What You Need To Do After Winning EuroMillions

If you check your EuroMillions ticket and see matching numbers, it’s natural to wonder what happens next. There are a few formal steps to go through—from confirming the result and making a claim, to receiving payment, deciding whether to share the news, and understanding how tax rules might apply in the UK.

This post breaks down each stage clearly, with straightforward information to help you understand how the process works.

Read on to learn more.

What Happens When You Win The EuroMillions?

If you have a winning ticket, a formal process begins. The relevant checks are carried out, and the win is verified before anything else takes place.

If the ticket was purchased in person, it should be signed and stored securely. With online entries, the person linked to the account is usually informed digitally. Whichever way the ticket was bought, expect a series of confirmations to follow. These include some paperwork and a few essential checks to confirm identity.

It’s often best to take a moment before taking any further steps. Many people hold off from announcing the news too widely, especially online, until things are clearer. You might also encounter misleading messages—genuine operators will not ask for fees or contact you outside official channels.

Once the win is confirmed and things begin to feel more real, the next step is formally claiming the prize.

How Do You Claim Your EuroMillions Jackpot?

How a claim is made depends on where the ticket was bought, but the overall process focuses on verifying the winner and arranging payment appropriately.

For tickets bought in-store, the priority is keeping the paper ticket in good condition and contacting the National Lottery directly. For digital purchases, the account holder is guided through the steps. Large sums are not handed over immediately; the claim moves through a dedicated process managed by the operator.

At this point, a few more formalities appear—such as confirming identity and address, possibly in person. Claims must be made within 180 days of the relevant draw. If the original ticket has been misplaced or damaged, it’s still worth contacting the operator quickly to see what can be done.

Earlier, we touched on tickets bought as part of a group. Here, the operator will explain how the prize can be divided and what paperwork is needed for everyone involved.

With everything in order, attention then shifts to how the funds are delivered.

What Are the Payment Options for EuroMillions Winners?

Earlier, it was mentioned that prizes aren’t handed out immediately. Here’s how the funds are actually transferred.

In the UK, EuroMillions jackpots are paid out as a one-off amount in pounds sterling. There are no instalments or ongoing disbursements. Once all necessary checks are done, the total is deposited directly into a bank account.

For more modest wins, funds may appear automatically in an online wallet or be paid into a designated account. When it’s a larger amount, the operator works with your bank to arrange the transfer correctly. Sometimes, banks carry out their own checks, which can be eased by speaking to a named contact at the branch.

Some winners prefer to open a new account specifically to receive the money, then decide from there how to manage it.

At this stage, some people start to consider external advice. Support from financial professionals can offer structure, particularly when planning out immediate priorities versus future goals.

With the prize received, the next area people usually turn their minds to is whether to keep things quiet or tell others.

Do You Have to Go Public If You Win the EuroMillions?

If you win the top EuroMillions prize, there is no requirement to reveal your identity. Whether or not to go public is entirely up to the winner, and this is discussed as part of the claims process.

Choosing not to go public means the operator withholds personal details and does not confirm the winner’s identity. Some find this approach helps maintain daily routines and reduces outside attention. Others choose to share their story more openly, in which case some basic information—such as name, prize amount, and a few details—might be published.

For those who do speak publicly, there is support from the operator to help manage media requests and guide how the story is shared.

As mentioned earlier, many winners tell only a small number of people at first. The decision doesn’t have to be made immediately—it’s fine to take time to weigh it up.

Once publicity is settled, there’s another practical area that often comes up: what effect, if any, this all has on tax.

What Taxes Apply to EuroMillions Winnings in the UK?

EuroMillions winnings in the UK are not subject to tax. The full advertised amount is paid out, without deductions for income tax or similar charges.

However, what you do with the money afterwards could have tax implications. For example, interest earned from savings, profits from investments, rental income, and dividends may be taxable under standard UK rules. Purchasing property may involve Stamp Duty Land Tax, and gifts made to family or friends could affect inheritance tax if the giver passes away within a certain period. Allowances and exemptions may reduce any amounts due, depending on individual circumstances.

Because tax situations vary, many winners choose to speak with a financial adviser or tax specialist. These experts can help set up accounts correctly, navigate tax rules, and assist with planning based on your personal situation.

If you choose to take part in a EuroMillions draw, always do so with responsible gambling practices in mind and never wager more than you are willing to lose.