The excitement surrounding the EuroMillions lottery reached new heights on Friday, April 18, 2025, as the jackpot soared to an impressive £44 million. This life-changing sum is enough to transform the winner's lifestyle, providing opportunities for luxury and security. The draw took place at 21:00 in Paris, with results eagerly awaited by players across nine participating countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
To participate in the EuroMillions, players must select a minimum of five numbers from a range of 1 to 50 and two Lucky Stars from 1 to 12. Each ticket costs £2.50 and grants automatic entry into the UK Millionaire Maker, which guarantees that at least one player will win £1 million in every draw. This additional chance at winning adds to the excitement of the main draw.
For this particular draw, the winning numbers were announced as 20, 27, 35, 39, and 48, with Lucky Stars 3 and 8. Alongside these results, the Millionaire Maker Selection winner was identified as ZRKZ79394, ensuring that another UK player would become an overnight millionaire.
While hitting the jackpot requires matching all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars, there are several other ways to win smaller prizes. For instance, matching five numbers and one Lucky Star can earn a player £130,554, while matching five numbers alone secures a prize of £13,561. With such attractive prize tiers, the EuroMillions continues to captivate players.
The draw is held every Tuesday and Friday, and tickets can be purchased until 20:30 at physical locations or until 19:00 online on the day of the draw. The anticipation builds as players await the results, hoping to strike it rich.
In addition to the EuroMillions draw, the Thunderball draw also took place that evening, offering a £500,000 top prize. The winning Thunderball numbers were 1, 13, 15, 24, and 36, with the Thunderball being 14. This adds another layer of excitement for those participating in multiple lottery games.
As the EuroMillions jackpot can rise to a staggering €190 million (approximately £167 million), players are drawn to the potential for life-altering wins. The minimum jackpot is set at £17 million, ensuring that even if no one wins the top prize, the amount continues to grow until it reaches its maximum limit. If the jackpot exceeds £250 million, any excess funds are allocated to the second-tier prizes.
Tax implications are also a consideration for winners, as a 20% tax is applied to lottery winnings exceeding £40,000. This means that while a player might win a large sum, they should be prepared for a portion of their winnings to go to taxes.
For many, the dream of winning the EuroMillions is just that—a dream. However, experts advise that should one find themselves in the fortunate position of winning, it is crucial to remain calm and plan wisely. Taking time to consider how to invest the prize for long-term benefits can lead to a more secure financial future.
The allure of the EuroMillions lottery has grown since its inception on February 7, 2004, when it was launched by three organizations: France's Française des Jeux, Loterías y Apuestas del Estado in Spain, and Camelot in the UK. Over the years, the lottery has produced some of the largest wins in history, including a record-breaking £1.308 billion Powerball win in the US in January 2016.
In the UK, significant EuroMillions wins have included a £175 million jackpot on December 4, 2020, and an anonymous winner who claimed £170,221,000 on October 8, 2019. These staggering amounts illustrate the potential for life-changing fortunes that the EuroMillions offers.
As players eagerly check their tickets against the winning numbers, the atmosphere is charged with hope and anticipation. Will tonight's draw change someone's life forever? With the odds of winning any EuroMillions prize set at 1 in 13, many are willing to take the chance, dreaming of a future filled with possibilities.
Ultimately, the EuroMillions is not just a game of chance; it represents hope for a better life and the thrill of possibility. As players across Europe await the results, the excitement of the draw continues to unite them in their shared dreams of fortune.