The lottery market in the Netherlands is undergoing significant shifts, primarily due to changes in the way lottery tickets are sold. With supermarkets no longer permitted to sell tobacco, the sale of lottery tickets has also taken a hit. Instead, more and more Dutch consumers have turned to book and tobacco shops, according to the Staatsloterij, which is preparing for its annual Oudejaarsloterij (New Year’s Lottery) draw.
"De verkoop verplaatst zich naar de Bruna’s en de Primera’s," says a spokesperson from the Staatsloterij, referring to the well-known retail chains where lottery tickets have become increasingly accessible. This year, it’s anticipated around 7.2 million Staatsloterij tickets will be sold, especially as excitement builds around the lottery's grand prize of 30 million euros.
The Oudejaarsloterij is not just another lottery; it’s a cultural event marking the end of the year for many Dutch families. The drawing is set to take place at the Staatsloterij headquarters in Rijswijk, where the excitement reaches its peak on December 31 as winners are determined. A unique aspect of this lottery is the rigorous verification process involved, as large winnings are of great interest to the public.
Omroep West provided rare insight recently, visiting the space where the draws happen. The procedure is straightforward yet captivating; two letters and five numbers on your ticket could change your life. With odds of winning the grand prize at 1 in 7.2 million, it is imperative for ticket holders to stay informed about the drawing procedures.
The drawing will be conducted by staff members of the Dutch Lottery, with oversight from legal representatives to assure transparency. It takes place under bright studio lights and large LED screens displaying various lotteries, including Lotto and Euro Jackpot. While highly tuned lighting provides ambiance, it’s the method employed for the drawing itself that's more practical than magical, utilizing desktop setups rather than traditional lottery machines.
"Ja, dat is het trekkingsmechanisme," says Bjorn Rosner, who oversees the process, indicating the black desktop set on the orange working surface. This method has been consistently effective for years, with contingencies set for unexpected events such as fire or flooding. "Voor deze uitzonderlijke gevallen staat bij de notaris een tweede trekkingsapparaat," he explained, ensuring every precaution is taken.
Those wishing to participate have until 19:00 on December 31 to secure their tickets. After this time, the prospect of winning not only the cash prize but also exciting incentives such as two hundred electric MINI Coopers becomes real. All winners will be announced shortly after midnight, adding to the January 1 festivities.
For relatively smaller winnings up to €10,000, tickets can be cashed at various locations across the country. But winners of significant amounts will have to visit the Dutch Lottery's headquarters, which ensures the proper handling of large sums with confidentiality. "Hier hebben wij een prijswinnaarskamer voor, discreet verborgen achter gordijnen en geblindeerde ramen," Rosner explains, underlining the importance of security for those who strike it rich.
Inside the winners’ room, new millionaires receive not just monetary benefits but advice on their newfound wealth. "Hoe ga je daarmee om?" asks Rosner, who talks with significant winners about the challenges and responsibilities of their financial windfall. A financial advisor is often present to lend professional guidance during these poignant conversations.
While celebratory moments are expected, Rosner admits emotion often runs high. "Dat valt mee, want mensen zijn echt beduusd en onder de indruk van het gewonnen geldbedrag. Wat nu?" His role is not only about confirming wins but also about helping winners navigate their unexpected new reality.
Overall, the shift from supermarket ticket sales to specialized stores reflects broader trends within the Dutch lottery system and societal changes. This evolution is intriguing for both lottery enthusiasts and the general public, as they embrace new purchasing habits and face the exhilarating uncertainties of potential winnings.