European Lottery's $222 Million Cash Prize Held by 3 Tickets

Friday, February 03, 2006 posted 10:18 AM EST

Paris, France (AHN) - Three winning ticket-holders will share the 126 million British pounds – the top prize in EuroMillions, the lottery held in nine European countries. The winners will split the equivalent of $222 million.

Two of the winning tickets were purchased in France and one in Portugal, according to the lottery operator. The winning numbers were 9, 21, 30, 39, 50 and the Lucky Stars numbers were 1 and 3. The jackpot in Friday’s drawing swelled after no winners emerged from any lottery since Nov.

11. The possible payoff lured would-be millionaires from across the region.

EuroMillions was created two years ago by the lotteries of France, the U.K. and Spain to increase revenue by creating bigger paydays. Revenue at the three companies that run the service has risen during the past two years, and the growth prompted Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland and Portugal to join the game in October 2004.

In most European countries, unlike the U.S., winnings aren't subject to income tax and the money is paid out immediately once the winning ticket is validated.



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