Spain's Christmas lottery, affectionately known as "El Gordo" (The Fat One), is one of the world's oldest and most massive lottery draws. Established in 1812, this lottery is not only a significant part of Spanish Christmas traditions but also a major source of excitement due to its enormous prize pool. The draw takes place annually on December 22, and it captivates the entire nation.

How It Works

1. Ticket Structure

• Billetes and Décimos: The El Gordo tickets are divided into "billetes" and "décimos." A full ticket, called a "billete," is quite expensive and costs €200. However, most participants opt to purchase a portion of a ticket, known as a "décimo," which costs €20. Each billete is divided into 10 décimos to make it more affordable.

• Numbers and Series: Each billete is printed with a unique five-digit number ranging from 00000 to 99999. To increase the odds and diversity, each number is printed multiple times in different "series." For instance, a specific number like 12345 might exist in numerous series, each treated as a separate ticket.

2. Purchasing Tickets

Tickets are sold throughout Spain at designated lottery retailers, called "administraciones de lotería," and online. Offices and organizations, including clubs and charities, often buy large quantities of tickets for resale.

3. The Draw

The much-anticipated draw occurs on December 22nd, watched by millions on television and online. The event is orchestrated by schoolchildren from the San Ildefonso school in Madrid. They sing the numbers and corresponding prizes from two large tumblers, maintaining tradition and adding to the event's ceremonial feel.

Potential Prizes

The total prize pool for El Gordo is mind-boggling, often exceeding €2 billion, with many tiers of prizes to distribute.

1. El Gordo (First Prize)

• The grand prize, or El Gordo, awards €4 million to a billete (or €400,000 per décimo). If a ticket holder has one décimo, they would receive €400,000 before taxes.

2. Second Prize

• The second prize grants €1.25 million for a billete (€125,000 per décimo).

3. Third Prize

• The third prize awards €500,000 to a billete, translating to €50,000 per décimo.

4. Fourth Prizes

• There are two fourth prizes, each awarding €200,000 for a billete (€20,000 per décimo).

5. Fifth Prizes

• The draw includes eight fifth prizes, each worth €60,000 for a billete (€6,000 per décimo).

6. Smaller Prizes and "La Pedrea"

• Numerous smaller prizes, such as the "La Pedrea" (the shower), award €1,000 per billete (€100 per décimo) for thousands of tickets.

• Additional smaller prizes also include refunds for certain numbers, ensuring that many participants win something.

Taxes on Winnings

It's important to note that lottery winnings in Spain over €40,000 are subject to a tax rate of 20%. Therefore, winners of larger prizes will need to account for this deduction when calculating their net winnings.

Spain's Christmas lottery, El Gordo, is a cherished national event, bringing hope, excitement, and tradition together every December. With a generous prize distribution and widespread participation, it remains a staple of Spanish culture and a pivotal moment in the festive calendar. Whether you're a local or a visitor, purchasing a décimo offers a chance to partake in this beloved tradition and potentially change your life with the magic of El Gordo.

So, mark your calendars for December 22, 2024, and join the ranks of hopeful participants in Spain's iconic Christmas lottery