The Biggest Lottery in the World
El Gordo is the Spanish Christmas Lottery, and it is the biggest lottery in the world in terms of the number of tickets sold. The lottery is held on December 22nd every year, and the draw is televised live across Spain.
The name “El Gordo” means “the fat one,” and it refers to the first prize, which is worth a staggering €4 million. The second prize is worth €1.25 million, and the third prize is worth €500,000. There are also several smaller prizes, including 2 prizes of €200,000 and 8 prizes of €60,000.
How to play El Gordo
Each ticket contains a 5-digit number, and there are a total of 100,000 different numbers. The winning numbers are drawn in two stages. First, the 5-digit number for El Gordo is drawn. Then, the prize amount for El Gordo is drawn.
If you match the winning number for El Gordo, you will win a share of the €4 million prize. The prize money is divided equally among all the tickets with the winning number. So, if there are 1,000 tickets with the winning number, each ticket will win €4,000.
The History of El Gordo
El Gordo was first held in 1812, and it has been held every year since then. The lottery was originally created to help finance the Spanish government’s war effort against Napoleon. However, the lottery quickly became a popular tradition, and it is now one of the most anticipated events of the Christmas season in Spain.
The Draw
The El Gordo draw is a huge event in Spain, and it is televised live across the country. The draw is held in Madrid, and it is traditionally sung out by children from the San Ildefonso school. The children sing out the winning numbers one by one, and the excitement builds as the numbers are drawn.
The El Gordo draw is a very emotional event, and it is not uncommon for people to cry when they win. The lottery is seen as a way to bring good luck for the new year, and it is a very special moment for those who win.
The Charities
El Gordo is also a very important fundraiser for charities in Spain. The lottery raises millions of euros for charities each year, and the money is used to support a wide range of causes, including education, healthcare, and social welfare.
The Future of El Gordo
El Gordo is a very popular lottery, and it is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. The lottery is a part of Spanish culture, and it is a tradition that is enjoyed by millions of people each year. However, the lottery is facing some challenges in the 21st century. The rise of online gambling has led to a decline in the number of people buying lottery tickets, and the lottery is also facing competition from other national lotteries, such as EuroMillions. Despite these challenges, El Gordo remains the biggest lottery in the world, and it is sure to continue to be a popular tradition for many years to come. El Gordo is a unique and special lottery that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The lottery is a part of Spanish culture, and it is a tradition that is sure to continue for many years to come.