The 2024 Christmas Lottery has stirred controversy following a significant error during the live broadcast. On December 22, during the prestigious draw known as Lotería de Navidad, one of the young presenters from San Ildefonso mistakenly announced the winning number, 'El Gordo,' not once, but twice. This incident led to confusion among viewers and raised suspicions of potential misconduct, often referred to as 'tongo' or rigging, compelling Loterías y Apuestas del Estado (SELAE) to clarify the situation.
Despite the misunderstanding, the official authority reiterated the importance of referencing the only official document for the lottery results, which is the official prize list released shortly after the event. SELAE emphasized, 'If the number is not listed as a winner on the official prize list, no claims for prizes can be accepted,' reinforcing the legitimacy of their process.
This year's draw was particularly under scrutiny as the announcement caused panic within the audience at the Teatro Real, where the event was being held, prompting calls for transparency. After the young presenter mistakenly called out '4 million euros' as the winning cue, it took moments before attentive officials intervened and corrected her, confirming the actual prize was 1,000 euros. This swift action alleviated some worries, but not before social media erupted with claims of deceit.
Unfolding the fabric of this controversy reveals the complex procedures regulated by SELAE to assure the integrity of their lottery. A total of approximately 50 staff members are dedicated to maintaining oversight during the draw. They collectively follow several protocols to verify both winning numbers and associated prizes to avoid any errors.
Post-event, when all tables are concluded and the results are announced, staff working with SELAE immediately cross-reference results with the provisional lists generated during the draw. This verification process is conducted both on-site at the Teatro Real and at SELAE’s other locations, ensuring every piece of data is accurately recorded. Only after thorough verification can SELAE publish the official list of winners.
Once the draw has been completed, the verified results are sent to the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT), where the final official prize list is printed. This entire procedure includes rigorous checks performed by authorized personnel, including notaries, solidifying the authenticity of the results.
Social media speculation and moments of miscommunication may shadow the proceedings, but SELAE highlights their commitment to transparency and the preservation of traditional elements inherent to this lottery, which celebrates over 200 years of history. Their constant adjustments and evaluations align with their goal of upholding trust and compliance with regulations governing the lottery.
Lastly, SELAE assured the public of the unquestionable validity of the official prize list, stating, 'The only reliable information for verifying prize payments is contained within the official list prepared after review.' The organization reiterated their longstanding dedication to providing the public with official and timely lottery results, signifying their response to the challenges of maintaining public trust.
This insistent reaffirmation was necessitated by the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the draw, highlighting the need for clarity and accountability within high-stakes public lotteries. Current efforts to manage the integrity of such events speak volumes about the significance attached to the Lotería de Navidad, not only as a means of entertainment but also as a cornerstone of cultural tradition within Spain.
