How to Play EuroMillions
Once you get to know the well-known European games, Eurojackpot and EuroMillions, you’ll understand why they have such great followings. Both have attractive features, with EuroMillions being popular thanks to its bigger jackpot. In South Africa, the €240 million main prize can turn you into a billionaire! Also, there’s an additional prize tier compared to what Eurojackpot offers.
We created a guideline on all the basics, such as the rules about your age and helping you use a EuroMillions number generator to plan and buy your first ticket. From playing online using platforms like theLotter to buying a ticket if you should ever visit a participating European country, we have it all.
Contents
In a Hurry?
This table on the basic EuroMillions facts will get you started on enjoying the game.
| Numbers to win the jackpot | 7 (5 Main + 2 Euronumbers) |
|---|---|
| Jackpot type | Rollover with jackpot cap |
| Number range | 1 – 50 & 1 – 12 |
| Prize categories | 12 |
| Draw days | Tuesday, Friday |
| Draw time (SA Time) | 9 pm |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Claim period | 60 days – 3 years (depending on country where ticket is purchased) |
| Jackpot odds | 1:139,838,160 |
| Biggest Jackpot | €230 million (~ZAR 4.3 billion) (Update: September 2023) |
EuroMillions Basics and Rules
Playing EuroMillions
The following table will give you an idea whether you can add EuroMillions to your week’s play. It matters how old you are and whether it suits your lottery budget.| Feature | Rules | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Legal age to play | 18 | Any vendor selling tickets can legally ask you for confirmation of age before selling a ticket or paying out a prize |
| Ticket prices | Country dependent |
|
Rules and Structure
Players familiar with Eurojackpot know it’s a lottery hosted by 18 participating European countries. Euromillions has fewer countries – only nine – hosting it and there are minor differences in game rules in some of these locations. We break down the most important game aspects.Understanding the EuroMillions Structure
Players can easily get confused between EuroMillions and Eurojackpot as it’s a very similar type of game. So, if you already know how to play Eurojackpot, it will be easy to become a pro at this lottery too. Note that the list of countries hosting EuroMillions is very different from Eurojackpot’s hosts. Only Spain forms part of both games. No matter where you play EuroMillions, even when playing via an online lottery site like Lotto Agent, you must pick seven numbers for your ticket. The numbers come from different grids though:- Number range 1-50: pick five general numbers
- Number range 1-12: select two Lucky Numbers
| Game | Country | Frequency | Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK Millionaire Maker | UK | Every EuroMillions draw |
|
| European Millionaire Maker | All participating countries | As announced by operator |
|
| Ireland Only Raffle | Ireland | Every EuroMillions draw |
|
| EuroMillions Superdraw | All participating countries | When announced – usually 2 to 4 times a year |
|
Source: theLotter
For all the raffle games above, the ticket codes are combinations of letters and numbers, assigned to players by the lottery system. You’ll receive a code for each line you play and the codes will be shown on your ticket. Note that this feature may not be available on online lottery sites, so review the policies if you’re interested in this aspect.Drawings and Prizes
For EuroMillions, players have two draws a week that could turn them into winners:- Tuesdays
- Fridays
| Tier | General Numbers | Lucky Star Numbers | % of Prize Pool |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 2 | 50% – Jackpot |
| 2 | 5 | 1 | 2.61% |
| 3 | 5 | 0 | 0.61% |
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 0.19% |
| 5 | 4 | 1 | 0.35% |
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 0.37% |
| 7 | 4 | 0 | 0.26% |
| 8 | 2 | 2 | 1.3% |
| 9 | 3 | 1 | 1.45% |
| 10 | 3 | 0 | 2.7% |
| 11 | 1 | 2 | 3.27% |
| 12 | 2 | 1 | 10.3% |
| 13 | 2 | 0 | 16.59% |
- This lottery’s jackpot prize has a starting amount of €17 million (ZAR3.2 million).
- Jackpots grow thanks to a rollover system, but there is a cap in place. Currently, that cap is €240 million (ZAR4.5 billion).
- A jackpot that has reached the cap can only remain at that level for four draws without any repercussions. If there’s a fifth draw without any main prize winner, the money rolls down to Tier 2, increasing that group’s prize money considerably.
- A pari-mutuel system applies, so the prize amounts for each tier is calculated based on the prize pool, but also the number of winners in that group.
- EuroMillions only offers lump sum payouts of prizes. So, unlike US games like Mega Millions, you can’t ask for annuity payments over the next few years.
| Method of Play | Claiming a prize |
|---|---|
| In store purchase in one of the 9 countries |
|
| Play online via countries’ own lottery platforms | Money is paid to a player account or a bank account. Payments of larger prizes aren’t always automated, so follow up if you know you’ve won. |
| Online lottery sites | Most vendors have automated their payment systems, but players carry the responsibility to make sure they’re paid what’s owed to them. Payment can be done to a player account and you can request a payout to your bank account. |
How to Buy a EuroMillions Lottery Ticket
You can get your hands on a EuroMillions lottery ticket from almost anywhere in the world. Each method is unique in terms of pricing and cut off times, so use our tables to find the information you need.
| Where and how you play EuroMillions | Ticket Price | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Official EuroMillions retail outlet or website in UK | £2.50 | Ticket price includes automatic entry to UK Millionaire Maker |
| Official EuroMillions retail outlet or website in Switzerland | CHF3.50 | |
| Official EuroMillions retail outlet or website in most participating countries | €2.50 | Relevant countries:
|
| Use online lottery sites |
| Some sites allow you to bet on the outcome, while others buy real tickets on your behalf. Sites that buy real tickets will first claim the money from operators before paying it to you, so you may wait a day or two. |
Knowing about cut off times will prevent you from missing out on a ticket that could win you big prizes. Note that each country has its own cut off time, so knowing the details is helpful if you ever travel to Europe and play this lottery. It’s also important when using online platforms.
Note that Daylight Savings Time also affects what times will be relevant for South Africans, so we share all relevant information below.
| Country/Service | SA Time* | SA Time** | Cut-off time*** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | 18:30 | 19:30 | 18:30 CET |
| Belgium | 20:00 | 21:00 | 20:00 CET |
| France | 20:15 | 21:15 | 20:15 CET |
| Ireland | 20:30 | 21:30 | 19:30 GMT |
| Luxembourg | 20:00 | 21:00 | 20:00 CET |
| Portugal | 20:00 | 21:00 | 19:00 WET |
| Spain | 20:30 | 21:30 | 20:30 CET |
| Switzerland | 19:30 | 20:30 | 19:30 CET |
| UK | 20:30 | 21:30 | 19:30 GMT |
| Online lottery sites | Review policies and check available countdowns. | ||
*November – March
**March – November
***based on each country’s rules and time zone
Source: Lotto Agent
You can see that to play EuroMillions, you can use the convenience of an online platform, or walk to a corner store if you happen to be in Europe. We explain in more detail how all these methods work, if you want to play EuroMillions in future:
- Registered EuroMillions retail outlets
- Online lottery platforms of the 9 countries’ lottery operators
- Apps hosted by the 9 countries’ lottery operators
- Online lottery sites
How to Play EuroMillions Online
It’s fairly easy to find an online platform hosting EuroMillions, since it’s such a popular game. For one thing, Eurojackpot players often want to give the very similar game of EuroMillions a try. So, most online sites have both in their portfolio. Just make sure you pick a safe platform and that you’ll have your preferred payment methods to use.
With online sites you can play from anywhere and here’s how it works.
1. Open the platform in your browser – Access to the platform is free.
2. Register an account – Lottery sites must confirm your identity and details, like a bank account, before you start playing.
3. Pick the EuroMillions game – Popular games are often found on the home page, or you can view the list of available lotteries.
Source: Lotto Agent
4. Set the number of lines – Play more lines and you may get discounts.
5. Select numbers – On the first grid, pick five main numbers and on the second grid you’ll pick two Lucky Numbers. You can also use Quick/Easy Pick if you prefer.
Source: Lotto Agent
6. Pick special settings – Platforms often allow multi draws, syndicates, subscriptions and bundles. This may lead to discounts.
7. Finalise the purchase – When you’re happy with your selection, pay for your EuroMillions ticket. You’ll find a record of your ticket in your profile.
8. Check results and get paid – Online lottery sites usually pay automatically, within days of the draw.
Large prizes may require confirmation of identity or bank accounts, so always check EuroMillions results and contact the vendor if a payment doesn’t come through. The vendor may require more information before depositing your winnings.
How to Play EuroMillions In-Store
There are many retail outlets throughout the participating countries where you can buy a EuroMillions ticket, if you’re ever in Europe. Anyone can buy tickets and claim winnings, as long as you’re in the country still.
Steps in the process include:
1. Ask for a playslip – Stores carry paper slips on which you indicate your ticket details.
Note: if you only want to play random numbers, you can verbally ask the attendant to use that feature on the EuroMillions system. Based on your request, they’ll record these random numbers for all the tickets you buy.
2. Decide how many lines – Each play slip has five lines to play. If you want to play more, request more payslips.
3. Check the slip’s numbers – Draw a clear line through the numbers you wish to play for each line: five main numbers and two Lucky numbers.
4. Indicate number of draws – Tick relevant blocks if you want to enter more than one draw. Tick boxes allow you to play the numbers for up to 8 upcoming draws.
5. Submit your slip – Give the slip to the attendant so they can record your selections.
6. Pay and receive the ticket – You’ll receive a printed ticket that also includes the Millionaire Maker information, if applicable.
7. Sign it – The back of EuroMillions tickets have space for personal details, so you can prove ownership when you claim a prize.
8. Use safe storage and check results – Keep lottery tickets safe so you can claim the money if that ticket is worth a prize.
How to Play EuroMillions via Lottery Apps & More
Most lottery operators in participating countries have websites and apps with which you can buy tickets. Usually you can use the same account on both platforms.
Steps to play will include:
- Open an account.
- Deposit funds into the player account.
- Select numbers on the two number fields, in order to pick your seven numbers. A Quick Pick option is also available, which will assign random numbers to your ticket.
- Confirm the number of lines you want to play. There may be a limit to the number of lines you can play per ticket.
- State which upcoming draws you want to play the numbers in. Some platforms allow up to eight draws.
- Confirm payment.
- Receive payment automatically.
Operators usually cater for Android and iOS users, and helpful features include getting notifications if you’re a winner.
Note: these country-specific sites and apps aren’t always accessible without a VPN and not all of them accept South African IDs for registering an account. Luckily there’s the convenience of online lottery sites that are accessible internationally.
Also, be wary of fraudulent websites and apps, as there are many out there. Some of them don’t sell EuroMillions tickets, but will direct you to online lottery sites that do. However, there may be much safer, better sites available, so do proper research before you start playing on any platform.
How to Know if You Won the EuroMillions Lottery?
With today’s technology there are multiple ways to find out if you’ve won big. Identify the most practical option so you can easily verify a win and ensure you don’t miss out on your prize.
| Method of Play | How to Know You’ve Won |
|---|---|
| Tickets bought in store in Europe | You must check if you’ve won, because outlets don’t record players’ personal details. Online EuroMillions number checkers are handy, or watch draw results on YouTube. |
| Online lottery sites | These vendors notify winners and do automatic payments. But do a manual check as well to confirm you receive all your prize money. |
| Country specific apps and websites | Most likely you’ll receive an email or push notification but use published results so you can confirm you receive all cash owed to you. |
Remember, it is always the responsibility of each player to follow up on prize payouts, no matter how you decide to play EuroMillions.
What Happens If You Win the EuroMillions Lottery?
Few things are as life-changing as winning a lottery jackpot and it’s best to plan for all the ways this will affect your life. We summarise some important tips:
- Know how to claim a EuroMillions win: While tickets bought in store require a claim in person or at a lottery centre, online players often get paid automatically. However, large prizes won online may also require in-person claims processes. Review the guidelines of your online lottery site or app, so you know your next steps.
- Review your rights: Winners in EuroMillions have the right to stay anonymous. Decide if you want the world to know you’re rich or not, because jackpot winners often get more attention than they expect. From the media to relatives that want to loan money, they may all contact you. Weigh up your options and make a decision you won’t regret.
- Get professional advice: You can make the most of your money with the help of tax experts and financial advisors.
- Use resources that are offered: EuroMillions operators provide ongoing support to winners and it’s wise to utilise this. They can help with matters ranging from tax to picking the ideal bank to deposit your fortune in.
Final Thoughts
You can see why 80 to 100 million people play EuroMillions each week. With the good odds it offers and special features such as Super Draws, it’s both safe and exciting to bet your money on this game. Perhaps it’s what your lottery playing needs?
Thanks to online lottery sites, it’s easy to add this to South Africans’ weekly playing of Daily Lotto or Powerball – you don’t even have to leave the house to get your ticket!
FAQs
You can purchase tickets in one of the 9 participating countries’ retail outlets, or use the operators’ online services. Online lottery sites can also buy real tickets on your behalf, no matter where you play from.
Thanks to online lottery sites, players from almost anywhere in the world can partake in EuroMillions. Simply use a site that purchases tickets for you. Another alternative is to bet on the draw outcome, by using lottery sites that offer this option.
The minimum age to play EuroMillions is 18. The same rule applies to all participating countries.
You can buy tickets in Europe until about an hour or two before the draw. The specific cut off times depend on which country you’re in. When playing online using online lottery sites, you should review their rules or use their countdown features to know how long you still have to buy tickets before the next draw.
The cost of EuroMillions will depend on where and how you play. The general cost is €2.50 but it’s ₤2.50 in the UK and CHF3.50 in Switzerland. Also, if you play online using lottery sites the prices may vary to cover the service fees.
Whether you play in store or go online to play EuroMillions, your number selection is always up to you. Operators and lottery sites can assign random numbers if you wish, or you can use your own lucky numbers or a set of numbers you calculated using strategies based on EuroMillions’ historical results.
For this lottery you’ll pick seven numbers in total. Each EuroMillions ticket will include five general numbers and two Lucky Numbers.
This is one of the lotteries that takes place twice a week. The draw days are Tuesdays and Fridays and the results are published soon after the draw.
Because of the pari-mutuel system, operators need to calculate prize amounts before releasing confirmation about how much each category has won. The prize breakdown is usually released within two hours of the draw.
Most EuroMillions countries don’t require winners to pay tax on prize money, except for:
- Portugal
- Spain
- Switzerland
Note that gifting some of your jackpot winnings may incur tax, so talk to an expert before investing or sharing your windfall. Also, South Africans receiving winnings from abroad should check SA tax laws to understand their responsibilities.
To date, the biggest win in EuroMillions was €230 million, which was won in July 2022. This is worth over ZAR 2 billion.
At the time of writing, EuroMillions has a jackpot cap of €240 million. Following this lottery’s rules, the jackpot cap has increased over the years and can change again in future. If the cap is reached and not won for five consecutive draws, the money will be allocated to the second tier winners of that fifth draw. After this roll-down event, or a jackpot win, the main prize is reset to a starting value of €17 million.
The period during which your EuroMillions ticket stays valid, differs between countries. The minimum claim period is 60 days and the maximum time you can wait is 3 years.
Online lottery sites will usually finalise payouts within days, but make sure the transaction is confirmed and follow the claims process if applicable.