Eurojackpot vs. EuroMillions — The Ultimate Comparison 2026

The Direct Comparison

Eurojackpot and EuroMillions are the two major European lotteries — and are often confused. Both use the same basic principle (5 main numbers + 2 supplementary numbers), but differ in crucial details. Here is the complete comparison.

Comparison Table

At first glance, the lotteries appear almost identical — 5 from 50 plus 2 supplementary numbers from 12, same draw days. The differences lie in the details.

Jackpot Odds in Detail

The biggest difference concerns the jackpot probability. For Eurojackpot it is 1:95,344,200, for EuroMillions it is 1:139,838,160. This is an enormous difference: the Eurojackpot odds are roughly 46% better.

Where does the difference come from when both lotteries draw 5 from 50 + 2 from 12? The answer lies in the different calculation methods. With EuroMillions, the Star numbers are drawn from a separate pool, resulting in a different combinatorial basis. The officially communicated jackpot odds from the respective organisers differ — and Eurojackpot clearly has the advantage here.

Overall Odds

Interestingly, the picture reverses when it comes to overall odds:

• Eurojackpot: ~1:26 (chance of winning any prize)
• EuroMillions: ~1:13 (chance of winning any prize)

With EuroMillions, you win twice as often — though the minimum prizes in the lower tiers are often only 2-4 euros. With Eurojackpot, prizes typically start at 5-8 euros.

Jackpot Size and History

Maximum Jackpot

• Eurojackpot: 120M euros (since 2022, previously 90M euros)
• EuroMillions: 250M euros (since 2022, previously 220M euros)

EuroMillions offers the more than double the maximum jackpot. This is due to the larger player base and higher bet costs.

Largest Jackpots of All Time

EuroMillions — Top 5

Eurojackpot — Top 5

The EuroMillions jackpot regularly reaches 200+ million euros, while the Eurojackpot is capped by the 120M limit. In return, Eurojackpot has more frequent mandatory payouts — and thus guaranteed winners.

Jackpot Behaviour

Both lotteries use a jackpot cap with mandatory payout. The difference:

• Eurojackpot: Reaches the 120M limit relatively often (several times per year)
• EuroMillions: Reaches the 250M limit less frequently; jackpots often remain at high amounts for weeks

Costs and Prize Distribution

Bet Costs

• Eurojackpot: 2.00 euros per bet (in Germany, uniform)
• EuroMillions: 2.50 euros per bet (in most countries, varies slightly)

Annualised (2 draws/week, 1 bet each):

• Eurojackpot: 52 x 2 x 2 euros = 208 euros/year
• EuroMillions: 52 x 2 x 2.50 euros = 260 euros/year

Payout Ratio

Both lotteries pay out approximately 50% of revenues as prizes. The remainder goes to administration, commissions, and charitable purposes. The exact ratio fluctuates depending on jackpot size and player turnout.

Prize Tier Comparison

Eurojackpot has 12 prize tiers, EuroMillions has 13. The structure is similar but not identical:

EuroMillions has an additional 13th tier (2 correct + 0 Star numbers), which pays a fixed prize of 4 euros. This explains the better overall odds of 1:13.

Participating Countries

Eurojackpot (18 countries)

Germany, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Iceland.

EuroMillions (13 countries)

France, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, and four additional countries (Andorra, Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey participate through British or French licences).

Noteworthy: Germany participates only in Eurojackpot, not in EuroMillions. Austria, Spain, and Switzerland participate in EuroMillions. Those in Germany who wish to play EuroMillions must go through online secondary lotteries — where you don't play the official lottery, but rather bet on its results.

Special Features

Eurojackpot

• Mandatory payout at 120M euros — guarantees winners
• Super Jackpot from 90M euros (marketing term)
• Second weekly draw since March 2022

EuroMillions

• Super Draw: Special draws with a guaranteed jackpot of 130M euros (several times per year)
• Event Draw: Special marketing events with increased jackpots
• Millionaire Maker / My Million: Additional prize draws depending on the country (e.g., in France, an additional millionaire is selected by lottery code at every draw)
• Star Prize: In the United Kingdom, there is an additional fixed prize of 1 million pounds

Which Lottery Is Better for Whom?

Eurojackpot is better if you...

• play in Germany — it is the available major European lottery
• prefer better jackpot odds (1:95M vs. 1:140M)
• want more frequent jackpot payouts (the 120M limit is reached more often)
• want cheaper bets (2 euros vs. 2.50 euros)
• have realistic jackpot expectations (max. 120M euros)

EuroMillions is better if you...

• aim for the largest possible jackpot (up to 250M euros)
• want to win small prizes more frequently (overall odds 1:13)
• live in a EuroMillions participating country (Austria, Switzerland, Spain, etc.)
• value additional features (Millionaire Maker, Super Draws)

The Verdict

Both lotteries are reputable, state-regulated, and offer life-changing jackpots. Eurojackpot scores with the better jackpot odds and the cheaper bet, EuroMillions with the higher maximum jackpot and the better overall odds.

For players in Germany, the choice is essentially made: Eurojackpot is the only officially available major European lottery. And with a 46% better jackpot odds compared to EuroMillions, that's no disadvantage.

Current payouts and results can be found on our payouts page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play EuroMillions from Germany?

Officially, no. Germany is not a EuroMillions participating country. There are online secondary lotteries that offer bets on EuroMillions results — however, these are not official lotteries and are subject to different regulations. Eurojackpot is the official European lottery for German players.

Which lottery has better winning odds?

It depends on your perspective. Eurojackpot has the better jackpot odds (1:95M vs. 1:140M). EuroMillions has the better overall odds (1:13 vs. 1:26). If you're hoping for the big win, Eurojackpot is the better choice; if you want frequent small wins, EuroMillions.

Why is the EuroMillions jackpot so much higher?

EuroMillions has a higher jackpot cap (250M euros vs. 120M euros), worse jackpot odds (jackpots grow longer because they are hit less frequently), and higher bet costs (2.50 euros vs. 2 euros). The combination of these factors leads to significantly higher jackpots.

Are winnings taxed the same for both lotteries?

In Germany, lottery winnings are generally tax-free — regardless of whether it's Eurojackpot or another lottery. In other countries, however, taxes may apply. For EuroMillions winnings, the tax rules of the respective participating country apply.

Responsible Gaming

Whether Eurojackpot or EuroMillions — both lotteries are entertainment products with a negative expected value. Only play with amounts you can afford to lose.

If you need help, contact the German Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA):

• Phone: 0800 1 37 27 00 (free of charge)
• Website: www.bzga.de