closely at the sender’s address, not just the display name, and watch for small spelling tweaks that imitate the real domain.
- Hover over links to see where they lead before clicking. If in doubt, ignore the link and go directly to the official website or app.
- Note the tone and presentation. Poor spelling, pushy demands, or threats are red flags.
If anything feels off, contact the National Lottery using details on their official website, not those in the email. A quick check can prevent a lot of trouble.
Common Scams Posing As EuroMillions Winning Emails
Scam messages often promise a large prize or a “special promotion”, even when the recipient has not entered the draw. They may use lookalike email addresses, ask for personal or banking details, or demand a fee to release the funds. Some claim that taxes must be paid upfront or that a courier charge is required.
These emails often show other tells, such as unusual greetings, inconsistent branding, and awkward phrasing. The safest approach is to be cautious with any unexpected message about a prize and to use only official channels to verify claims.
What To Do If You Receive A Winning Email
Treat any prize email with care until it is verified. Check the sender’s address closely and avoid downloading attachments or clicking links if you have doubts. The simplest route is to visit the official National Lottery website or app directly and sign in to view your account, rather than following links in the message.
Real notifications will not ask for passwords, bank details, or fees. If a message breaks those rules, do not reply. Instead, contact customer support using the verified details on the National Lottery website to confirm whether the email is genuine.
I Think I Won But Haven't Been Emailed — What Next?
If no email arrives, but there is reason to believe a ticket has won, start with an account check. Sign in through the official website or app to see whether a notification is waiting there. It is also worth checking spam and junk folders, and confirming that the registered email address is correct.
Compare your numbers with the official results published after the draw. For paper tickets, remember that email updates are not sent, so the ticket itself is the key to claiming. Keep it safe, follow the guidance printed on the reverse, and use the online help pages if anything is unclear.
If questions remain, ask the National Lottery’s customer service team to look into it using their official contact details.
How To Claim EuroMillions Prizes Based On Ticket Type
The claiming process for EuroMillions prizes depends on how the ticket was purchased. Below, you will find information for each ticket type.
Online Entries
For smaller wins, funds are generally credited to the player’s National Lottery account automatically, after which they can be withdrawn using the available payment methods. For larger amounts, the player will be contacted through their secure account with details on how to complete the claim. Always sign in directly via the official site or app to review any prompts or messages.
Paper Tickets Bought In Retail
Keep the ticket safe, as it is needed to claim. Retailers can usually pay smaller prizes up to their payment limit, which can vary. Larger wins require a formal claim through the National Lottery, which may involve a visit to a designated Post Office branch or an arranged appointment, as set out on the official website and on the back of the ticket.
Syndicate Tickets
If the syndicate is managed online, winnings are often split automatically and credited to each member’s account in line with the agreed shares. For informal, paper-based groups, the named ticket holder typically leads the claim using the standard route for that ticket type, with distribution handled according to the group’s agreement.
How To Report A Fraudulent Winning Email?
Suspicious messages can be forwarded to the National Lottery at help@national-lottery.co.uk. Do not click links, open attachments, or reply to the sender. It also helps to report the attempt to Action Fraud, the UK’s national centre for fraud and cybercrime, via their official website. After reporting, delete the email from your inbox and bin.
If you choose to take part in lottery games, set personal limits that fit your circumstances and avoid chasing losses. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, support is available from independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware.
Handled with care and verified through official channels, genuine notifications are easy to act on, while scams are best ignored and reported.
**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.