If you have ever bought a EuroMillions ticket and wondered what two Lucky Stars actually mean, you are not alone. With several prize levels, it is not always obvious what each match is worth.
Understanding how the prize tiers work helps you know where two Lucky Stars sit and what that could return. It also makes it easier to see how the different combinations compare.
Below, you will find clear explanations of each tier, what happens when you match only the Lucky Stars, and how prizes are worked out for UK players.
What Happens If I Match Only 2 Lucky Stars?
In EuroMillions, you choose five main numbers and two Lucky Stars. The Stars come from a separate pool and create their own prize tier when matched on their own.
If your line has both Lucky Stars and none of the main numbers, that still counts as a win. It is the lowest tier on the grid, often called Match 2 Lucky Stars. This tier exists as a standalone award, so it does not move you closer to the larger prizes that require main numbers as well.
Think of it as a small return that recognises you have matched the two Stars, with higher tiers building up as main numbers are added to the mix.
How Much Do You Win For 2 Lucky Stars?
Matching just the two Lucky Stars usually pays a modest cash amount. It is not fixed, because EuroMillions prize values are calculated after each draw. The final figure depends on ticket sales and how many other players land the same result.
As a guide, this tier often pays around £3 to £5, sometimes a touch outside that range if the number of winners is unusually high or low. On busy draws with many winners, the share per ticket tends to dip. When fewer people match the two Stars, it can edge up.
If you played online, any winnings are credited to your account once results are confirmed. If you bought a paper ticket, smaller prizes can be paid by an authorised retailer, with higher amounts handled through the official claims process.
Curious how that sits alongside the rest of the game? It helps to see where the two-Star tier fits within the full list of prizes.
EuroMillions Prize Tiers Explained
EuroMillions has 13 prize tiers. At the top sits the jackpot, awarded only when a ticket matches all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars. That is the maximum available for that draw.
Below the jackpot, prizes step down through combinations such as five main numbers plus one Lucky Star, five main numbers only, or four main numbers plus the Stars. The lower end of the table includes results like three main numbers, two main numbers plus a Star, and finally the two-Star-only tier.
Each tier has a typical payout range, but amounts change from draw to draw because the prize fund is shared among winners in that category. More winners in a tier usually means a smaller share per ticket.
With the tiers in mind, the next question is how often a two-Star-only match tends to occur.
What Are The Odds Of Matching 2 Lucky Stars?
The Lucky Stars are chosen from numbers 1 to 12, and two are drawn each game. You win in this tier when both of your Stars match those drawn, regardless of your main numbers.
The odds of matching exactly two Lucky Stars and no main numbers are 1 in 22 for each line entered. That is one of the more frequently hit results compared to higher tiers, but as with all outcomes, it remains uncertain and is based on random draws.
Those odds link closely to how the prize fund is split, because the number of winners in a tier affects the share each person receives.
How Are Prizes Calculated And Shared?
EuroMillions prize money comes from ticket sales across all participating countries. A portion of those sales forms the prize fund for that draw.
Once the draw is complete, the fund is divided between the 13 tiers using set percentages. Higher tiers receive larger slices, lower tiers receive smaller ones. If several players win in the same tier, that tier’s pot is shared equally among them.
Because sales and the number of winners vary, the exact value of each prize is only finalised after the draw closes. That is why amounts can move from one game to the next, even when you match the same combination.
With prizes settled on the night, the last piece is simply finding out if your numbers are a match.
How To Check If You Have Won For 2 Lucky Stars
Results are posted every Tuesday and Friday night on official National Lottery channels, including the website, app and broadcast summaries. You can compare your two Lucky Stars with the draw, and remember that no main numbers are required to qualify for this specific tier.
Online players usually see any win appear in their account once results are confirmed. Paper tickets can be checked and paid at authorised retailers within their payout limits, and many shops can scan a ticket to confirm whether it has won.
EuroMillions tickets expire 180 days after the draw date in the UK, so it is worth checking promptly. If in doubt, a retailer can help verify a result.
If a win is on the card, the next consideration for many people is how tax works.
Are EuroMillions Winnings Taxable In The UK?
EuroMillions prizes are not taxed in the UK. Winnings are paid in full as a lump sum and treated as a windfall, so they do not form part of your Income Tax calculation. This applies to all prize levels, including smaller awards such as matching two Lucky Stars.
After you receive the money, normal financial rules apply to anything you do with it. Interest earned on savings may be taxable under standard UK allowances, and large gifts could have implications for Inheritance Tax depending on your circumstances. If you are unsure, it is sensible to speak with a qualified financial adviser.
If gambling is affecting you or someone close to you, free, confidential support is available at BeGambleAware.org or via the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Knowing how the tiers, odds and payouts work puts the two-Star result in context, so you can follow each draw with a clear picture of what a match could mean.
**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.