Ever wondered what those Lucky Stars are all about in EuroMillions? They’re more than a name — they’re a separate pair of numbers that change how prizes are assigned and how the prize structure is built.
This article explains how Lucky Stars fit into the game, what they mean for prizes and odds, and clears up common misunderstandings. Read on to get a clear picture before your next ticket.
How Do Lucky Stars Work in EuroMillions?
Each EuroMillions line consists of five main numbers (1–50) plus two Lucky Stars chosen from a separate pool (1–12). During the draw, five main balls are drawn first and then two Lucky Star balls from their own set, so the Lucky Stars are independent of the main numbers.
A ticket that matches all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars wins the jackpot. Even if a ticket doesn’t match every main number, matching one or both Lucky Stars can still place it in a prize tier and increase the payout compared with matching main numbers alone.
Because the Lucky Stars come from a different pool, they expand the number of possible winning combinations and shape which prize tiers are accessible. Next, we’ll look at why those two extra numbers matter when prizes are calculated.
Why Are Lucky Stars Important for Winning?
Lucky Stars affect which prize tier a ticket reaches. Matching both Lucky Stars with all five main numbers is the only route to the jackpot, but matching one or both Lucky Stars alongside fewer main numbers often yields a larger prize than main numbers alone.
Lower-tier prizes become more valuable when one or both Lucky Stars are included in a winning combination. That means the presence of two separate numbers adds nuance to the overall payout structure — some tiers exist only because of the Lucky Stars. With the prize structure explained, the next section covers the specific rules that govern how Lucky Stars are chosen and entered.
EuroMillions Lucky Stars: Rules Explained
When entering EuroMillions, each line must include exactly two different Lucky Star numbers from 1 to 12, in addition to five main numbers from 1 to 50. Both Lucky Stars on the same line must be distinct, and entries must be submitted before the draw closes.
Entries are subject to eligibility and local regulations; the draw process keeps the main and Lucky Star pools separate to preserve clarity and fairness. Prizes are awarded according to the number of main numbers and Lucky Stars matched, with higher combinations yielding larger awards. With the basic rules set out, the next section explains the fixed requirement for how many Lucky Stars a player can pick.
How Many Lucky Stars Can You Pick?
Each line requires exactly two Lucky Star selections, and they must be different numbers from the 1–12 pool. You cannot pick the same number twice on a single line, and there is no option to choose only one or more than two on that line; this two-number requirement is built into the standard entry format and applies whether a ticket is bought in person or online.
This fixed selection keeps entries consistent across the player base and helps explain the distinct prize tiers that depend on how many Lucky Stars are matched. Players can use different combinations across multiple lines on the same ticket, but each individual line must follow the two-number rule, which is what creates the structured prize breakdown covered next.
What Prizes Can Lucky Stars Help You Win?
Lucky Stars shape the ladder of prizes, ranging from lower tiers up to the jackpot. Prize amounts depend on the specific combinations of main numbers and Lucky Stars matched, and some prize tiers only exist when at least one Lucky Star is matched. Exact payouts are set by the lottery operator and can vary by draw, so players should check the published prize table for each game.
Matching Main Numbers Only
Matching main numbers without any Lucky Stars still produces prize opportunities, with the payout determined by how many main numbers are matched. These prizes are typically smaller than those that include Lucky Stars, because matching Lucky Stars creates higher-value combinations and opens up additional tiers.
Even if none of the Lucky Stars are matched, matching several main numbers can still deliver a worthwhile return. The number of winners in each tier and the overall prize pool can affect individual prizes, so totals are not fixed and will depend on the draw and the number of winning tickets.
Matching Main Numbers Plus Lucky Stars
When a ticket matches main numbers together with one or both Lucky Stars, it generally moves into a higher prize tier. Some tiers are only available when at least one Lucky Star is matched, so pairing main numbers with one or both Lucky Stars can substantially increase the payout and change the prize distribution.
Prizes for combinations that include Lucky Stars are typically larger both because there are fewer possible winning combinations and because those tiers are designed to reward the increased difficulty. As with other tiers, exact prize amounts are determined after the draw and published by the game operator.
Jackpot Requirements
The jackpot is awarded only to a ticket that matches all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars on a single line. Other combinations that include Lucky Stars lead to the lower tiers already described, and will not qualify for the jackpot prize.
Players should note that jackpot rules, prize sharing between multiple winners, and any rollover conditions are governed by the operator’s official rules and announced results. Check the operator’s terms and the draw results for full, up-to-date information on payouts and how prizes are distributed.
What Are the Odds of Matching Lucky Stars?
Odds follow directly from the game's structure. With two Lucky Stars drawn from 12 numbers, the chance of matching both on a single line is 1 in 62. Matching only one Lucky Star while also matching various numbers from the main set has higher probability, but varies according to how many main numbers match.
The overall chance of matching five main numbers plus both Lucky Stars — the jackpot combination — is 1 in 139,838,160. Each prize tier has its own fixed odds based on the combination of main numbers and Lucky Stars required. These probabilities are uniform for all participants and cannot be changed by any strategy.
Are There Common Myths About Lucky Stars?
A few persistent myths surround Lucky Stars. One is that some Lucky Star numbers are more likely to appear than others; in fact, each draw treats every Lucky Star number equally. Another is that past draws influence future outcomes; each draw is an independent event with no carry-over effect from earlier results.
Some players use date-based selections or repeated combinations thinking they improve outcomes. While these choices may make tickets feel more personal, they do not alter the mathematical odds. Knowing this helps set realistic expectations about the game and keeps play grounded. Ahead, a brief summary pulls the essentials together.
Summary: Key Points to Remember
Lucky Stars are the separate pair of numbers (1–12) that combine with the five main numbers to define EuroMillions prize tiers. Every line must include two different Lucky Stars, and matching both with all five main numbers is the only route to the jackpot.
Prizes and odds are fixed by the game’s format: matching more numbers, including Lucky Stars, places a ticket into higher tiers, and every prize tier has specific odds. No method changes these probabilities, so entries should be made with clear expectations and within personal limits.
If you feel like taking part, remember the two Lucky Stars are part of every entry — choose them as you would any other numbers and play in a way that suits you.
**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.