Ever wondered what landing just 2 Lucky Stars on your EuroMillions ticket could actually mean for your wallet? You’re not alone—many players check the smaller prize tiers straight after a draw.
Whether you play regularly or are simply curious about how the prize system works, this guide explains what matching two Lucky Stars pays, how prizes are determined and what to expect when claiming winnings.
What Are Lucky Stars in EuroMillions?
In EuroMillions, Lucky Stars are the separate secondary numbers drawn alongside the five main numbers. Each ticket lets you pick five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Stars from 1 to 12; the draw selects five main numbers and two Lucky Stars.
These secondary numbers create additional prize categories. Several tiers require matching one or both Lucky Stars combined with main numbers, and some tiers award prizes even when only Lucky Stars are matched. This structure increases the number of possible winning combinations and gives more players a chance of a small return.
Understanding how Lucky Stars fit into the overall prize structure helps when looking at the specific payout for matching two of them, which is covered next.
How Does the Prize Structure Work for 2 Lucky Stars?
Matching just the two Lucky Stars, with no main numbers, falls into one of the lower prize tiers. The odds of this outcome are around 1 in 22, making it relatively frequent compared with the higher tiers, but the payout is modest by design.
Prizes for this tier are funded from the overall prize pool and are usually within a small, predictable range. Because the amount per winner is influenced by ticket sales and the number of winners in that category, individual payouts can vary slightly from draw to draw. In practice, variation tends to be minimal, and UK payouts for matching two Lucky Stars commonly sit in the low single‑figure range.
Next, the article looks at whether that payout is fixed or liable to change.
Is the Prize for 2 Lucky Stars Fixed or Can It Change?
The amount for matching two Lucky Stars is not strictly fixed. EuroMillions uses a pari‑mutuel system, so each tier’s funds are shared among winners in that category. If many players win the same tier, the amount per person can be towards the lower end of the usual range; if there are fewer winners, it may be slightly higher.
Because this tier is won frequently, however, the variation between draws is typically small. That means you can expect a modest, consistent payout rather than large swings. After this explanation of variability, the next section explains how to claim any winnings in the UK.
Claiming Your EuroMillions Winnings in the UK
How you claim depends on where you bought the ticket. Small prizes for matching two Lucky Stars can usually be collected at most retailers, often up to around £100; some retailers may pay more. Larger prizes require a visit to a Post Office or contact with the lottery operator to arrange a secure claim.
If the ticket was bought online or via the official app, modest prizes are generally paid automatically into your account. Higher sums are transferred to your bank account after identity checks. Any claim for a substantial prize will require proof of age and identity; only those aged 18 and over may buy tickets or claim winnings in the UK.
With the mechanics of claiming covered, the section that follows places matching two Lucky Stars in context by explaining other common prize tiers.
What Happens If You Match Only 2 Lucky Stars?
Matching only the two Lucky Stars does pay out, but it does not qualify for higher prize categories since those require main numbers too. This tier represents a small cash return for matching the secondary numbers alone and is confirmed by the official draw results before any payouts are made.
Payouts for this tier are typically modest and are handled according to the rules of the national lottery where the ticket was purchased. In some countries and through some operators, such small prizes can be paid out instantly at a retail outlet, while larger sums will require a claim through the national lottery office. The exact payment process and timescales can therefore vary depending on jurisdiction and operator.
Practical advice for winners is simple: check the confirmed numbers, follow the claim route appropriate to where you bought the ticket, and retain proof of purchase until any payment is finalised. Keep copies or photographs of the ticket and any correspondence, and be prepared to provide identification when claiming larger prizes. Also note that national rules on taxation and payment differ, so the amount received after any local tax or handling may vary.
If there is any uncertainty, the official lottery website for the country of purchase will have guidance on prize tiers, claim procedures and time limits for claiming prizes. The next section outlines the broader range of prizes you might encounter in EuroMillions.
Other Common Prize Tiers in EuroMillions
EuroMillions awards prizes across multiple tiers depending on how many main numbers and Lucky Stars are matched. Tiers extend from matching two main numbers, which yields a small prize, up to combinations that include three, four or five main numbers with one or two Lucky Stars, which attract larger sums.
Higher tiers generally involve matching at least one Lucky Star in combination with several main numbers; the jackpot itself requires all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars. Each tier’s payout is influenced by ticket sales and the number of winners, which is why many mid‑level prizes can vary from draw to draw.
This overview leads naturally into a practical point about the tax treatment of prizes for UK players.
Tax Rules for EuroMillions Winnings
Euromillions winnings in the UK are not taxed as income and are paid in full. That said, how a winner later uses those funds can create other tax obligations. For example, investments made with the prize could trigger capital gains tax depending on how assets perform, and gifts may have inheritance tax implications under certain circumstances.
Those considerations are separate from the lottery payout itself, so players who receive a larger sum often seek independent financial advice to plan how best to manage and protect their money.
Gambling is restricted to those aged 18 and over in the UK. Play within those rules and set personal limits before taking part.
**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.