How to Play El Gordo 2024: A Beginner’s Guide to Spain’s Biggest Lottery
El Gordo means “The Fat One,” a name that suits its enormous prize pool, which in 2024 should top €3.86 billion. Much of this — some €2.7 billion — is returned to winners, making it one of the richest lotteries in the world. It’s not just about winning the draw; it’s a cultural phenomenon that unites families and communities to share the dream of a life-changing windfall with these special wins. Read on to learn how to play El Gordo in 2024 and learn more about how to purchase a ticket, along with details on this lottery’s prize structure and its associated traditions.
How to Purchase Tickets
There are a few different ways to buy tickets for the Christmas Lottery El Gordo:
- In-Person: You can purchase tickets from several different outlets all over Spain, such as lottery centers, hypermarkets, and tobacconist shops called ‘Estancos.’ Some places are considered lucky because of their tendency to sell winning tickets.
- Online: El Gordo tickets can be purchased from multiple websites, enabling international players to participate. Make sure you opt for credible sites to avoid scams.
A complete ticket is priced at €200, but tickets may be bought in parts called décimos, which run €20 each. This is one way of enabling broader participation without a large financial risk.
The Draw Process
The draw is held live in Madrid and scheduled for 9 AM CET. Children from the San Ildefonso School traditionally sing as they draw the winning numbers, adding a bit of pageantry to the occasion. The draw involves two machines: one filled with numbered balls and the other with the prizeamounts. Balls are drawn simultaneously from both machines until no more prizes are available.
Prize Structure
El Gordo has a broad prize structure with multiple pathways to victory:
- 1st Prize (El Gordo): One ticket can win up to €4 million (or €400,000 per décimo).
- 2nd Prize: Worth up to €1.25 million.
- 3rd Prize: Offers €500,000.
- 4th Prizes: Two prizes of €200,000 each.
- 5th Prizes: Eight prizes of €60,000 each.
- There are thousands of smaller prizes (La Pedrea), with around 1,794 prizes of €100 each.
Prizes in the El Gordoare not that much smaller compared other lottery games, and the odds of winning any prize are relatively good: about 1 in 6 tickets wins something.
Claiming Prizes
You must redeem your ticket at an official lottery office or bank to collect your winnings. A tax of 20% is then imposed; anything under €2,500 is tax-free!
Cultural Significance
El Gordo isn’t just a lottery; it’s a Spanish tradition. It’s not surprising that families club together to buy tickets and, on draw day, crowd around televisions, buzzing with anticipation. The event is a beacon of hope and camaraderie for the holidays.
Conclusion
El Gordo is an exciting way to take part in Spanish culture, and it offers an opportunity for great winnings. Whether you’re purchasing an entire ticket or a décimo, keep in mind that part of what makes El Gordo special is the experience itself.
