EuroMillions draws create plenty of interest each week, with many players keen to find out what different number matches are worth. Some may pick up a ticket and wonder whether matching smaller combinations, like just two numbers or one number plus a Lucky Star, comes with any prize.
This blog post explains how EuroMillions pays out for these specific match types. It also outlines which prize tiers they sit in, typical prize amounts, and why payouts can change from draw to draw.
You will also find clear guidance on checking results, claiming smaller prizes in the UK, and answers to common questions about lower-tier EuroMillions wins.
How Much Does Matching 2 Numbers Pay?
For EuroMillions, matching 2 main numbers is one of the lower-tier prize categories. If a ticket has exactly 2 main numbers and no Lucky Stars, the usual prize is £2.50.
This amount matches the cost of a single EuroMillions line in the UK. It is the smallest cash prize on offer and is intended to return a modest sum for a basic match.
While EuroMillions prize funds can shift slightly between draws, the payout for matching 2 main numbers generally remains steady at this level.
Curious how the other small-match outcome compares? The next section covers 1 main number plus 1 Lucky Star.
How Much Does Matching 1 Number And 1 Lucky Star Pay?
Matching 1 main number plus 1 Lucky Star also qualifies for a lower-tier win.
At present, the usual prize for this outcome is £3.60. That sits just above the entry price per line and is one of the smaller fixed amounts in the game.
As with all published prize tables, values can be reviewed from time to time, so it is worth checking the official prize breakdown for the latest figures.
EuroMillions Prize Tiers And Where These Matches Fit
EuroMillions has multiple prize tiers based on how many main numbers and Lucky Stars are matched. The jackpot sits at the top for matching all 5 main numbers and both Lucky Stars, with payouts stepping down through the tiers as fewer numbers are matched.
Matching 2 main numbers and matching 1 main number plus 1 Lucky Star both fall into the lower tiers. These categories are designed to recognise small combinations without drawing from the larger portions of the prize fund.
As matches increase, prize tiers climb and potential payouts rise accordingly. That structure helps explain why the smallest wins are consistent and the largest are more variable.
What Are The Odds Of Matching 2 Numbers Or 1 Number And 1 Lucky Star?
Each prize tier has its own probability.
For exactly 2 main numbers, the chance per line is about 1 in 22.
For 1 main number and 1 Lucky Star, it is around 1 in 50.
These odds show that smaller prizes are more common than higher-tier wins, yet never guaranteed for any entry. With that in mind, it helps to understand how payouts are set in the first place.
Why Do Payouts Vary Between Draws?
EuroMillions prize amounts can move a little from draw to draw for several reasons.
Ticket sales influence the overall prize fund, so a busier draw can mean more money to distribute across the tiers. The number of winners in each category also matters. If many tickets land in the same tier, the share per winner can drop. From time to time, prize structures are reviewed or adjusted, which can also affect payouts.
For the smallest tiers, such as matching 2 main numbers, amounts are usually fixed and tend to stay the same, even when the wider prize fund shifts. Checking the official breakdown after each draw is the simplest way to see the precise figures for that night.
Typical Prize Ranges For Matching 2 Or 1+1
Lower-tier EuroMillions prizes cover both outcomes: 2 main numbers, and 1 main number plus 1 Lucky Star. In recent draws, the standard amounts have typically been £2.50 and £3.60 respectively. These have stayed consistent for UK players, though prize tables can be reviewed over time.
Example Prize Calculation For A Lower-Tier Win
Consider a single EuroMillions line costing £2.50. If it matches 2 main numbers, the usual payout is £2.50, effectively covering the entry cost for that line. If instead it matches 1 main number plus 1 Lucky Star, the typical return is £3.60.
These examples reflect current standard values and may be updated in future prize tables. Always check the official results and breakdown for the draw you entered.
How To Check EuroMillions Results And Confirm Your Ticket
To confirm whether a ticket has won, results are posted shortly after each draw on the official National Lottery website. The official app also displays the winning numbers and includes a checker, so tickets can be scanned using the barcode or numbers can be entered manually for confirmation.
Most authorised retailers can check a physical ticket at the till. The terminal prints a receipt to show whether the ticket has won and the amount due.
If you prefer a quick on-site check, use our results checker to compare your numbers against the latest draw and see any prize tier you might have hit.
How To Claim Lower-Tier EuroMillions Prizes In The UK
Claiming smaller EuroMillions prizes in the UK depends on how the entry was bought.
For tickets purchased in shops, prizes up to £500 are usually paid directly by most authorised retailers. For amounts above £500 and up to £50,000, claims can be handled at designated post offices or by contacting the National Lottery.
For online or app entries, winnings up to £50,000 are typically credited to the registered account once results are validated. Larger prizes involve additional verification steps, which are set out by the operator.
Keep physical tickets safe and note the 180-day claim period from the draw date, as claims submitted after that window cannot be paid.
Are EuroMillions Winnings Taxable In The UK?
EuroMillions prizes are not taxed in the UK, so the amount shown in the prize breakdown is what winners receive. If the winnings are later invested or given away, separate tax rules may apply to any returns or gifts. Anyone unsure about personal circumstances after a win might find it helpful to speak with a financial adviser.
Common Questions About Small EuroMillions Wins
Below are quick answers to questions that often come up around smaller EuroMillions payouts.
Do small EuroMillions prizes get taxed in the UK?
No. EuroMillions prizes are tax-free in the UK, and winners receive the full amount listed.
How are small prizes paid?
Shop-bought tickets are usually paid at the retailer for wins up to £500. For online entries, smaller wins are generally credited to the player’s account automatically.
Is matching 2 numbers considered a win?
Yes. Matching exactly 2 main numbers qualifies for a prize, typically £2.50 for UK tickets.
Can players claim small wins if they lose their ticket?
Physical tickets must be presented to claim in person, so lost tickets cannot be paid out. For online entries, prizes are linked to the registered account.
How long is there to claim a small EuroMillions win?
Prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date. After that, the right to the prize expires.
If you choose to take part, set sensible limits and keep play occasional. Support is available if needed, with organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offering free, confidential help.
Understanding where smaller prizes sit, how often they tend to occur, and how to claim them makes it easier to enjoy the game on your terms.
**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.