History of Euromillions and Its Biggest Prizes
Quick answer: EuroMillions started on 13 February 2004 with Spain, France and the United Kingdom, and is now played in 9 European countries. It is drawn on Tuesdays and Fridays, a bet costs €2.50 in Spain, and the jackpot has a minimum of €17 million and a cap of €250 million. In 2025 the jackpot reached that cap and was won several times (in Austria, Ireland and France).
Updated 25 September 2026 · By the Serviloto team, Lottery Office no. 40 in Málaga (Spain).
| Fact | EuroMillions |
|---|---|
| First draw | 13 February 2004 |
| Founding countries | Spain, France and the United Kingdom |
| Participating countries today | Spain, France, UK, Ireland, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria and Switzerland |
| Draw days | Tuesday and Friday |
| Price per bet in Spain | €2.50 |
| Minimum jackpot | €17 million |
| Maximum jackpot (cap) | €250 million |
| Odds of the jackpot | 1 in 139,838,160 |
Euromillions has become one of the most popular lottery games in Europe thanks to its massive jackpots and international participation.
The origins of Euromillions
The game was launched in 2004 by several European countries to offer larger prizes than traditional national lotteries.
Growing jackpots
Over the years, increasing participation and game developments have led to record-breaking jackpots.
Why is it so popular?
- Huge prizes.
- International participation.
- Regular draws.
- Multiple prize categories.
Frequently asked questions
When did EuroMillions start?
The first EuroMillions draw took place on 13 February 2004 in Paris, with Spain, France and the United Kingdom taking part.
Which countries play EuroMillions?
9 countries: Spain, France, the UK, Ireland, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria and Switzerland.
What is the biggest EuroMillions prize?
The maximum jackpot is €250 million, the game’s current cap. It was reached and won several times in 2025.
How many times a week is EuroMillions drawn?
Twice a week: on Tuesday and Friday evenings.
What happens when the EuroMillions jackpot reaches the cap?
If it reaches €250 million and nobody wins it, it stays at that amount and the excess money rolls down to the next prize tier.
Responsible play
Despite the excitement of large jackpots, Euromillions remains a game of chance and should always be played responsibly.
Conclusion
Euromillions has become a symbol of European lottery gaming, creating unforgettable stories and life-changing prizes across the continent.
Check the results: see the winning numbers and prizes of every draw on our EuroMillions results page.
