EuroMillions Millionaire Maker Explained – How UK Winners Are Chosen
The EuroMillions Millionaire Maker is a familiar part of the UK’s lottery, creating at least one new millionaire with every draw. Yet many players are not quite sure how it works or what happens behind the scenes.
This guide covers the essentials: what the Millionaire Maker is, how codes are created, who gets an entry, how winners are selected, the odds, and how to claim. It also explains ID checks, timelines, payout methods, tax, and common myths.
Knowing the process helps set expectations and makes it easier to use official channels confidently and safely.
What Is The EuroMillions Millionaire Maker?
EuroMillions Millionaire Maker is a UK-only feature that comes with the main EuroMillions game. Every UK EuroMillions ticket automatically includes a unique Millionaire Maker code, issued at the point of purchase.
In each draw, one code is selected at random, and the matching ticket wins £1,000,000, subject to standard verification checks. From time to time, special events create multiple £1,000,000 winners in the same draw.
Results are published on the official National Lottery website and app. Players who buy online can also receive account or email notifications. For paper tickets, codes can be checked using the same official sources. An exact code match is required.
Curious where these codes come from and why each one is different? That is next.
Millionaire Maker Code Generation Process
For every EuroMillions ticket bought in the UK, a separate Millionaire Maker code is generated for that draw. It appears on the paper ticket or in the player’s online account and is used only for the Millionaire Maker element, not the main EuroMillions numbers.
Each code is created by the National Lottery system and is random. The usual format is four letters followed by five numbers, for example, HTRW12345. No two codes in the same draw are the same, which ensures every valid entry sits on equal footing in the selection.
Players cannot choose, change, or influence the code. If several tickets are purchased for the same draw, each will carry a different code.
With unique codes in place, the next question is how a single winner is picked from the pool.
Who Can Get A Millionaire Maker Entry?
Anyone who buys a valid EuroMillions ticket in the UK receives a Millionaire Maker code at no extra cost. One ticket equals one code per draw, so multiple tickets create multiple unique entries.
Players must be at least 18 years old and should buy tickets through official methods, whether in-store or online. The Millionaire Maker is UK-only, so tickets bought outside the UK do not include a code, even if they are for EuroMillions.
Once entries are in, the process moves to selection and matching.
How Are Millionaire Maker Winners Selected And Matched?
All valid codes for a given draw are entered into the National Lottery’s selection system. One code is then selected at random. The winning code must match a ticket or an online account entry for that specific draw to qualify for the £1,000,000 prize.
Special promotions can involve several codes being drawn using the same method. Every code has the same chance in that draw because each one is unique and only appears once.
Official results are published on the National Lottery website and app, and, as noted earlier, online players may also receive alerts. With selection understood, it is helpful to consider the odds attached to a single code.
What Are The Odds Of Winning A Millionaire Maker Prize?
The odds depend on how many entries are in that particular draw. For a typical Tuesday draw, one code has about a 1 in 4.27 million chance of winning. On Fridays, it is usually around 1 in 6.04 million, as there are often more entries. When special events add extra winners, the odds improve for that draw, but only for the additional prizes on offer.
Each code has an equal chance of being selected, and only an exact match results in a win. Understanding those odds sets expectations before looking at what happens if a claim needs to be made.
How Do Winners Claim Their Millionaire Maker Prize?
Claims are designed to confirm identity, protect winners, and ensure the right ticket is paid. The process differs slightly depending on how the ticket was bought.
Online players may be contacted through their National Lottery account or email, and will be guided through verification. Those with paper tickets should keep them safe and follow the instructions on the National Lottery website to start the claim. Support teams are available to help winners through each stage, from confirming the ticket to arranging payment.
Verification checks are standard and help safeguard both the winner and the prize.
What ID And Verification Documents Do Winners Need?
Winners are asked to provide proof of identity and other documents. This typically includes photo ID such as a passport or driving licence, proof of address like a utility bill or bank statement, and the winning ticket or relevant account details.
These checks ensure the prize goes to the correct person and protect against fraud. Keeping personal details up to date in an online account can make the process smoother.
Claim Timelines And Payout Methods
Winners have 180 days from the draw date to claim. Late claims are usually not accepted, so it is sensible to check tickets and codes promptly using official channels.
The collection process is guided by the National Lottery. Online winners receive instructions via their account, while in-store purchasers will be asked to contact the National Lottery and retain the original ticket. After verification is complete, the £1,000,000 Millionaire Maker prize is typically paid by bank transfer. Payments are made securely once all checks are finished.
Are Millionaire Maker Prizes Taxable In The UK?
EuroMillions Millionaire Maker prizes are not taxed in the UK, so the full £1,000,000 is paid to the winner. The National Lottery does not deduct any amount from the prize.
Any income generated from the winnings, such as interest earned after the payout, may be subject to tax under usual HMRC rules. Those with questions about their personal circumstances may wish to seek independent financial advice.
With the practicalities covered, it is worth clearing up a few misunderstandings that often circulate.
Are There Common Myths About Millionaire Maker?
Yes. A common claim is that certain codes are more likely to win. They are not. Each valid code has the same chance of being selected, and the systems used for code creation and selection are designed to be fair and are checked regularly.
Another myth is that buying a ticket in a particular place boosts the chance of winning. Location does not matter. All codes sit in the same draw.
Some suggest it is possible to predict or influence the winning code. It is not. The selection is random and secure.
It is also sometimes said that unclaimed prizes are passed to the next player. They are not. After 180 days, unclaimed prizes are generally allocated to National Lottery-funded projects across the UK.
If playing is right for you, keep it within a budget that suits your situation and use official tools to manage your play. If gambling is affecting your well-being or finances, support is available from organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.