El Gordo

El Gordo, meaning “The Fat One” in Spanish, is the name given to Spain’s famous Christmas Lottery (Lotería de Navidad), regarded as the world’s largest and oldest running lottery. It is notable not only for its enormous total prize pool but also for its deep cultural significance, having become a cherished national tradition that unites Spain in celebration each December.

Historical Background

The Spanish Christmas Lottery originated in 1812 in the city of Cádiz during the Peninsular War, under the administration of Cortes de Cádiz. It was designed to raise funds for the state treasury without imposing new taxes on citizens. The very first draw took place on 22 December 1812, a date that remains the annual draw date to this day.
Initially, the lottery was officially called Lotería Moderna (“Modern Lottery”) to distinguish it from older local lotteries, but over time, the popular nickname El Gordo—referring to the largest prize—became synonymous with the entire event.
Throughout Spain’s turbulent history, including civil wars and political upheavals, the Christmas Lottery has been held without interruption, symbolising national continuity and collective festivity.

Structure and Organisation

The El Gordo lottery is organised by the Loterías y Apuestas del Estado, Spain’s national lottery authority. It differs markedly from most lotteries in its design and distribution of prizes.

Ticket System

• Each lottery number (from 00000 to 99999) is printed on multiple series and fractions.
• A full ticket (billete) is divided into ten tenths (décimos), which are the standard purchase unit for players.
• This allows groups, families, or workplaces to share parts of the same number and celebrate collective winnings.

Draw Mechanism

• The draw takes place every 22 December at Madrid’s Teatro Real.
• It is performed by pupils of the San Ildefonso School, who traditionally sing the winning numbers and corresponding prizes in a distinctive chant that is broadcast live across the nation.
• Two large spherical drums (bombos) are used: one containing wooden balls with the ticket numbers and another with the prize amounts.

Prize Distribution

Unlike lotteries that produce a single jackpot winner, El Gordo distributes prizes across thousands of tickets, producing widespread small-to-medium winners.

The Grand Prize – “El Gordo”

The top prize, known as El Gordo, is the main draw’s most coveted award. Although the individual prize per décimo is substantial, the total payout structure ensures that a large portion of participants win something.
Typical prize categories include:

• El Gordo (First Prize): The top-ranking prize per ticket number.
• Second and Third Prizes: Large secondary prizes awarded to adjacent ticket numbers.
• Approximations (aproximaciones): Given to numbers adjacent to the main winning numbers.
• Fourth, Fifth, and Smaller Prizes: Multiple smaller rewards spread across the number range.

The overall prize pool often exceeds €2.3 billion, making it the world’s largest lottery payout.

Cultural Significance

El Gordo is far more than a game of chance—it is a deeply rooted social and cultural ritual in Spain.

• National Unity: Virtually every Spanish family or community group participates, symbolising collective hope and shared fortune.
• Tradition of Sharing: People often buy and share décimos among family, colleagues, or friends, turning potential winnings into a communal joy.
• Media and Celebration: The event is broadcast on national television and radio, and news of winners—particularly small-town groups or workplaces—spreads widely.
• Symbol of Optimism: Even in times of economic hardship, Spaniards maintain participation in the lottery as a gesture of faith in luck and solidarity.

Economic and Social Aspects

• Revenue Generation: The lottery serves as a major source of revenue for the Spanish state while distributing considerable winnings among citizens.
• Social Impact: The collective participation helps stimulate local economies as winnings circulate during the festive season.
• Charity and Community: The San Ildefonso School, which historically educated orphans, continues to benefit from its role in the event, reinforcing the lottery’s philanthropic roots.

Global Recognition

El Gordo is often cited as the largest lottery in the world by total prize value. Its unique structure—offering many winners rather than a single jackpot—has inspired similar models elsewhere. Despite this, Spain’s Christmas Lottery retains its unparalleled charm and national character.
International tourists and expatriates frequently participate through authorised vendors or online platforms, further extending the lottery’s fame.