Fact Check: Winning EuroMillions ticket has odds of 1 in 139,838,160!

Fact Check: "Winning EuroMillions ticket has odds of 1 in 139,838,160!"

What We Know

The claim that the odds of winning the EuroMillions jackpot are 1 in 139,838,160 is indeed a widely cited figure. The EuroMillions lottery requires players to select five main numbers from a pool of 1 to 50 and two Lucky Star numbers from a separate pool of 1 to 12. The odds of winning the jackpot, which involves correctly selecting all seven numbers, are calculated based on the combination of these selections. According to the official EuroMillions site, the odds of winning the jackpot are confirmed to be 1 in 139,838,160 (EuroMillions).

Analysis

While the claim is accurate in stating the odds of winning the EuroMillions jackpot, it is important to contextualize this information. The odds of 1 in 139,838,160 reflect a specific configuration of the game rules, which have changed over time. For instance, prior to September 2016, the odds were 1 in 117 million due to a different number of Lucky Stars available (EuroMillions).

The source of this claim, the EuroMillions lottery itself, is a reliable authority on the matter, as it provides official information regarding the game and its odds. However, it is also crucial to note that while the odds of winning the jackpot are indeed 1 in 139,838,160, this does not account for other prize tiers in the EuroMillions game, which have significantly better odds (EuroMillions).

Furthermore, the claim does not specify that these odds apply only to the jackpot and may mislead individuals into thinking that this is the only prize tier available, which is not the case. There are multiple ways to win smaller prizes with much better odds, such as matching fewer numbers (EuroMillions).

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "Winning EuroMillions ticket has odds of 1 in 139,838,160!" is misleading. While the odds of winning the jackpot are indeed 1 in 139,838,160, this figure applies specifically to the jackpot and does not encompass the overall odds of winning any prize in the EuroMillions game. Additionally, the claim lacks context regarding the various prize tiers available, which offer significantly better odds. Therefore, the statement is false in its implication that these odds represent the entirety of the EuroMillions lottery experience.