Many people check a Euromillions ticket and wonder what matching 2 numbers, 1 number, or a Lucky Star actually means. If you are new to the draw, those results can be confusing at first glance.
Understanding how the main numbers and Lucky Stars work helps make sense of your ticket and keeps expectations realistic. It is not just about checking results, but knowing where each combination fits in the prize structure.
This guide explains what those matches mean, how to read a ticket line, the prize tier for 2 numbers and 1 Lucky Star, the odds, typical payouts, how rollovers come into play, and how small prizes are usually claimed in the UK.
Read on to learn more.
How Euromillions Numbers And Lucky Stars Work
Each line on a Euromillions ticket has two parts: five main numbers and two Lucky Stars. The main numbers are chosen from 1 to 50, and the Lucky Stars are chosen from 1 to 12.
In every draw, five main numbers and two Lucky Stars are selected. Prizes depend on how many of your chosen numbers match the numbers drawn. The more you match, the higher the prize tier. Matching all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars wins the jackpot; matching fewer numbers places the line in a lower tier.
There is no way to guarantee a particular result, and outcomes are always determined by the draw.
With that in place, what does it actually mean when your ticket shows 2 numbers, or 1 number and a Lucky Star?
What Does "2 Numbers, 1 Number & 1 Lucky Star" Mean?
In Euromillions, “2 numbers” means a line has matched two of the five main numbers drawn. “1 number & 1 Lucky Star” means a line has matched one main number and one of the two Lucky Stars.
These phrases simply describe how many of your selections line up with the draw. Each combination relates to its own prize tier. For instance, matching 2 main numbers sits in a lower category and may qualify for a small payout, while matching 1 main number and 1 Lucky Star is a different lower-tier category.
Matching only 1 main number without a Lucky Star does not qualify for a prize.
How To Read A Euromillions Ticket Line
Each ticket contains one or more lines, and every line is a separate entry. As noted earlier, each line includes five main numbers and two Lucky Stars. On printed tickets, the Lucky Stars are usually set apart; online and app entries display them clearly in a separate area.
To check a result, compare each line against the five main numbers and two Lucky Stars announced in the draw. The number of matches tells you which prize tier that line might fall into.
UK tickets also display a Millionaire Maker code. This is separate from the main game and offers an additional chance to win that does not affect the Euromillions prize tiers.
Once you know how to read a line, it is easier to see which tier applies to 2 numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Which Prize Tier Matches 2 Numbers And 1 Lucky Star?
Matching 2 main numbers and 1 Lucky Star places a line in a lower-tier prize category. At present, this is one of the more commonly reached tiers and generally pays a modest amount.
For this combination, the typical payout is around £3.60. Exact figures can vary slightly between draws, so it is always worth checking the official results for that specific night.
What Are The Odds Of Matching 2 Numbers And 1 Lucky Star?
The odds of matching exactly 2 main numbers and 1 Lucky Star are about 1 in 187 for each line entered. This figure comes from the number of possible combinations in the game and does not change from draw to draw.
Knowing the tier and the odds is one part of the picture. The next question most people have is how much this match usually pays.
How Much Is A Typical Payout For That Match?
As mentioned above, a line with 2 main numbers and 1 Lucky Star typically pays around £3.60. This amount can move a little depending on the number of winners that night and the prize pool available for the lower tiers.
These smaller prizes are designed to return a portion of the stake when a line meets one of the more achievable combinations. While amounts are usually similar from draw to draw, only the official breakdown confirms the exact figure for that result.
How Draws And Rollovers Affect Payouts For Small Wins
Euromillions prizes are split across tiers, with most of the prize fund going to the jackpot and higher categories. Smaller wins, such as 2 numbers and 1 Lucky Star, tend to be relatively steady because they draw from a portion of the fund set aside for the lower tiers.
When the jackpot rolls over, the extra funds mainly boost the top prize. Lower-tier payouts usually change very little as a result. That said, small variations can occur based on how many people win in the same tier on a given night.
For the most accurate figure, always check the official results and prize breakdown after each draw.
How To Claim Small Euromillions Prizes In The UK
Claiming small Euromillions prizes in the UK is usually straightforward. Most lower-tier wins come from matches like 2 main numbers or a mix of main numbers and Lucky Stars, and these are often modest amounts.
Tickets Bought In a Shop
If the ticket was bought in a shop, small prizes can typically be claimed in-store. Present the winning ticket to an authorised retailer, who will scan it and pay out in cash, subject to available funds and any in-store limits.
Tickets Bought Online or Through The App
For tickets bought online or via the official app, small prizes are usually paid directly into the player’s online National Lottery account. Winners are often notified by email, and funds appear automatically once the draw is validated.
What Information Do I Need To Claim?
For in-store claims, the original paper ticket is required and will be checked by the retailer. For online or app entries, make sure your National Lottery account details are current, as payments are sent to the linked account. On occasion, extra verification may be requested.
Always check the official National Lottery website for the latest claiming process and time limits. If you choose to take part, set sensible limits, and seek support if you ever feel your gambling is becoming a problem. Organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential help.
Understanding how 2 numbers, 1 number and 1 Lucky Star fit into Euromillions makes checking your ticket far clearer, from the tier and odds to typical payouts and how to claim.
**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.