El Gordo – Spain’s Christmas Lottery

El Gordo: A Guide to Spain's Christmas Lottery Craze Spaniards embrace the Christmas spirit with a lottery frenzy each year

Enduring long queues to secure tickets for the beloved “El Gordo” (The Fat One), and this season continues the tradition. This lottery event has occurred annually on December 22nd since 1812, persisting through the Spanish Civil War and even the coronavirus pandemic.

For 2024, the total prize pool is €3.86 billion, with €2.7 billion distributed among winners.

The grand prize per décimo (ticket segment) is €400,000 for those who snag El Gordo. The second prize awards €125,000 per décimo, and the third prize is €50,000.

Additionally, there are two fourth prizes of €20,000 each and eight fifth prizes of €6,000 per décimo, plus 1,794 prizes of €100 each.

In total, 185 million décimos will be sold, and with the odds of winning something at one in six, it’s clear why the lottery captivates so many.

Statistics show that approximately 70% of Spaniards aged 18 to 75 participate. On average, Spaniards spend €63.82 on tickets for the draw on December 22nd, according to the State Lottery and Betting Society of the State (SELAE). History

El Gordo is not only a national tradition but also the world’s second-oldest lottery.

The first drawing was held in Cádiz on December 22, 1812, and has been held on the same date yearly. The lottery was even temporarily moved to Valencia during the Civil War, continuing without interruption under Francisco Franco’s rule after returning to Madrid. How It Works

The lottery system in Spain is unique. Instead of choosing numbers at a newsagent, players buy pre-assigned numbers from specific shops, leading to large winnings often concentrated in specific locations.

If someone wishes to “play” a specific number, they might need to travel or purchase online. Due to high participation, each number is duplicated up to 172 times, meaning significant winnings are shared among many.

One complete ticket costs €200, but many opt for a tenth of a ticket for €20, and smaller shares are commonly sold in businesses for as little as €1. Where to Buy

Tickets are available in lottery shops, local bars, restaurants, and through group buys in workplaces and social clubs. They can also be purchased online until 11.45 pm on December 21st.

Most Sought-After Numbers

Popular numbers often reflect significant dates from the current year. For example, recent popular numbers have commemorated major events like the start of the Ukraine war or severe weather incidents. This year, numbers ending in 24 and 29 are in high demand due to the October floods in Valencia.

The lottery draw itself, held on December 22nd, features numbers sung by students from Madrid’s San Ildefonso school, a tradition dating back to when it was an orphanage. The Draw and Winners

The live draw is a major event, with a lengthy broadcast starting at 9 am, where numbers are drawn and announced in a festive atmosphere.

In 2011, nearly all residents of the tiny village of Sodeto won El Gordo, except for one outsider who missed out, highlighting the communal nature of lottery winnings in Spain. Taxation

Since 2013, winnings over €2,500 have been taxed, with the current tax-free threshold at €40,000. Above this, winnings are taxed at 20%.

Warnings

Authorities caution against lottery scams and advise keeping tickets safe and agreements clear among groups to avoid disputes over shared winnings.