Millions of Spaniards celebrated the annual El Gordo lottery on December 22, 2024, as the nation tuned in to see if their Christmas pot of fortune would pay off this year. Known officially as the Lotería de Navidad, this celebrated event is not only Spain's most significant lottery but also the longest-running one globally, generating excitement every holiday season.
This year's El Gordo distributed over 2.7 billion euros —€112 million more than last year— marking its status as the largest raffle on the planet. The immense prize pool captures the public's imagination, with many citizens anticipating life-changing sums to brighten their holiday festivities. The grand prize, called El Gordo, amounted to four million euros, and this year it was announced 193 times — significantly more than the previous year's 25 times— due to increased ticket sales.
The drawing commenced at 9 AM, with students from the San Ildefonso School of Madrid performing traditional songs accompanying the announced numbers. It was not only broadcast live on Spanish television but also attracted viewing audiences from around the globe. According to RTVE, the prize numbers included:
- First prize (El Gordo): 72,480 — €4,000,000
- Second prize: 40,014 — €1,250,000
- Third prize: 11,840 — €500,000
- Fourth prize: 77,768 / 48,020 — €200,000
- Fifth prize: 37,876, 72,853, 74,778, 45,456, 45,225, 97,345, 75,143, 60,622 — €60,000 each
Each lottery ticket is priced at 200 euros, allowing approximately 100,000 unique ticket numbers to be sold. The iconic drawing process consists of two drums: one with the ticket numbers and the other with the different prize amounts, demonstrating the longstanding tradition and complexity of this cherished event.
This Christmas lottery's roots trace back 212 years, establishing it as not just any lottery, but rather the oldest known lottery worldwide. "The lottery was established 212 years ago and is regarded as the oldest lottery worldwide," has often been emphasized. Because of the massive total award pool, it is considered the largest raffle globally, attracting participants from both within and outside Spain.
Each year, the anticipation grows, with many ticket buyers hoping for personal luck or wanting to share the wealth of winning numbers across family and friends. Despite its Spanish origins, this lottery has increasingly garnered attention from international participants, with many logging on to purchase tickets online. Industry experts have indicated, "Participation from abroad is increasing, as more foreign buyers engage online." With many ticket buyers coming from various places across Europe and beyond, it has become significantly more accessible globally.
Even with the enthusiasm and mass participation, there are legal hurdles for potential players living abroad, particularly for Germans. According to the Common Gambling Authority of the States, engaging with the El Gordo lottery through online platforms is deemed illegal. Such operations merely allow users to bet on the outcomes rather than partake legally, which lacks contractual validity with the state-operated lottery organizer. The authority has stressed, "Participation at unauthorized gambling is punishable by law" and can lead to fines or even prison sentences.
With traditional lottery systems available, such as Germany's Lotto 6 aus 49 and Eurojackpot, many players remain within local regulations. Given the festive atmosphere surrounding El Gordo and the universal hope it instills, the excitement continues to thrive, promising another year of dreams and wishes clashed against the realities of luck and chance.
The results have yet again confirmed El Gordo's impressive reputation and significant role within Spanish culture, especially during the holiday season, leaving families and friends eagerly awaiting their fortune as Christmas approaches.
