In Portugal, EuroMillions is operated by Jogos Santa Casa, the national gaming operator managed by Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML). This charitable foundation has been running lotteries and games of chance since the 18th century, and today it oversees everything from scratch cards (Raspadinha) to sports betting (Placard).
Euromillions M1LHÃO feature
What sets Portugal apart is the M1LHÃO (One Million) feature. When you purchase a EuroMillions ticket in Portugal, it automatically comes with a unique M1LHÃO code, which is a three-letter and five-digit alphanumeric combination. This code serves as your entry into the special M1LHÃO draw that takes place every Friday.
How to play?
How to Play EuroMillions in Portugal
The rules follow the same standard as in other participating countries:
- Pick 5 numbers from 1 to 50
- Pick 2 Lucky Stars from 1 to 12
- Each line costs €2.50
Draws take place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. The jackpot can climb as high as €240 million in 2025 thanks to rollovers and special Superdraws.
And yes, the odds are tough (1 in 139 million for the jackpot), but somebody wins — and sometimes it’s a Portuguese ticket.
What Makes Portugal Different: The M1LHÃO
Every EuroMillions ticket purchased in Portugal comes with a unique M1LHÃO code: a three-letter + five-digit combination (for example: ABC-12345).
- When? The M1LHÃO draw is held every Friday evening.
- Prize? One lucky code is guaranteed to win €1 million.
- Who? Only Portuguese players are eligible, since the codes are generated exclusively for tickets bought in Portugal.
That means every Friday, regardless of whether anyone hits the EuroMillions jackpot, one Portuguese player becomes a millionaire. Not bad for a side game that costs nothing extra.
Social Impact: Where Does the Money Go?
EuroMillions in Portugal is not just about big jackpots. A significant share of the revenue goes directly to charities, cultural programs, sports initiatives, and healthcare projects through Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML).
By playing, participants contribute to:
- Hospitals and elderly care programs
- Youth and sports development
- Education and cultural heritage preservation
This makes EuroMillions & M1LHÃO both a game of chance and a tool for funding important social initiatives.
Quick Facts – EuroMillions Portugal 2025
- Ticket Price: €2.50
- Draws: Tuesday & Friday (EuroMillions), Friday (M1LHÃO)
- Jackpot Cap: €240 million
- M1LHÃO: 1 guaranteed millionaire in Portugal every Friday
- Taxes: 20% on winnings above €5,000 more info about lotto tax
- Operator: Jogos Santa Casa / SCML, Lisbon
FAQ – EuroMillions & M1LHÃO Portugal
Do I automatically enter M1LHÃO with my EuroMillions ticket?
Yes. Every EuroMillions ticket purchased in Portugal includes a M1LHÃO code for free.
Can foreigners play M1LHÃO?
Yes, but only if you buy your EuroMillions ticket within Portugal. Online international providers may not include the M1LHÃO code.
What is the chance of winning M1LHÃO?
It depends on the number of tickets sold in Portugal, but one ticket is always guaranteed to win €1 million.
Where do lottery proceeds go?
Proceeds support charities, healthcare, sports and cultural projects managed by SCML. However, the lottery operations as we know them began in the 18th century.
Games Offered
Jogos Santa Casa offers a variety of games, including:
- Euromilhões: A transnational lottery in Europe.
- Totoloto: A traditional lottery game.
- Raspadinha: Instant scratch cards.
- Placard: A sports betting game.
- Totobola: A football prediction game.
- Loto: A daily draw game.