On December 22, 2024, the much-anticipated Christmas Lottery draw held at the Teatro Real in Madrid turned unexpectedly controversial as errors during the event sparked accusations of manipulation—or what is colloquially known as "tongo" in Spain. The atmosphere, typically filled with excitement and joy, shifted to confusion and concern as the event unfolded.
The centerpiece of the lottery, known for changing lives through its large payouts, was marred by mistakes including the unnerving incident where the winning lottery number was announced twice. Observers reported hearing the number 72480, representing the prestigious Gordo prize, sung anew mere moments after its initial announcement, prompting shouts from the audience urging transparency.
This year, Loterías y Apuestas del Estado faced scrutiny over the integrity of the draw, which has been marred by both mechanical malfunctions and human error. The draw was interrupted before announcing the third prize when the handle on the drawing machine malfunctioned, causing panic among onlookers and leading to rumors about possible manipulation.
“We stopped the draw due to problems with the handle,” detailed one online commentary, adding to the chorus of skepticism surrounding the process. Many social media users immediately jumped to conclusions, asserting, “This situation smells a bit like 'tongo',” highlighting the public's distrust fueled by the visible chaos.
During the event, the string of errors culminated when one of the children tasked with announcing the prize fell victim to nerves and inadvertently sang the wrong amount after announcing the actual winning number.[ 1] According to representatives from Loterías y Apuestas del Estado, "The girl got nervous and sang what she had been rehearsing," rather than focusing on the ball announcing the specific winning amount.
Despite the turmoil, the official line from Loterías insisted, "The official list is the only document with the official results of the draw." This declaration was intended to calm the fears and murmurs of impropriety swirling among those present at the lottery, as well as the millions watching at home.
The winning number for the Gordo was confirmed as 72480, linked to Maria del Carmen lottery shop located at Muro del Carmen 4, Logroño. Alongside this, the third prize, worth 500,000 euros per series, was claimed by the number 11.840, which has likewise drawn much focus and conversation among ticket holders nationwide.
Traditionally, the Christmas Lottery is one of Spain's most cherished events, celebrated across the nation with hopes and dreams pinned onto the outcome. Generations of families have bought tickets, nurturing the belief of potential joy brought about by fortune. The occurrences during this year’s draw have cast shadows on this trust, igniting fervent debates about the efficacy and integrity of such events.
Some attendees reported with incredulity seeing what appeared to be pre-placed balls within the drawing machine. This, combined with the aforementioned malfunction and the multiple announcements of the Gordo, and the confusion surrounding it, led many individuals to voice their concerns and scrutiny over how transparently such significant amounts of money are managed and distributed.
While most agree the annual tradition holds intrinsic value, these latest errors have raised questions about how the process can be improved to maintain public trust. Experts have called for greater accountability within the Lottery organization, citing the importance of both tradition and accuracy maintained throughout the draw.
The aftermath of the day saw shout-outs and congratulations across the winning municipalities, from Bilbao to Llodio. Various towns also celebrated their share of the winnings distributed throughout the country as the excitement settled from the spectacular draw.
Yet, the concerns about integrity won’t fade easily. The debate about the seeming inconsistencies is likely to continue as social media buzzes with reactions to the day’s events. Many participants reflected on the past controversies, recalling similar issues have raised eyebrows during previous lottery draws, including clashes over discrepancies noted post-event.
The Christmas Lottery remains integral to Spanish culture, but the recent events surrounding the 2024 draw might necessitate re-evaluations of how such draws can be conducted to uphold the communal spirit of excitement without fears of deceit or foul play. Ensuring public trust alongside joyful anticipation seems imperative as the holiday season approaches and hopes return to their rightful place.
The lessons drawn from this year’s event may lay the groundwork for revitalizing the lottery's processes, ensuring they encapsulate both tradition and transparency, eliminating the shadows cast by previous controversies during the celebration of one of Spain’s most beloved customs.
