On the morning of December 22, 2024, the highly anticipated results of the Spanish Lotería de Navidad (Christmas Lottery) were announced, igniting excitement across the country. This year’s draw saw record prizes of €2.702 billion distributed, €112 million more than the previous year, proving once again the lottery’s significance as both a festive tradition and economic boon for numerous communities.
The event took place at the legendary Teatro Real in Madrid, where children from the San Ildefonso school sang out the winning numbers, much to the anticipation and joy of the public. The top prize, known as El Gordo, was won by ticket number 72480, awarding €4 million per series or €400,000 per tenth ticket purchased. This winning ticket was sold entirely at the administration located at Calle Muro del Carmen 4, Logroño.
Alongside El Gordo, other substantial winnings were also dispensed, including the second prize, €1.25 million, awarded to ticket number 40014. A significant portion of this prize was sold at the lottery administration number 7 located in Valladolid, with additional sales noted around regions such as Chipiona and Santiago de Compostela.
The excitement extended to numerous communities across the nation, with various cities including Getxo, Gernika, and Madrid receiving smaller prizes. The administration numbers and locations where prizes were sold revealed data about the ticket demographics, creating stories of shared joy. One such success was highlighted by Ángela Almazán from Úbeda, who shared, “Estamos pletóricos,” after her administration sold four series of the third prize associated with ticket number 11840.
The third prize itself brought €500,000 to various regions, primarily the Basque Country and Catalonia, igniting cheers of victory where the tickets were sold. Meanwhile, the fourth prize numbers 77768 and 48020 found their homes dispersed among multiple provinces.
Purchasers of lower-tier prizes also enjoyed the spoils. Consequently, the appliance of taxes on winnings came as sobering news for some. Government policy mandates a 20% tax for prizes exceeding €40,000, meaning the true payout for El Gordo winners netted approximately €328,000 after tax. This financial consideration doesn’t apply to lower-tier prizes, which remained tax-exempt.
“La ilusion esta por toda España,” reflected Loterías y Apuestas del Estado’s president, Jesús Huerta, relating the communal spirit engendered by the holiday draw. He mentioned the hope lottery-day brings especially after tragedies like DANA flooding, as towns like Paiporta and Alzira received their fair share of winnings.
The socio-economic impact of the Lottery extends beyond mere financial winnings. States like Castilla y León and Asturias emerged as high-spenders, fostering community investment and optimism during trying times. Reports from lotería points selling tickets reflect heavy engagement, with some even being sold by students to fund school trips—doing good deeds alongside good fortune.
While the main draw concluded, many were still pulling up their coats and backpacks as they headed for verification, hoping to find their purchases had bestowed them with some luck. One jubilant winner from Madrid exclaimed, “¡Que sí, que sí, que nos ha tocado!” The stories of shared happiness and winning streaks charged the air—a hallmark of the Spanish Christmas Lottery.
Despite the overwhelming joy, not all participants will have the same experience. This lottery also bears the stigma of unfulfilled hopes, as history tells us the true odds of winning El Gordo are slim, sitting at 1 in 100,000. Yet, the lottery is much about the thrill and tradition as it is about winning.
With preparations for next year’s lottery already beginning, winners, sellers, and participants across Spain will reflect on the thrill of 2024's draw as they sparingly count their blessings and the fortunes shared. The Lotería de Navidad stands as both beacon of joy and economic sustenance, painting hopes for many, drawing them together each year.
