Everything you need to know about Spain’s ultimate festive raffle including the odds of winning, how it works, best offers and how to play from the UK.
In the heart of Spain’s festive season lies El Gordo de Navidad, the legendary Christmas lottery renowned for its staggering jackpots and the spirit of generosity. Set for the 22nd of December, this lottery doesn’t just offer a chance to win; it promises an extraordinary experience, with a colossal prize pool reaching up to €2.6 billion. True to its name, ‘El Gordo’ or ‘the fat one,’ this event captures the essence of Santa’s generosity. For those feeling lucky this holiday season, participating in El Gordo de Navidad means a shot at a merry and luxurious Christmas.
But El Gordo de Navidad is no ordinary raffle. Forget the modest wins of a work or school raffle; this is a game of unparalleled extravagance. With a prize pool that vast and an impressive 1 in 7 chance of winning, each ticket holds the potential for life-changing wealth.
El Gordo Christmas Raffle
FESTIVE GIANT!€2.6
Billion
December 22nd 09:00 CET
Play from the UK
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In a nutshell
- Biggest lottery prize pool in the world
- Play from the UK and buy raffle shares
- Overall odds of winning a prize 1 in 7
- Draw takes place 22nd December 2023
- 170 tickets could all win top prize of €4 Million
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What we think
“There isn’t a Christmas raffle on the planet that can compete with El Gordo. If you’re not involved, then you’re missing out on one of the best chances to take a piece of the biggest prize pool in the world.”
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Lottery ratings
Prizes
Tickets and Betting Prices
Odds of winning
Can you play the Spanish Christmas Lottery El Gordo in UK?
For those in the UK wondering, “Can you buy El Gordo tickets in the UK?” or “Can non-residents play El Gordo?” the answer is a resounding yes. Thanks to lottery ticket purchasing agents like Giant Lottos, participating in the El Gordo Spanish Christmas Raffle is possible, straightforward and convenient.
Giant Lottos, a popular choice among lottery enthusiasts, bridges the gap for those looking to join in the excitement of the Spanish Christmas Lottery from the UK. Their platform offers an easy-to-navigate interface, ensuring that even foreigners can purchase raffle shares for El Gordo de Navidad.
The process is simple: UK residents can visit the Giant Lottos website, where they can choose to buy individual tickets or shares in the El Gordo raffle. This flexibility allows players from the UK to participate in the lottery according to their preferences and budget.
In conclusion, Giant Lottos offers a seamless and accessible way for UK residents to be part of the El Gordo Spanish Christmas Raffle, making it an attractive option for anyone in the UK looking to experience the thrill and tradition of this iconic lottery event.
Enter from the UK with raffle shares at Giant Lottos
Purchase your limited shares for the 2023 €2.6 Billion El Gordo raffle.
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How to Buy Raffle Shares from Giant Lottos
Purchasing Spanish Christmas raffle shares from Giant Lottos is a straightforward and user-friendly process, designed to make your entry into big lotteries like El Gordo de Navidad both easy and convenient. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Create an Account: First, visit the Giant Lottos website. If you’re a new user, you’ll need to create an account. This process is quick and requires some basic information like your name, email address, and a password. For returning users, simply log in to your existing account.
- Navigate to the Raffle Section: Once logged in, head over to the raffle section of the website. Here, you’ll find a list of available raffles, including the El Gordo de Navidad. Select the raffle you wish to participate in.
- Choose Your Shares: After selecting the raffle, decide how many shares you want to purchase. Giant Lottos allows you to buy multiple shares, increasing your chances of winning. Each share represents a portion of a ticket, and the cost per share will be clearly displayed.
- Make Your Payment: Once you have selected your shares, proceed to checkout. Giant Lottos offers various secure payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Choose the one that suits you best and complete your purchase.
- Confirm Your Purchase: After payment, you will receive a confirmation of your purchase via email. This confirmation serves as proof of your participation in the raffle.
- Wait for the Draw: All that’s left to do is wait for the draw. Giant Lottos will keep you informed about the draw date and time. Should you win, you will be notified and guided on how to claim your prize.
By following these simple steps, you can easily buy raffle shares from Giant Lottos and participate in some of the world’s biggest lotteries. It’s a hassle-free way to join in the excitement and potentially win big, right from the comfort of your home.
Is El Gordo the biggest lottery in the world?
El Gordo de Navidad, Spain’s celebrated Christmas Raffle, stands as the largest lottery draw globally, both in its rich history and the magnitude of its prize pool. Established in 1812, El Gordo, which translates to “the fat one,” fittingly refers to its substantial prize sum. As of recent draws, the total prize money has reached a staggering 2.4 billion Euros, highlighting its scale and the excitement it generates. In 2023, the prize pool could surpass 2.6 billion Euros.
El Gordo’s status as the biggest lottery worldwide is not just in terms of its age but also due to its massive prize pool, which surpasses that of any other global lottery. This significant prize pool, consisting of tens of thousands of cash rewards, marks it as having the largest lottery prize pool on record. The sheer number of prizes offered makes it a unique event in the lottery world.
How does the Spanish Christmas Lottery work?
The Spanish Christmas Lotto, a festive highlight, operates distinctly from your typical lottery. Like a Christmas raffle, this exciting event forgoes traditional lottery balls. Instead, it employs two massive drums, brimming with all the purchased tickets, setting the stage for a raffle-like draw.
Each ticket, bearing a number from 00000 to 99999, offers the potential to win. As the Christmas lottery draw unfolds, participants eagerly watch while officials select numbers from the drums. When a player’s ticket number matches the drawn number, they win a prize!
Sledging into the prize structure, the Spanish Christmas Lottery offers a tiered system. Each tier boasts different prizes, ranging from the singular, grand “El Gordo” first prize to the “La Pedrea” sixth tier, which generously offers 1794 prizes of €1,000 each. This tiered system adds layers of excitement and opportunity for players.
Watch the Spanish Christmas Lottery advert 2023
When does the El Gordo draw take place?
The El Gordo Christmas Raffle traditionally takes place on December 22nd each year. The draw usually begins in the morning, around 9:00 AM local time, at the Teatro Real in Madrid. This grand event, lasting approximately three hours, determines the lucky winners across various prize tiers.
170 Christmas raffle ticket holders could each win €4,000,000
The Spanish Christmas Lotto uniquely allows multiple winners for the same number. It features 170 ‘series’ of tickets, replicating the same ticket number across these series. Thus, as many as 170 individuals could hold the same ticket number, and each could win the entire first prize of €4,000,000.
Further increasing accessibility and excitement, the Spanish Christmas Lotto allows for the purchase of ticket shares. Each ticket comprises ten shares or décimos. Participants can opt to buy a single share at 1/10th the price of a full ticket. This purchase entitles them to 1/10th of any prize won by that ticket. For instance, if a full ticket bags the “El Gordo” prize, its holder claims €4 million. Conversely, a player with a single share of that winning ticket takes home €40,000, a substantial sum for a fraction of the investment.
In summary, this ultimate Christmas Raffle is not just a lottery; it’s a captivating blend of tradition, excitement, and communal participation. With its unique raffle format, tiered prizes, and shared winnings, it offers a festive and thrilling experience, making it a cornerstone of the holiday season in Spain.
How much can you win?
El Gordo de Navidad, Spain’s iconic Christmas Raffle, stands out as a yearly spectacle of chance and celebration. This lottery transforms the holiday season into an exhilarating dash for fortune. As you peruse the table below, you’ll find an array of prize tiers, each offering a unique opportunity to win big. With numbers ranging from 00000 to 99999, every ticket promises to turn holiday dreams into reality.
The Spanish Christmas Lottery, rivalling the US Powerball and Euromillions Superdraw, showcases one of the grandest prize pools in the international lottery scene. Set for December 22, 2023, the lottery offers an impressive lineup of top prizes:
- First Prize: An astounding 4 million euros.
- Second Prize: A substantial 1.25 million euros.
- Third Prize: A notable 500,000 euros.
- Fourth-Place Prizes: Two prizes, each worth 200,000 euros.
- Fifth-Place Prizes: Eight prizes, each amounting to 60,000 euros.
From the coveted ‘El Gordo’ first prize, offering a life-changing €4,000,000, to the numerous smaller prizes that spread joy among thousands, this lottery is not just a game – it’s a national festivity (but you can play from the UK with Giant Lottos). Each December 22nd, participants across Spain and beyond eagerly await the draw, hoping their numbers align with fortune. Remember, in El Gordo de Navidad, every ticket is a chance to be part of a cherished holiday tradition, where luck and festivity intertwine to create unforgettable moments.
Spanish Christmas Raffle Prize Table
| Prize Tier | Number of Prizes | Prize Payout (€) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Prize (“El Gordo”) | 1 | €4,000,000 |
| 2nd Prize | 1 | €1,250,000 |
| 3rd Prize | 1 | €500,000 |
| 4th Prize | 2 | €200,000 |
| 5th Prize | 8 | €60,000 |
| 5 Correct Numbers | 1794 | €1,000 |
| Numbers before and after “El Gordo” | 2 | €20,000 |
| Numbers before and after 2nd Prize | 2 | €12,500 |
| Numbers before and after 3rd Prize | 2 | €9,600 |
| First 3 digits of “El Gordo” | 99 | €1,000 |
| First 3 digits of 2nd Prize | 99 | €1,000 |
| First 3 digits of 3rd Prize | 99 | €1,000 |
| First 3 digits of 4th Prize | 99 | €1,000 |
| Last 2 digits of “El Gordo” | 999 | €1,000 |
| Last 2 digits of 2nd Prize | 999 | €1,000 |
| Last 2 digits of 3rd Prize | 999 | €1,000 |
| Same last digit as “El Gordo” | 9999 | €200 |
What are the odds of winning a prize in El Gordo?
El Gordo de Navidad, Spain’s celebrated Christmas Lottery, is renowned for having some of the best odds in the lottery world. Here’s a breakdown of the odds for various prize tiers:
- 1st Prize (“El Gordo” ): The odds of winning the jackpot of €4,000,000 are 1 in 100,000, significantly better than most multimillion-pound jackpot draws.
- 2nd Prize: The chance of winning the €1,250,000 prize is also 1 in 100,000.
- 3rd Prize: Winning €500,000 carries odds of 1 in 100,000.
- 4th Prize: With two prizes of €200,000 each, the odds improve to 1 in 50,000.
- 5th Prize: Eight prizes of €60,000 each come with odds of 1 in 12,500.
- 5 Correct Numbers (“La Pedrea” ): There are 1794 prizes of €1,000 each, offering fantastic odds of 1 in 56.
- Numbers around “El Gordo”: For numbers before and after “El Gordo,” for 2nd and 3rd prizes, the odds are 1 in 50,000.
- First 3 Digits: Matching the first 3 digits of “El Gordo,” 2nd and 3rd prizes offer odds of 1 in 1,010.
- First 3 Digits of 4th Prize: These have slightly better odds of 1 in 505.
- Last 2 Digits: Matching the last 2 digits of “El Gordo,” 2nd or 3rd Prize comes with odds of 1 in 100.
- Same Last Digit as “El Gordo”: The odds of having the same last digit as “El Gordo” is an impressive 1 in 10.
El Gordo de Navidad offers significantly higher winning chances compared to other lotteries such as Mega Millions or Euromillions. With over 1800 numbers drawn for prizes ranging from €1,000 to €4 million, your odds of winning soar. Even if “El Gordo,” the grand Prize, eludes you, the 1-in-7 chance of winning any prize makes this lottery especially appealing to enthusiasts. The generous spread of prizes is the key to El Gordo’s enduring allure, captivating over 75% of the Spanish population each year and many players worldwide using lottery sites.
Exploring the Rich History of El Gordo de Navidad
El Gordo de Navidad (The Christmas Fat One) began in Madrid in 1763. Inspired by an Italian lottery, a minister launched it to fund Spain’s war efforts and quell colonial unrest. The initial draw, with 5 wooden balls from 90, was a hit. It brought in double the expected revenue.
By 1811, as Napoleon loomed over Spain, the lottery returned. This time, to support the war. With the nation facing famine and epidemics, officials promised proceeds would help orphans. The first official Christmas draw happened in March 1812, after a Christmas Day parliamentary vote.
The early days were challenging. Napoleon’s siege forced the draw to Cadiz. Delayed and relocated, this event still marked El Gordo’s start.
After the war, the lottery moved around. It started in Ceuta in North Africa, then to Andalusia, and finally to Madrid. Post-Napoleon, the funds finally reached the orphans.
San Ildefonso’s Role
San Ildefonso, an orphanage, is central to El Gordo. Initially, orphans conducted the draw to ensure fairness. The orphanage later became a school. Now, its students sing the lottery results. Being selected as one of the 36 singers is a high honour. Their voices reach millions on live TV. Generously, winners often donate part of their prize to the school.
The draw takes around 3.5 hours. It’s long because of the many prizes. The El Gordo prize can come up at any time.
La Pedrea, or “avalanche of pebbles,” refers to 1,794 smaller €1,000 prizes. The total number of prizes, about 10,000, depends on ticket sales and funds raised. This scale shows El Gordo’s massive impact. El Gordo de Navidad remains vital to Spain’s lottery culture, from a wartime fundraiser to a beloved Christmas Raffle.
Do you pay tax on El Gordo winnings?
In the past, El Gordo lottery winnings were tax-free, but in 2013, the Spanish government, facing financial constraints, implemented a tax on lottery winnings for the first time. Currently, a 20% tax applies to any El Gordo winnings exceeding 40,000 euros. For instance, if you’re lucky enough to win a single décimo of the top prize, which is 400,000 euros, you’ll need to pay €72,000 in taxes to Spain’s Hacienda. This leaves the winner with a net amount of €328,000.
When participating in the Spanish Raffle, it’s essential to purchase your ticket from authorised vendors or legitimate lottery sites. Safeguarding your ticket is crucial, as it’s your proof for claiming any winnings. Additionally, if you’re pooling resources with friends or family to buy tickets, it’s wise to agree on how to split any potential winnings beforehand. This foresight can help avoid disagreements later.
Comparing the Christmas Spanish Lottery and US Powerball: Which is Better?
When choosing between the Christmas Spanish Lottery, El Gordo de Navidad, and the US Powerball, several key factors come into play. Both lotteries have unique appeals, but which stands out as the better option?
Prize Structure:
El Gordo boasts an unrivalled prize pool, with a total payout reaching billions of euros. It’s known for offering the best odds of winning substantial prizes compared to other global lotteries. In contrast, the US Powerball, famous for its record-breaking jackpots, often sees individual winnings soar to astronomical amounts, though the odds of hitting the jackpot are significantly slimmer.
Odds of Winning:
El Gordo offers a remarkable 1-in-7 chance of winning any prize, a feature that makes it incredibly attractive to players. It compares favourably to the US Powerball, where the odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.87. El Gordo Spanish Raffle is the clear winner for those seeking better chances of winning.
Cultural Significance:
El Gordo is not just a lottery; it’s a deeply rooted cultural phenomenon in Spain. The draw, held on December 22nd each year, is a festive event, symbolizing the start of the holiday season. The Powerball, while hugely popular in the US, doesn’t carry the same cultural weight or tradition.
Accessibility for International Players:
Both lotteries are accessible to international players via online platforms and lottery sites. However, El Gordo’s structure, offering smaller but more numerous prizes, might appeal to those looking for a balanced risk-reward ratio.
In Conclusion:
Your preferences determine which lottery is better. If you value a lottery steeped in rich cultural history, offering better odds of winning and generous prize distribution, then the Spanish Christmas Lottery should be your choice. Conversely, if the excitement of pursuing massive jackpots, despite longer odds, appeals to you, then the US Powerball might suit you better. Both lotteries provide unique experiences, standing out as excellent choices in their respective ways.
Spanish Christmas Lottery Summary
The Spanish Christmas Raffle, or El Gordo de Navidad, is not just a lottery; it’s an annual festivity woven into the cultural fabric of Spain. Renowned as the biggest festive lotto game in the world, it offers an incredible prize pool and notably better odds of winning than many other global lotteries. With its rich tradition and generous prize distribution, El Gordo is a beacon for lottery enthusiasts worldwide.
Giant Lottos emerges as a prime choice for purchasing raffle shares for players seeking to participate in this grand event. Why Giant Lottos? First, it provides easy and secure access to one of the world’s most coveted lottery games by buying shares right from the comfort of your home. The platform’s user-friendly interface ensures a hassle-free purchase experience, allowing players to select and buy shares of their preferred ticket effortlessly.
Moreover, Giant Lottos offers the flexibility of buying multiple shares, enhancing your chances of being part of the winning excitement. They ensure that participants outside Spain can participate in this extraordinary lottery, bridging geographical barriers.
Choosing Giant Lottos for your El Gordo de Navidad raffle shares means choosing convenience, accessibility, and reliability. It’s an opportunity to be part of a lottery that’s not just about winning but being part of a storied tradition that brings joy and excitement to millions each holiday season.
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