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26 July 2025

EuroMillions Jackpot Hits 119 Million With Winning Tips

Experts share strategies to boost your odds as the £119 million EuroMillions jackpot captivates hopeful players across the UK

On Friday, July 25, 2025, the EuroMillions jackpot soared to a staggering £119 million, capturing the imagination of millions across the UK and beyond. This massive prize, one of the biggest jackpots of the year, offered a life-changing opportunity for anyone lucky enough to pick the winning numbers. The draw, held at 8:45pm, followed the Thunderball game earlier that evening at 8pm, where £500,000 was up for grabs.

The winning EuroMillions numbers for the night were 6, 7, 23, 32, and 36, with Lucky Stars 11 and 12. Meanwhile, the Thunderball winning numbers were 24, 31, 35, 36, 39, and the Thunderball itself was 1. With tickets costing £2.50, each entry also included automatic participation in the UK Millionaire Maker draw, which guarantees new millionaires every week.

Allwyn, the operator of The National Lottery, emphasized the importance of supporting winners through what can be an overwhelming experience. Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, explained, “Everyone dreams of that huge win when they buy their National Lottery ticket - and for those lucky enough to experience it, we’re here to make sure it’s a positive and secure journey. From financial advice to emotional support, our role is to help winners take control of their new future with confidence.” This holistic approach ensures winners receive practical guidance and emotional support, helping them navigate their newfound fortune responsibly.

While the jackpot’s allure is undeniable, experts caution that winning is largely a matter of luck. Dr. David Hodge, a lecturer in statistics and data analytics at the University of Glasgow and a Royal Statistical Stats Ambassador since 2018, offered insights on how players might improve their chances of securing the entire jackpot without sharing it.

“Any prize could be theoretically shared, so you will want to be the only one who wins if you do win,” Dr. Hodge told The Sun. He advised players to avoid popular number patterns and “pick boring numbers” — those that don’t stand out and are less likely to be chosen by others. For example, while numbers like 21, 23, 42, 29, and 17 are frequently drawn and often perceived as lucky, they also tend to be picked by many players, increasing the likelihood of splitting the prize.

Instead, Dr. Hodge suggests choosing numbers with average draw rates, such as 37, 24, 13, and 32, each drawn around 90 to 91 times. “Pick the ones that look boring and that people won’t be interested in,” he added. This strategy doesn’t increase the odds of winning per se, but it may reduce the chance of sharing the jackpot if you do win.

Dr. Hodge also debunked the common myth of “overdue” numbers — those that haven’t appeared in recent draws and are assumed to be more likely to come up. “Past numbers have no effect on what’s going to happen in the future,” he said, cautioning players against picking least-drawn numbers like 40, 18, 43, 4, and 1 based on superstition.

Another common misconception is that quirky or patterned combinations, such as 1-2-3-4-5 or evenly spaced numbers like 5-10-15-20-25, make a ticket unique. Dr. Hodge warned that such sequences are often more popular than expected, as humans naturally gravitate toward patterns. “If you think something is a weird combination, it’s likely that other people will think it’s weird too,” he explained.

Given humans’ poor ability to pick truly random numbers, Dr. Hodge recommends the Lucky Dip option, where numbers are randomly generated by a computer. This not only avoids biased number choices but also prevents emotional attachment to specific numbers, which can cloud judgment.

For those looking to boost their chances without breaking the bank, joining a EuroMillions syndicate has become an increasingly popular option. Through platforms like Wowcher, players can join a 50-person syndicate for as little as £9, gaining access to 500 official EuroMillions lines and 500 Millionaires Raffle tickets. This collective approach increases the group’s odds of winning, although any prize is shared fairly among members.

Wowcher also offers a Set for Life syndicate deal for £7.50, providing 500 entries across Monday and Thursday draws. This game offers a steady income-style prize, giving players a different kind of financial security. Importantly, all tickets purchased support National Lottery-funded community projects across the UK, ensuring that playing also benefits wider society.

While the dream of winning millions is enticing, responsible gambling remains paramount. Experts urge players to set spending limits and only gamble with money they can afford to lose. For those seeking support, organizations like GambleAware and the National Gambling Helpline provide confidential advice and assistance.

Real-life stories highlight the transformative power of lottery wins. Ruth Breen, who won £1 million on EuroMillions in 2014, shared how the prize allowed her to reduce her working hours as a nurse and enjoy life more fully. “The win came at the most perfect time ever,” she said. Ruth used her winnings to indulge in luxury holidays to Dubai, St Lucia, and Mauritius, and even treated herself to a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, an experience she described as almost overwhelming.

The allure of the lottery is underscored by the staggering wealth accumulated by some winners. The top 10 richest EuroMillions jackpot recipients have collectively won over £1.6 billion, including an anonymous winner who claimed £195.7 million in July 2022, and Joe and Jess Thwaite, who took home £184.3 million in May 2022. These figures illustrate the extraordinary life changes that the lottery can bring, but also the rarity of such wins.

As the EuroMillions jackpot continues to capture imaginations, the blend of chance, strategy, and community play offers multiple ways for hopeful players to engage. Whether choosing “boring” numbers, opting for a Lucky Dip, or joining a syndicate, the key message remains clear: play responsibly, enjoy the thrill, and dream big — but always with your feet on the ground.