EuroMillions is played across Europe, yet the role of Lucky Stars often raises questions. They sit alongside the main numbers and shape how prizes are awarded, so understanding them makes the game much clearer.
This guide explains how Lucky Stars are selected, how they combine with the main numbers, and which prize tiers use them. You will also find how the draws are run and verified, plus how Lucky Stars appear on tickets and results.
As with all lotteries, outcomes are random and there is no system that guarantees a win. If you choose to take part, set limits that suit you and keep play occasional.
What Are EuroMillions Lucky Stars?
In EuroMillions, Lucky Stars are additional numbers drawn from a separate pool to the main numbers. There are 12 Lucky Star numbers, and each line on a ticket must include two selections from this pool.
The main numbers are drawn first, then the Lucky Stars. On every line, players pick five main numbers and two Lucky Stars. Prizes are based on how many of these seven numbers match the draw.
The combination matters. To win the jackpot, a line must match all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars. Other prize tiers require fewer matches, sometimes including one Lucky Star rather than two.
With the basics in place, it helps to see how those extra numbers influence the prize table.
How Do Lucky Stars Affect Prize Tiers?
Lucky Stars are central to the prize structure. Matching them alongside main numbers can move a ticket into higher tiers, because many of the larger prizes require at least one Lucky Star.
For example, the jackpot needs five main numbers plus two Lucky Stars. The next tier down requires five main numbers and one Lucky Star, and there are several other tiers where matching one or two Lucky Stars improves the outcome compared to matching only main numbers.
There are also lower tiers that pay out when a small number of main numbers are matched together with one or two Lucky Stars. In short, including Lucky Stars in a match often unlocks prize tiers that would not be available with main numbers alone.
How Many Lucky Stars Do I Need To Pick?
Each line played in EuroMillions must include exactly two Lucky Stars, chosen from 1 to 12, alongside five main numbers from 1 to 50.
Every line is treated on its own. You can choose different Lucky Stars on each line or repeat the same pair across multiple lines if you prefer. The key point is that each line has two distinct Lucky Stars, because two are drawn in every game.
With your selections made, the next question is how those two pools are drawn and combined on the night.
How Are Lucky Stars Drawn And Combined With Main Numbers?
The EuroMillions draw has two stages. First, five main numbers are drawn from 1 to 50. Then two Lucky Stars are drawn from 1 to 12 using a separate machine. These seven numbers form the official result for that draw.
A ticket’s main numbers and Lucky Stars are assessed together to determine any prize. For instance, matching four main numbers and two Lucky Stars falls into a different tier than four main numbers and one Lucky Star.
Full details of how the draw is conducted and checked are covered further below, including the equipment used and the verification process.
What Are The Odds Of Matching Lucky Stars?
Because Lucky Stars are drawn from 12 numbers and you pick two per line, the odds for the Lucky Star part of the game are:
- Matching both Lucky Stars: 1 in 66
- Matching exactly one Lucky Star: 20 in 66 (about 1 in 3.3)
- Matching no Lucky Stars: 45 in 66
These figures are for the Lucky Stars only. Overall prize odds depend on the combined match across main numbers and Lucky Stars. Every possible combination has the same chance of appearing, and no selection method changes those probabilities.
Prize Breakdown And Which Tiers Use Lucky Stars
EuroMillions has 13 prize tiers. Lucky Stars help determine where a line sits within that table, because several tiers specifically require one or two of them.
Many of the higher tiers include Lucky Stars alongside main numbers. For example, the top three tiers are:
- 5 main numbers + 2 Lucky Stars (jackpot)
- 5 main numbers + 1 Lucky Star
- 5 main numbers + 0 Lucky Stars
Below that, there are tiers that combine fewer main numbers with one or two Lucky Stars, such as 4+2, 4+1, 3+2, 2+2, 3+1 and 1+2. There are also tiers that do not need any Lucky Stars, including 4+0, 3+0 and 2+0.
Prize amounts vary between draws because they depend on factors like ticket sales and the number of winners in each tier. The official prize table published after each draw shows how the prize fund is shared.
If you are curious about how those results are produced and checked before they are published, the next section lifts the lid on the process.
How EuroMillions Draws Are Conducted And Verified
EuroMillions draws follow strict procedures to ensure they are fair and secure. Certified machines and ball sets are used for both stages of the draw, and each component is tested and maintained to defined standards.
Independent observers oversee every draw, which typically takes place in Paris on Tuesday and Friday evenings. The process is recorded, and detailed logs are kept. Immediately afterwards, results are verified by lottery officials and independent auditors before they are released.
These checks confirm that the draw was random, equipment worked correctly and the published numbers match what was drawn.
How Are Lucky Stars Shown On Tickets And Results?
On a EuroMillions ticket, Lucky Stars appear separately from the main numbers. After the five main selections, the two Lucky Stars are clearly identified, often with a star icon or a dedicated “Lucky Stars” label, so it is easy to see which pair you have chosen for each line.
In published results, the main numbers are shown first and the two Lucky Stars follow in a distinct section or design. When checking a ticket, compare both sets, as prizes rely on the combined match across all seven numbers.
You can also compare your numbers with the latest draw on our results page, where we show the winning main numbers, Lucky Stars and full prize breakdown for each draw.
Common Myths About Lucky Stars Debunked
A few misunderstandings tend to crop up around Lucky Stars, but the game’s rules make the picture clear.
Some think certain Lucky Star numbers come up more often. The draw is random, so each of the 12 numbers has the same chance in every game. Past appearances do not influence future results.
Others believe picking the same Lucky Star pair on every ticket improves their prospects. Repeating the same numbers does not change the odds. Each draw is independent, and every valid pair has the same probability of being selected.
Another idea is that buying enough lines to cover several Lucky Star pairs guarantees a return. More entries mean more chances, but there is never a guarantee of winning, and any prize depends on matching the numbers drawn.
Finally, the order of the two Lucky Stars does not matter. Only the numbers themselves count when prizes are calculated.
If gambling is affecting your life or finances, support is available. Organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential help. Used with clear limits and an understanding of how the game works, Lucky Stars simply show where a line sits in the EuroMillions prize table.
**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.