Spain's much-anticipated Christmas lottery, known as "El Gordo" (The Fat One), has once again captured the nation’s attention as the annual drawing took place on December 22, 2024. The event has become synonymous with holiday festivities across the country, with people eagerly gathering to watch the spectacle of chance and community spirit.
This year, the lottery boasted record winnings, with approximately €2.7 billion up for grabs, much to the delight of lottery enthusiasts. The main prize, amounting to €4 million, was claimed by individuals who had purchased tickets bearing the winning number 72,480, sold primarily in Logroño, located in the northern region of La Rioja. According to Europa Press, the excitement extended beyond mere ticket holders; even a prominent Madrid sports club had bought multiple tickets to share the good fortune among its members, amplifying celebrations in the district of San Blas-Canillejas.
The unique drawing tradition of El Gordo involves students from the San Ildefonso school who present the winning numbers through song, creating a festive, almost theatrical atmosphere. This year, the presentation, which began around 9:00 AM, witnessed the rapid sorting of winners, achieving record times for several prizes. Notably, the first fifth prize, worth €60,000, was drawn just minutes after the event commenced, breaking previous records.
With tickets priced at €200, and statistics indicating each ticket holder has about a 1:100,000 chance of winning the grand prize, there’s plenty of appeal. Compared to traditional lotteries like Germany’s "6 aus 49," where the odds of winning the jackpot are 1:140 million, many international players are drawn to El Gordo due to its favorable odds and generous prize distribution. Remarkably, approximately 15,000 different prizes are awarded among the 100,000 ticket numbers.
The event also holds significant social meaning, especially this year, as many of the winning tickets came from areas recently ravaged by severe weather events. The coastal Valencia region, devastated by floods and landslides claiming over 200 lives, saw many residents participating eagerly, hoping for financial relief to aid their recovery. This narrative of hope and joy amid adversity was echoed throughout the lottery's coverage, with numerous tributes to the victims and celebrations reflecting the communal spirit.
Hailing as one of the oldest lotteries globally, El Gordo’s origins trace back over two centuries. It has grown not only as a game of chance but as one of Spain’s largest social events. The lottery’s widespread participation from both locals and international players—recently welcoming larger numbers from Germany and beyond—demonstrates its growing popularity worldwide. This inclination is not without risks, as lottery organizers urge participants to be wary of scams, especially online. With fraudulent operators proliferate, ticket buyers are warned to acquire their entries only from authorized outlets.
For those abroad wishing to partake, caution is warranted when purchasing tickets. The legitimate means to secure tickets involve purchasing directly through recognized retailers within Spain. It is illegal for non-Spanish residents to buy tickets outside the country, and many so-called online vendors are often misleading—selling betting slips rather than genuine lottery tickets.
This year’s drawing was not just about the excitement of winning; it reflected the rich fabric of Spanish culture and community resilience. Many gathered at the iconic Teatro Real for the live drawing, dressed festively and filled with anticipation. Despite the year’s challenges, the spirit of El Gordo brought light and joy to countless homes across Spain, embodying the hope of new beginnings.
Winners are advised to claim their prizes within three months. Unlike some countries, winnings from El Gordo are taxable, adding another layer of complexity for winners, particularly for international participants who might struggle with Spanish banking requirements and tax disclosures. Nevertheless, the hope and thrill of the possibility of winning have led thousands to participate year after year, ensuring El Gordo retains its place as one of the world’s most extraordinary lottery events.
