Record Winnings in Spain's Christmas Lottery
Spain's Christmas lottery, known as "El Gordo" or "The Fat One", has set a new record in 2024, with a staggering total of 2.7 billion euros in prizes to be distributed. This year, the lottery is notable not only for its size but also for the number of winners it produces. The main prize, also called "El Gordo", offers 4 million euros for the winning ticket, or 400,000 euros for each tenth of a ticket. The lottery's unique structure allows for multiple winners, with 1,930 tenths of tickets available for the top prize, making it a highly anticipated event across Spain.
A Modest Basketball Club Hits the Jackpot
In a remarkable turn of events, the modest Madrid basketball club Distrito Olímpico won half of the Christmas Gordo, with the winning number 72,480. The club purchased its tickets from a local agency in Logroño, which has a history of selling winning tickets. If all tenths had been sold, the club would have distributed approximately 380 million euros among its members. The news has sparked celebrations among the club's players and supporters, highlighting the community spirit that surrounds the lottery.
Understanding the Mechanics of El Gordo
The Spanish Christmas lottery is not just about the big prizes; it also includes numerous smaller prizes. This year, besides the main prize, there are several other significant payouts, including 125,000 euros for the second prize and 50,000 euros for the third. Additionally, smaller prizes known as pedreas award 100 euros to 1,794 ticket numbers. The lottery's structure encourages participation from families, friends, and local businesses, fostering a sense of unity and excitement during the holiday season. The draw, which takes place every December 22, is a national event, with millions tuning in to watch the results live, a tradition that has been upheld since 1812.
