The EuroMillions lottery, one of Europe’s most popular transnational lotteries, has created hundreds of overnight millionaires since its inception in 2004, and another UK ticket-holder has been added to the list following Tuesday night’s £177 million jackpot win.
While luck knows no borders, some nations seem to be especially blessed when it comes to claiming these life-changing jackpots.
The team at Lottomart has offered a compelling national breakdown of the all-time 579 jackpot winners in the history of the EuroMillions, alongside the most overdue numbers since September 2016, where the most recent format change occurred seeing the Lucky Star ball pool expand from 11 to 12.
France and the UK shared the title of luckiest EuroMillions nations, both boasting 129 jackpot winners before Tuesday night’s draw; as two of the founding members of the EuroMillions lottery, their dominance may not be surprising. However, a UK ticket-holder from Tuesday night’s draw has matched all numbers to win the £177 million jackpot and edged the UK to claim the title of “The Luckiest EuroMillions Jackpot Nation.”
Both countries benefit from a large pool of players and a long-standing tradition of participation in the draw. Whether it’s luck, sheer probability, or a mix of both, these two nations are neck and neck.
Table by Lottomart via Datawrapper
Hot on their heels is Spain, with 121 jackpot winners, representing 20.9% of the total. Spain’s affinity for lotteries dates back centuries, and its enduring enthusiasm for EuroMillions is no exception. Spaniards often band together in syndicates, aiming to boost their chances of securing a share of the prize.
Portugal punches well above its weight in the EuroMillions landscape, with 86 jackpot winners accounting for 14.85% of the total. Considering its smaller population compared to France, the UK, and Spain, Portugal’s impressive showing underscores its remarkable streak of lottery fortune.
Belgium has seen 44 jackpot winners (7.6%) and Switzerland follows with 26 (4.49%). While they don’t boast the highest numbers, their consistent presence in the winners’ circle showcases the broad appeal and reach of EuroMillions across the continent.
Austria and Ireland have amassed 20 (3.45%) and 19 (3.28%) winners, respectively. Despite their modest tallies, on December 8, 2023, a record-breaking €240 million (£206,064,000) EuroMillions jackpot was won by a single ticket sold in Austria. Few details about the winner were disclosed, but Austrian Lotteries revealed that the lucky player had entered the draw with 20 lines, and the final one matched the jackpot-winning combination.
At the bottom of the list is Luxembourg, with just four jackpot winners, making up only 0.7% of the total. However, for a nation of just over 600,000 people, even a single win is a significant feat.
A spokesperson of Lottomart said: “Although the UK and France closely lead the list with the most jackpot winners, “luck” in the EuroMillions is ultimately a matter of perspective.
“Smaller nations like Portugal and Ireland often defy expectations, while countries like Spain bring their own unique lottery traditions to the game.”
Feature image by ChiniGaray on Pixabay
