EuroMillions
The EuroMillions was one of the very first multi-national lotteries in the world, the second in fact behind the ever-popular Viking Lotto.
With a Capped Jackpot of €240 Million: EuroMillions Lottery Facts
The EuroMillions lottery offers a guaranteed minimum jackpot of €17 million, which can roll over and grow to its capped limit of €240 million as of recent updates (the previous cap was €190 million). This makes it one of the most popular transnational lotteries in the world.
Although its jackpot cap is lower than the uncapped prizes offered by lotteries like the U.S. PowerBall and MegaMillions, the EuroMillions offers significantly better odds of winning a prize. Furthermore, the EuroMillions prizes are tax-free in most member countries, except in Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal, where taxes may apply.
Originally launched for players in France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, the EuroMillions has since expanded to include Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Switzerland. Players from non-participating countries can now buy tickets online via authorized lottery retailers, opening the game to a global audience.
Another standout feature of the EuroMillions is its lump-sum payouts, meaning winners receive the full amount without annuities. Unlike many other lotteries, there is no deduction for periodic payments, though taxes may apply depending on your country.
The History of the EuroMillions Lottery
The EuroMillions launched in February 2004 as the second transnational lottery (the first being Vikinglotto). It was a joint initiative between Camelot (UK), Française des Jeux (France), and Loterías y Apuestas del Estado (Spain). Initially, only these three countries participated, but by October 2004, six more countries—Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Switzerland—joined the lottery.
The lottery has created numerous multimillionaires over the years. With jackpots regularly reaching nine-figure sums, the EuroMillions transforms winners’ lives. Even secondary-tier prizes can be life-changing, offering substantial payouts.
How to Play EuroMillions
The EuroMillions format involves picking numbers from two separate pools:
- Five main numbers from 1 to 50.
- Two Lucky Star numbers from 1 to 12.
A standard ticket costs:
- €2.50 (eurozone countries),
- £2.50 (UK), or
- CHF3.50 (Switzerland).
Draws are held twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:45 PM CET in Paris. If the jackpot is not won, it rolls over to the next draw, increasing until it reaches the jackpot cap.
If the jackpot reaches the €240 million limit, it can remain at this amount for up to five draws. If still not won, the funds are distributed among winners at the next prize tier, ensuring substantial payouts.
Jackpot and Prize Distribution
The EuroMillions jackpot starts at €17 million and can grow to its maximum of €240 million. Other prize tiers are calculated as percentages of the prize pool, with 13 total tiers. Example payouts include:
- Matching 5+2 Lucky Stars (Jackpot): ~43.2% of the prize fund.
- Matching 5+1 Lucky Star: ~3.95% of the prize fund.
- Matching 2 numbers: ~18.25% of the prize fund.
The odds of winning any prize are 1 in 13, while the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 139,838,160—better than PowerBall (1 in 292,201,338) and MegaMillions (1 in 302,575,350).
Notable Jackpots
The jackpot cap of €240 million was introduced in 2021, surpassing the previous cap of €190 million. Recent winners include:
- €230 million (October 2022) – UK ticket holder.
- €220 million (October 2021) – French ticket holder.
- €200 million (December 2020) – Swiss ticket holder.
Other major wins include €190 million jackpots in 2012 (UK), 2014 (Portugal), and 2017 (Spain).
Who Can Play EuroMillions?
The EuroMillions is open to residents of participating countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK). However, international players can purchase tickets online through licensed lottery agents, provided they meet the legal gambling age in the country where the ticket is purchased (16 in the UK, 18 elsewhere).
Lump Sum Payouts and Taxes
EuroMillions jackpots are paid in lump sums, offering the full advertised prize. Unlike U.S. lotteries, there are no annuity options or reductions for upfront payments. However, winners in Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal may have taxes deducted from their winnings. For players in tax-free jurisdictions, winnings are entirely theirs to keep.
Why Choose EuroMillions?
The EuroMillions offers:
- Guaranteed jackpots starting at €17 million.
- Higher odds of winning than many international lotteries.
- Tax-free winnings in most participating countries.
- A trusted platform with decades of operation.
If you’re ready to test your luck, the EuroMillions is one of the most accessible and exciting lotteries available.
