The most significant lottery worldwide. Known as the Spanish Christmas Lottery, El Gordo is the world’s leading lottery when it comes to the volume of tickets sold. Spaniards watch the live televised draw of the lottery every December 22nd. “El Gordo,” meaning “the fat one,” is the name given to the top prize, a staggering €4 million. The second and third prizes are worth €1.25 million and €500,000, respectively. Two prizes of €200,000 and eight prizes of €60,000 are among the other smaller prizes offered.
El Gordo Lottery Explained
Tickets feature a 5-digit number, and there are 100,000 unique numbers in circulation. The winning numbers are determined through a two-stage draw.The first thing they do is draw the 5-digit number for El Gordo. Next, they draw the amount of the El Gordo prize. Get the El Gordo number right, and you’ll win some of the €4 million. The prize fund is divided in equal shares among all tickets that match the winning number. If the €4 million prize is divided among 1,000 winning tickets, each ticket would indeed win €4,000 (€4,000,000 / 1,000 = €4,000).
A History of El Gordo
The first El Gordo lottery was held in 1812, and it has been an annual event since that time. It quickly evolved into a beloved tradition and is now among the most anticipated events of the Christmas season for Spaniards.
The Lottery Draw
The El Gordo draw is a massive event in Spain, broadcast live to the entire nation. Conducted in Madrid, the draw is traditionally performed by children of the San Ildefonso school, who sing the numbers. As the children sing the numbers one by one, the excitement mounts. The El Gordo draw is a deeply emotional experience, and it’s not unusual to see winners overcome with tears. Seen as a way to usher in good fortune, the lottery is a very special occasion for those who win.
The Charitable Causes
El Gordo is an extremely important fundraising event for charities throughout Spain. Each year, the lottery contributes millions of euros to charitable endeavors, supporting a broad spectrum of causes encompassing education, healthcare, and social welfare. The lottery is an integral component of Spanish culture and a tradition that is anticipated to persist for many years into the future.
El Gordo’s Future
Due to its widespread popularity, it is improbable that El Gordo will cease to exist in the near future. The lottery is an integral aspect of Spanish culture, with millions participating in this tradition each year. Nonetheless, the lottery is encountering certain challenges in the 21st century. Lottery ticket sales have declined due to the growth of online gambling and competition from lotteries such as EuroMillions. Notwithstanding these challenges, El Gordo retains its status as the world’s largest lottery and is expected to remain a popular tradition for the foreseeable future. Millions around the world enjoy the unique and special lottery that is El Gordo. As a part of Spanish culture, the lottery is a tradition that will likely endure for many years.