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

Since 2022, there has been no difference in the jackpot probability: for both lotteries it is 1:139,838,160. This follows directly from the identical number format — C(50,5) × C(12,2) = 2,118,760 × 66 = 139,838,160.

Until March 24, 2022, Eurojackpot still drew its Euro numbers from 10 rather than 12. Back then its jackpot odds were 1:95,344,200 (2,118,760 × 45). Since the switch on March 25, 2022, both lotteries follow the same format — EuroMillions has drawn its Star numbers from 12 since 2016. Older comparisons that credit Eurojackpot with better jackpot odds are therefore outdated.

Overall Odds

There is a real difference in the overall odds:

• Eurojackpot: ~1:32 (chance of winning any prize)
• EuroMillions: ~1:13 (chance of winning any prize)

With EuroMillions, you win roughly 2.5 times as often — though the minimum prizes in the lower tiers are often only 2-4 euros. With Eurojackpot, the theoretical average payout of the lowest tier is 10 euros according to LOTTO Berlin.

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
• 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. On jackpot odds, both have been level since 2022 (1:139,838,160). Eurojackpot scores with 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. Since the jackpot odds are the same for both lotteries, this is no disadvantage on that point.

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?

Since 2022, both have had the same jackpot odds (1:139,838,160 each). EuroMillions has the better overall odds (1:13 vs. 1:32), because 2 correct numbers without a Star number form an additional 13th prize tier. So the choice makes no difference to the chance of the main prize, but it does to how often small prizes are won.

Why is the EuroMillions jackpot so much higher?

EuroMillions has a higher jackpot cap (250M euros vs. 120M euros) and higher bet costs (2.50 euros vs. 2 euros). The combination of these factors leads to significantly higher jackpots. It is not down to the jackpot odds per bet: since 2022, they have been the same for both lotteries (1:139,838,160).

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