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The big win at the festival: Who will crack El Gordo” in 2024?
Find out everything about the Spanish Christmas lottery "El Gordo", its tradition, participation options and chances of winning.
The big win at the festival: Who will crack El Gordo” in 2024?
Every year in Spain, lottery fever breaks out two days before Christmas - “El Gordo” makes hearts beat faster! This legendary Christmas lottery, which takes place on December 22nd, not only delights the Spanish, but also attracts numerous international players. This year there is a whopping 2.7 billion euros in winnings. Thanks to online options, Austrians who participate via Lottoland can also try their luck. This is all the more tempting because lottery winnings are tax-free in Austria krone.at reported.
The drawing of the winning numbers takes place in the venerable Madrid Opera House, where lucky children from the San Ildefonso boarding school sing the lottery numbers. Two lottery drums are used: one with 100,000 wooden balls that represent the ticket numbers, and a second with 1,800 balls for the winning amounts. The chance of getting the main prize of four million euros is 1 in 100,000 - significantly better than in the German lottery, where the probability of winning the jackpot is 1 in 140 million brisant.de explained.
The spectacle on December 22nd
The draw itself starts at 9 a.m. and will be broadcast live on television. Since more than 15,000 prizes are awarded in 17 classes, on average every tenth ticket wins. A whole ticket costs around 200 euros, although a tenth ticket can also be purchased for 34.99 euros in the popular sale, bringing the main prize up to 400,000 euros. This attracts many Spaniards to the sales outlets, where long queues form to buy the coveted lottery tickets. This unique spectacle is a festive highlight of the Christmas season for many.
The tradition of “El Gordo” dates back to 1812, making it the oldest lottery in the world. It remains particularly exciting because every player has the chance to take part in this great celebration by purchasing shares. The big question asked in the excited days leading up to the drawing remains: “Who will win the jackpot?” The anticipation and hope of winning big connects people from near and far.