Spanish El Gordo Lottery

Welcome to the fascinating world of the El Gordo Christmas Lottery! If you're looking for the opportunity to win big cash prizes and be part of a tradition deeply rooted in Spanish culture, you've come to the right place! On this page, we'll give you all the information you need to know about the El Gordo Christmas Lottery, from its origin and rules to how to participate and how to claim your prizes. Let's get started!

What is the El Gordo Christmas Lottery?

The El Gordo Christmas Lottery, also known as the Spanish Christmas Lottery or the Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad, is an annual event that takes place in Spain on December 22nd of each year. It is the largest and most popular lottery draw in Spain, with a top prize that can reach several million euros.

The origin of the El Gordo Christmas Lottery dates back to 1812, when the Spanish government decided to create a lottery to increase the country's revenue. Since then, it has become a deeply rooted tradition in Spanish culture, and many Spaniards eagerly await the Christmas draw every year.

How does the El Gordo Christmas Lottery work?

The El Gordo Christmas Lottery is played through a system of numbered tickets and tenths. Each ticket or tenth has a five-digit number, and each number is printed several times on different tickets and tenths. The tickets and tenths are sold in different establishments throughout Spain, including shops, bars, and newsstands.

The Christmas draw is held at the Teatro Real in Madrid and is broadcast live on television and radio. During the draw, numbered balls are drawn from two different drums: one drum contains the numbers of the tickets and tenths, and the other drum contains the cash prizes.

The top prize, known as "El Gordo," is awarded to the number that matches the first prize. In addition to the top prize, there are many other cash prizes that are awarded to the numbers that match the different secondary prizes.

How to participate in the El Gordo Christmas Lottery?

To participate in the El Gordo Christmas Lottery, you need to buy a ticket or a tenth with a five-digit number. You can buy them in person at any establishment that sells lottery tickets in Spain, or even online on some authorized platforms.

The price of a ticket or tenth can vary, but usually ranges from 20 to 200 euros, depending on the number and the place where you buy it. It is important to note that tickets and tenths sell out quickly, so it is recommended to buy them in advance.

How to claim your prizes?

If you're lucky enough to win a prize in the El Gordo Christmas Lottery, you need to know how to claim it correctly. Minor prizes are usually paid in cash at the place where you bought the winning ticket or tenth. However, for major prizes, it is necessary to go to a branch of Loterías y Apuestas del Estado in person to claim the prize.

It is important to keep the original ticket or tenth in perfect condition, as it is the only proof you have to claim your prize. You must also present a valid official identification, such as a passport or identity card, to verify your identity.

In summary, the El Gordo Christmas Lottery is a deeply rooted tradition in Spanish culture that offers the opportunity to win big cash prizes. If you're interested in participating, make sure to buy your ticket or tenth in advance and follow the rules to claim your prizes correctly. Good luck!