EuroMillions is one of the most popular and exciting lottery games in Europe, offering players the chance to win life-changing amounts of money. The EuroMillions game involves selecting five main numbers and two Lucky Star numbers, and the prize amounts vary based on how many numbers match the ones drawn. While many players dream of hitting the jackpot, the odds of matching just three numbers might seem more achievable to some. In this article, we will explore the odds of winning with three numbers in EuroMillions, how the prize structure works, and what factors influence your chances of winning.
What is EuroMillions?
EuroMillions is a transnational lottery that involves players from several countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. Each player selects five main numbers from a pool of 50 numbers and two Lucky Stars from a separate pool of 12 numbers. The draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening, with players eagerly anticipating the outcome to see if they’ve won one of the many prizes on offer.
While most players focus on hitting the jackpot, which requires matching all five numbers plus two Lucky Stars, smaller prizes are also up for grabs. One of the most common questions asked by EuroMillions participants is: what are the odds of winning by matching three numbers?
How Does the EuroMillions Draw Work?
Before diving into the odds, it’s important to understand the basic mechanics of the EuroMillions game.
Main Numbers: Players choose five main numbers from 1 to 50.
Lucky Stars: Players select two additional numbers, called Lucky Stars, from a pool of 1 to 12.
During each EuroMillions draw, five main numbers and two Lucky Stars are drawn at random. To win, a player must match at least some of the numbers they’ve chosen to the numbers drawn. The more numbers you match, the bigger the prize you win.
The Prize Structure in EuroMillions
EuroMillions offers 13 different prize tiers, with prizes ranging from a small amount for matching just two numbers to the massive jackpot for matching all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars. The prize tiers are as follows:
- Jackpot: Match all five numbers and both Lucky Stars.
- 2nd Prize: Match five numbers and one Lucky Star.
- 3rd Prize: Match five numbers.
- 4th Prize: Match four numbers and two Lucky Stars.
- 5th Prize: Match four numbers and one Lucky Star.
- 6th Prize: Match four numbers.
- 7th Prize: Match three numbers and two Lucky Stars.
- 8th Prize: Match three numbers and one Lucky Star.
- 9th Prize: Match three numbers.
- 10th Prize: Match two numbers and two Lucky Stars.
- 11th Prize: Match two numbers and one Lucky Star.
- 12th Prize: Match two numbers.
- 13th Prize: Match one number and two Lucky Stars.
While the jackpot requires matching all five numbers plus both Lucky Stars, a significant number of players win smaller prizes. One of the most frequent prize wins involves matching three numbers, which, though not a huge payout, still offers a reasonable return on your ticket price.
What Are the Odds of 3 Numbers on Euromillions?
Now, let’s address the key question: What are the odds of winning by matching three numbers in EuroMillions?
In EuroMillions, the odds of winning a prize depend on how many numbers you match and the specific prize tier you fall into. The odds of matching exactly three numbers (which is one of the middle-tier prizes) are relatively favorable when compared to the much longer odds of hitting the jackpot.
To calculate the odds of matching three numbers, we must consider the total number of combinations possible. EuroMillions involves selecting five main numbers from a pool of 50 and two Lucky Stars from a pool of 12.
The Odds of Matching Three Numbers Only
For the three-number match without any Lucky Stars, the odds are calculated as follows:
- Total combinations of main numbers: There are 50 numbers, and players select five. The number of combinations for choosing five numbers from 50 is calculated using a combination formula (50 choose 5), which results in 2,118,760 possible combinations.
- Total combinations of Lucky Stars: There are 12 Lucky Stars, and players select two. The number of combinations for the Lucky Stars is calculated using the combination formula (12 choose 2), which results in 66 possible combinations.
The odds of matching exactly three numbers in EuroMillions (with no Lucky Stars) are 1 in 1,413. This is relatively favorable compared to other prize tiers, making it one of the more common ways players win prizes in EuroMillions.
What Happens if You Match Three Numbers with One Lucky Star?
If you match three numbers plus one Lucky Star, the odds change slightly. Here, you are matching three of the five main numbers and one of the two Lucky Stars
What Happens if You Match Three Numbers with Two Lucky Stars?
Matching three numbers plus both Lucky Stars is a rare but valuable prize. The calculation here is as follows:
- Combinations of three numbers: As before, there are 10 ways to select three numbers from the five drawn.
- Combinations of both Lucky Stars: Since you need to match both Lucky Stars, there is only 1 possible combination here.
The odds of winning this prize are 1 in 329. Although it’s still a relatively rare outcome, the odds are more favorable than the odds of winning a jackpot or even hitting five numbers.
How Much Can You Win by Matching Three Numbers in EuroMillions?
The prize amount for matching three numbers in EuroMillions depends on the total prize pool for that particular draw and the number of winners. Typically, the prize for matching three numbers is relatively modest compared to the jackpot but still significant for many players.
- Match 3 Numbers Only: Typically, players who match exactly three numbers without any Lucky Stars win around €10 to €20, depending on the draw and the number of winners.
- Match 3 Numbers + 1 Lucky Star: This prize tier can range from €30 to €50.
- Match 3 Numbers + 2 Lucky Stars: This is a more lucrative prize tier, with payouts generally in the range of €150 to €250, depending on the specific draw.
Why Do the Odds Matter?
Understanding the odds of winning with three numbers is crucial for players who wish to manage their expectations. While matching three numbers is not a jackpot win, it is a relatively common outcome and offers a tangible reward. Knowing the odds can help you decide how much to invest in EuroMillions and how often to play based on the likelihood of winning.
Conclusion
EuroMillions offers a variety of ways to win, with prizes ranging from small wins for matching three numbers to life-changing jackpots for matching all five numbers plus both Lucky Stars. The odds of winning with three numbers are relatively favorable, especially compared to other prize tiers. While the payout for matching three numbers may not be as high as the jackpot, it still offers a rewarding experience for many players.
Understanding the odds and the prize structure is essential for players who wish to make informed decisions about how often to participate in EuroMillions and how much to wager. Whether you are aiming for the jackpot or hoping for a smaller win, EuroMillions provides numerous chances to win with different odds and prize possibilities.
