Two Giants of the Lottery World
EuroMillions and Powerball are two of the most recognised lottery brands on the planet. EuroMillions operates across Europe with multinational jackpots, while Powerball is an American icon known for producing some of the largest jackpots in history. But which offers the better experience for players?
How Each Lottery Works
EuroMillions
EuroMillions is a transnational lottery played in multiple European countries. Players choose 5 main numbers from 1–50 and 2 Lucky Star numbers from 1–12. Draws take place every Tuesday and Friday evening. The minimum jackpot starts at €17 million and can roll over to a capped maximum (periodically reviewed by operators).
Powerball
Powerball is played across the majority of US states. Players choose 5 main numbers from 1–69 and 1 Powerball number from 1–26. Draws take place three times per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday). Powerball is famous for record-breaking jackpots that have surpassed $1 billion.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | EuroMillions | Powerball |
|---|---|---|
| Number format | 5/50 + 2/12 | 5/69 + 1/26 |
| Jackpot odds | ~1 in 139 million | ~1 in 292 million |
| Draws per week | 2 (Tue & Fri) | 3 (Mon, Wed & Sat) |
| Minimum jackpot | €17 million | $20 million (approx.) |
| Ticket cost (approx.) | €2.50 | $2 |
| Tax on winnings | Varies by country (often tax-free) | Federal + state tax applies |
| Availability | Europe (+ online globally via agents) | USA (+ some online agents internationally) |
Which Has Better Odds?
EuroMillions offers better jackpot odds at roughly 1 in 139 million, compared to Powerball's approximately 1 in 292 million. However, both lotteries offer multiple prize tiers, and the odds of winning any prize are more comparable between the two.
The Jackpot Size Factor
Powerball has historically produced larger jackpots — several draws have exceeded $1 billion. EuroMillions jackpots, while often in the hundreds of millions of euros, are generally capped at a lower ceiling. That said, EuroMillions winners in certain countries pay no tax on winnings, which can result in a higher net amount received.
Availability and Access
EuroMillions is designed for European residents but can be accessed globally through licensed online lottery ticket courier services. Powerball is primarily a US lottery but is similarly accessible internationally through third-party platforms. Always verify that any platform you use is properly licensed.
Which Should You Choose?
There's no universally "better" lottery — it depends on your priorities:
- Choose EuroMillions if you want better jackpot odds, are based in Europe, or prefer tax-friendly winnings.
- Choose Powerball if you're drawn to larger maximum jackpots and prefer more frequent draws.
Of course, you don't have to choose — many international players enjoy both. Just ensure you're playing through legitimate, licensed channels wherever you are based.