EuroMillions is a transnational lottery that has captured the imagination of millions across Europe. Launched in 2004, it offers participants the chance to win substantial jackpots and numerous other prizes. This article provides an in-depth look at EuroMillions, focusing on its 9 participating countries, the game’s structure, and the various supplementary games available.
The 9 Participating Countries
EuroMillions is played across nine European countries, each bringing its unique flair to the game:
Austria: Known for its rich cultural heritage, Austria joined EuroMillions in 2004. Austrian players can also participate in the “Austrian Joker” game, offering additional chances to win.
Belgium: Belgium’s participation adds to the game’s diversity. Belgian players have access to the “My Bonus” game, where they can win extra prizes.
France: As one of the founding countries, France offers the “My Million” raffle, ensuring that every draw produces at least one millionaire. French players can also opt for the “Etoile+” option to enhance their prize opportunities.
Ireland: Irish players can enjoy the “EuroMillions Plus” draw, providing additional prizes, and the “Ireland Only Raffle,” which guarantees multiple winners in each draw.
Luxembourg: Despite its small size, Luxembourg contributes to EuroMillions with games like the “Luxembourg Joker” and “Extra Lux,” offering players unique ways to win.
Portugal: Portuguese participants can engage in the “M1lhão” game, which offers a substantial jackpot, and other supplementary draws that enhance the gaming experience.
Spain: Spain’s involvement introduces the “El Millón” raffle, ensuring that every draw includes a €1 million prize for Spanish players.
Switzerland: Swiss players can participate in the “Super-Star” game, offering significant prizes, and the “2 Chance” draw, providing additional opportunities to win.
United Kingdom: The UK offers the “Millionaire Maker” raffle, guaranteeing a millionaire in every draw, and the “HotPicks” game, where players can win by matching selected numbers.
How to Play EuroMillions
Playing EuroMillions is straightforward:
Selection: Choose five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Star numbers from 1 to 12.
Draws: Conducted every Tuesday and Friday night at approximately 21:05 CET in Paris.
Cost: A standard ticket costs €2.50, £2.50, or CHF3.50 per line played.
Jackpot: Starts at €17 million and can roll over up to €250 million.
Prize Tiers and Odds
EuroMillions offers 13 prize tiers, with the jackpot being the most coveted. The odds of winning any prize are 1 in 13, while the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 139,838,160.
Supplementary Games by Country
Each participating country offers additional games to enhance the EuroMillions experience:
Austria: Austrian Joker
For an additional €1.30 per line, Austrian players can participate in the “Austrian Joker,” where matching six randomly generated numbers in order can win up to €1 million.
Belgium: My Bonus
Belgian players can opt for “My Bonus” at no extra cost, where a random combination of three letters and six numbers is generated. Matching this combination wins €500, with 200 winners on Tuesdays and 400 on Fridays.
France: My Million and Etoile+
French participants automatically enter the “My Million” raffle with each EuroMillions ticket, guaranteeing a €1 million prize in every draw. For an additional €1 per line, the “Etoile+” option allows players to win by matching just the two Lucky Star numbers or to increase the value of other prizes.
Ireland: EuroMillions Plus and Ireland Only Raffle
For an extra €1 per line, Irish players can participate in “EuroMillions Plus,” where matching at least three numbers can win up to €500,000. Additionally, the “Ireland Only Raffle” is included in the ticket price, offering €5,000 prizes to ten winners per draw.
Luxembourg: Luxembourg Joker and Extra Lux
Luxembourg offers the “Luxembourg Joker” for €2 per line, where matching six numbers in order can win up to €500,000. The “Extra Lux” game is included in the main EuroMillions bet, offering up to €100,000 for matching five numbers.
Portugal: M1lhão
Portuguese players automatically participate in the “M1lhão” game with each EuroMillions ticket, offering a €1 million prize in every Friday draw.
Spain: El Millón
Spanish participants receive a random combination of three letters and five numbers with each EuroMillions ticket, entering them into the “El Millón” raffle, which offers a €1 million prize in every draw.
Switzerland: Super-Star and 2 Chance
Swiss players can add the “Super-Star” option for CHF2 per line, where matching a specific combination in order wins CHF250,000. The “2 Chance” game is included in the main EuroMillions bet, offering additional prizes for matching three to five numbers.
United Kingdom: Millionaire Maker and HotPicks
UK players automatically enter the “Millionaire Maker” raffle with each EuroMillions ticket, guaranteeing a £1 million prize in every draw. The “HotPicks” game allows players to select up to five numbers, with prizes awarded for matching the chosen numbers.
Special Draws
EuroMillions also features special draws, such as the “Big Friday of EuroMillions,” held two or three times a year, offering a guaranteed jackpot of €130 million. Additionally, the “Rain of Millions” draw involves all participating countries, with players receiving a combination of letters and numbers for each line played, offering multiple prizes.
Conclusion
EuroMillions stands as a testament to European collaboration, offering players across nine countries the chance to win life-changing prizes. With its straightforward gameplay, substantial jackpots, and a variety of supplementary games tailored to each country’s preferences, EuroMillions continues to be a favourite pastime for millions, uniting diverse cultures in the shared excitement of the lottery.
