Eurojackpot Guide 2026 — Rules, Strategies & Winning Odds

The History of Eurojackpot

Eurojackpot is one of Europe's largest lotteries and was first drawn on 23 March 2012. What began as a joint project of 7 European countries now encompasses 18 participating nations — from Finland to Spain, from the Netherlands to Croatia.

The idea was simple: to create a lottery that could compete with the established EuroMillions and offer players across Europe the chance to win life-changing jackpots. The first jackpot was drawn on 23 March 2012 in Helsinki — and since then, Eurojackpot has grown into one of Europe's most popular lotteries.

Milestones

• 23 March 2012: First Eurojackpot draw in Helsinki
• October 2014: Euro number pool expanded from 1-8 to 1-10
• March 2022: Euro number pool expanded to 1-12, second weekly draw on Tuesdays introduced
• 2022: Maximum jackpot raised from 90 million to 120 million euros

How Eurojackpot Works

The Game Concept

In Eurojackpot, you select 5 main numbers from a pool of 1 to 50 and 2 Euro numbers from a pool of 1 to 12. To win the jackpot, all 7 numbers must be correct.

The Draw

The Eurojackpot draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday at 8:00 PM CET (9:00 PM local time) in Helsinki, Finland. It is organised by the Finnish lottery company Veikkaus. The draw is broadcast live on Finnish television (MTV3).

Results are typically available from 9:00 PM CET on our numbers page.

Entry Deadline

The entry deadline varies by country and provider. In Germany, the deadline is typically 6:30 PM on the day of the draw. Check the exact times with your provider.

The 12 Prize Tiers

Eurojackpot has 12 prize tiers — significantly more than many other lotteries. This means you can win with just a few correct numbers.

The overall odds of winning any prize are approximately 1:32 — statistically, about every 32nd bet wins something.

Detailed calculations can be found in our probability calculator.

Jackpot Rules

Starting Jackpot and Maximum

The Eurojackpot starts at 10 million euros. If the jackpot is not won in a draw, it rolls over — up to a maximum of 120 million euros.

Mandatory Payout

If the jackpot reaches the 120 million euro cap and is not won, a mandatory payout occurs: the jackpot amount is distributed to the next-lowest prize tier that has winners.

Super Jackpot

From 90 million euros onwards, it is referred to as a "Super Jackpot". During this phase, the number of players across all 18 participating countries increases significantly.

Statistical Strategies

Important note: Every Eurojackpot draw is an independent random event. No strategy can mathematically improve the odds of winning. However, the following approaches can help you make more deliberate choices and avoid common mistakes.

Strategy 1: Hot Numbers

Some players prefer numbers that have been drawn above average frequency in the past. The theory: minimal asymmetries in the draw mechanics could slightly favour certain numbers.

Our most frequent numbers analysis shows the current frequencies of all 50 main numbers and 12 Euro numbers.

Strategy 2: Cold Numbers

The counterpart to the hot strategy: it picks the numbers that have gone the longest without being drawn. This does not change your chance of winning — every draw is independent, and a long gap does not make a number more likely. Expecting such a number to be "next in line" is known as the Gambler's Fallacy.

The least frequent numbers statistics show which numbers have been absent the longest.

Strategy 3: Even Distribution

Instead of betting on extreme values, the even distribution strategy selects one number per tens group: one from 1-10, one from 11-20, one from 21-30, one from 31-40, and one from 41-50. This creates a balanced spread across the entire number pool.

Strategy 4: Anti-Pattern

Many players choose birthday numbers (1-31), geometric patterns on the play slip, or consecutive number sequences. The problem: if these numbers win, the jackpot must be shared with many other players.

The anti-pattern strategy deliberately avoids such typical patterns and favours numbers above 31. This doesn't change the odds of winning, but potentially increases the prize amount.

Strategy 5: Hybrid

Our Eurojackpot Generator combines multiple approaches: 30% frequency score, 30% score for the numbers that have gone longest without being drawn, and 40% anti-pattern score. The result: balanced numbers that consider both frequently drawn numbers and numbers not drawn for a long time while avoiding typical patterns. This does not change the odds of winning — every combination has the same probability in every draw.

Strategy 6: Quick Pick

Sometimes the simplest approach is the best: a purely random pick via cryptographic random number generator. Mathematically, every combination has exactly the same chance of winning — and a quick pick automatically avoids human patterns.

You can try all six strategies in our free Generator.

Eurojackpot vs. LOTTO 6aus49 vs. EuroMillions

Since 2022, the three major European lotteries have had the same jackpot odds (1:139,838,160 each). They differ mainly in jackpot size, draw days and number of prize classes.

Tip: Do you also play LOTTO 6aus49? Then visit our sister project lotto-zahlen-generator.de — with the same statistical approach for the German lottery.

System Bets

Full System

With a full system, you select more than the usual 5 main numbers or 2 Euro numbers. All possible combinations are automatically covered. Example: A full system with 6 main numbers generates 6 individual bets (C(6,5) = 6).

Partial System (VEW)

With a partial system, only a selection of all possible combinations is played. The advantage: significantly lower costs. The disadvantage: not all winning combinations are covered.

Costs

Costs increase exponentially with system size:

Understanding Euro Numbers

The Euro numbers are the key to the jackpot. While the main numbers are drawn as 5 from 50, the Euro numbers come from a separate pool of 1 to 12.

Historical Changes

The Euro number pool has been expanded twice:

• 2012-2014: 2 from 8 (low variety)
• 2014-2022: 2 from 10 (medium variety)
• Since 2022: 2 from 12 (current rules)

The expansions of the pool have reduced the jackpot odds (from ~1:59M via ~1:95M to ~1:140M today), but have simultaneously led to higher jackpots, as the jackpot is hit less frequently.

Detailed Euro number statistics can be found in our Euro numbers analysis.

7 Eurojackpot Myths Debunked

Myth 1: "Certain numbers are due"

False. Every draw is an independent random event. The balls have no memory. If the number 7 hasn't been drawn in 20 draws, its probability in the next draw is exactly the same as any other number.

Myth 2: "Consecutive numbers are never drawn"

False. In over 40% of all Eurojackpot draws, at least one pair of consecutive numbers appears. Our statistics confirm this.

Myth 3: "Even and odd numbers are evenly distributed"

Approximately correct, but not perfectly. The distribution of even and odd numbers fluctuates from draw to draw. Our even/odd analysis shows the actual distribution.

Myth 4: "You should always play the same numbers"

Mathematically irrelevant. Whether you play the same numbers every week or choose new ones — the odds per draw are identical. The only advantage of consistent numbers: you avoid the feeling of having "missed" your numbers.

Myth 5: "Eurojackpot is easier to win than LOTTO 6aus49"

No longer true since 2022. Since March 25, 2022, the jackpot odds have been exactly the same for both lotteries: 1:139,838,160. For Eurojackpot they result from 5 from 50 + 2 from 12 (2,118,760 × 66), for LOTTO 6aus49 from 6 from 49 + Superzahl 0–9 (13,983,816 × 10). Until March 2022 (2 Euro numbers from 10), the Eurojackpot odds were still 1:95.3M.

Myth 6: "Online bets have worse odds"

False. Whether you submit your bet slip at a retail outlet or online — the odds are exactly identical.

Myth 7: "Lottery winnings are tax-free"

In Germany: Yes, generally correct. Lottery winnings are not subject to income tax in Germany. However, taxes may apply to the returns generated from the winnings (e.g., interest on the prize money). Different regulations may apply in other Eurojackpot countries.

Responsible Gaming

Eurojackpot is an entertainment product — not a path to quick riches. Please keep in mind:

• Only wager money you can afford to lose
• Set a budget and stick to it
• Do not play under the influence of alcohol or emotional stress
• Lotteries are not an investment — the expected return is negative

If you feel that your gambling behaviour is becoming problematic, contact the German Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA):

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Eurojackpot bet cost?

A single Eurojackpot bet costs 2.00 euros in Germany plus a processing fee that varies by provider (typically 0.20-0.60 euros). You can also place multiple bets per play slip or use system bets.

What are the odds of winning the jackpot?

The odds of winning the Eurojackpot jackpot (5 correct + 2 Euro numbers) are 1:139,838,160. Since 2022, this has been exactly the same as for LOTTO 6aus49 with Superzahl and for EuroMillions.

When is the next draw?

Eurojackpot is drawn every Tuesday and Friday at 8:00 PM CET in Helsinki. You can find the exact countdown on our draw page.

Can I play Eurojackpot from Germany?

Yes. Germany is one of the 18 participating countries. You can play Eurojackpot at any official lottery retail outlet or through licensed online providers.

What happens if nobody wins the jackpot?

The jackpot rolls over to the next draw and continues to grow — up to the maximum of 120 million euros. If it still isn't won at that point, the amount is distributed to the next-lowest prize tier with winners (mandatory payout).

How long do I have to claim my winnings?

In Germany, you generally have 13 weeks (3 months) after the draw to claim your winnings. The exact deadline may vary by federal state. Online winnings are often automatically credited to your player account.