Many people enter EuroMillions wondering what matching two Lucky Stars actually means for potential winnings.
This guide explains how Lucky Stars work, whether two Lucky Stars on their own are worth a prize, and which tiers include them. You will also find typical amounts for those tiers, how prize money is calculated, the odds of matching two Lucky Stars, and how to claim prizes in the UK.
All information is for guidance only and follows UK rules. If you choose to take part, set a budget that suits you and stick to it.
What Are Lucky Stars And How Do They Work?
EuroMillions uses two sets of numbers in every draw: five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Stars from 1 to 12, drawn from a separate pool. The Lucky Stars are part of the prize calculation and help determine whether a ticket qualifies for higher tiers.
Matching Lucky Stars alongside some of the main numbers moves a ticket into specific prize tiers. For example, five main numbers plus two Lucky Stars is required for the jackpot.
So, where does that leave a ticket with only the two Lucky Stars? Let’s look at the rules for that exact scenario.
Does Matching Two Lucky Stars Alone Win A Prize?
No. Matching only the two Lucky Stars and none of the main numbers does not qualify for a prize. The lowest tiers require either at least two main numbers, or a combination of main numbers with one or two Lucky Stars.
To be in line for any payout, a ticket must include some main numbers as well as the Lucky Stars.
Prize Tiers That Include Two Lucky Stars
Several EuroMillions prize tiers require both Lucky Stars to be matched, alongside different counts of main numbers. Prize amounts vary by draw, number of winners, and jurisdiction; the examples below reflect typical recent UK outcomes and are for guidance only.
Actual returns can be higher or lower depending on ticket sales, exchange rates, and any caps or adjustments applied under the game rules.
Five Main Numbers + Two Lucky Stars
This is the top tier and wins the jackpot. The amount varies by draw and can increase when it rolls over, subject to the game’s rollover limits and any applicable cap.
Four Main Numbers + Two Lucky Stars
Four main numbers with both Lucky Stars typically pays around £844.70, although the final amount depends on the number of winners sharing the tier and other draw factors.
Three Main Numbers + Two Lucky Stars
Three main numbers plus both Lucky Stars usually pays about £9.10. This figure is indicative and may change from draw to draw.
Two Main Numbers + Two Lucky Stars
Two main numbers with both Lucky Stars is generally around £4.30. Actual payouts can differ in line with the prize fund and the distribution rules.
One Main Number + Two Lucky Stars
One main number and both Lucky Stars also tends to pay about £4.30. Final returns are not guaranteed, and may vary.
Zero Main Numbers + Two Lucky Stars
Matching only the two Lucky Stars is not a winning combination in the UK, and no prize is paid for this outcome.
As you can see, prize values generally increase as more main numbers are included, but they are not fixed and can change between draws. Always check the official results and confirmed prize breakdown for the draw in question.
Participation is restricted to players aged 18+. Please play responsibly; winnings are not guaranteed and you can lose your stake.
How Much Can You Win For Two Lucky Stars In Each Tier?
The amount depends on how many main numbers appear alongside the two Lucky Stars. At the top end, five main numbers plus both Lucky Stars wins the jackpot, which varies by draw. Dropping to four main numbers with two Lucky Stars typically pays in the hundreds of pounds, three main numbers with two Lucky Stars tends to sit around single figures, and one or two main numbers with two Lucky Stars usually returns a small single-figure amount. Matching only the two Lucky Stars does not pay.
These amounts are set for each draw and can change. The figures above reflect recent UK outcomes rather than guaranteed sums.
How EuroMillions Prize Money Is Calculated
EuroMillions prize money comes from ticket sales for each draw. A portion of the total sales forms the prize fund, which is allocated across the tiers according to the game rules. The jackpot is funded first and can roll over to the next draw if it is not won.
In the UK, many non-jackpot tiers use set or expected amounts that can be adjusted if needed to keep the game’s balance. This is why smaller tiers often pay similar figures from draw to draw, while the jackpot and some higher tiers vary more with sales, winners, and rollovers. Special events can also boost the fund or add promotional prizes.
Overall, the structure is designed so that higher matches share a larger part of the fund, while lower matches offer more modest returns.
What Are The Odds Of Matching Two Lucky Stars?
Players choose two Lucky Stars from a pool of 12. The odds of matching both Lucky Stars on a single ticket, regardless of the main numbers, are 1 in 66.
Combining those two Lucky Stars with one or more main numbers becomes less common, which is why prize values generally increase as more main numbers are matched.
How To Claim EuroMillions Prizes In The UK
Winning amounts are paid in different ways depending on how and where the ticket was bought, and how much the prize is.
For online and app purchases, smaller prizes are usually credited directly to the registered account. For retail tickets, most shops can pay cash for lower amounts, typically up to £100, and may pay up to £500 where possible. Some retailers offer cheques for amounts within their limits.
Larger retail wins can be claimed at designated Post Office branches or by contacting the National Lottery claims team, up to £50,000 in most cases. Prizes above £50,000 require an appointment at a National Lottery regional centre. Very large wins, such as the jackpot or the UK Millionaire Maker prize, involve identity checks and an in‑person meeting with officials.
There are time limits. Most prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date, after which unclaimed amounts are returned to support National Lottery projects.
If you choose to play, keep it affordable and within your means. Support is available from organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware if you ever need advice or help.
**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.