Welcome to Lottoland
Home of the world's biggest jackpots
Thank you for visiting Lottoland! Currently, we are not allowed to accept players from the United States.
  • Blog
  • Lotto Winners
  • News & Stories
  • Lotto Knowledge
  • Lifestyle
News & Stories 14 December 2020

El Gordo is Coming!

Spanish Christmas Lottery at Lottoland South Africa

READING TIME: 5 MIN

Christmas is all about gifts, family, friends and good food. In Spain, however, there is another traditional attraction that takes place every year in the run-up to the Big Day. That's because every December 22nd the Spanish Lottery known as "El Gordo" sees a whole nation glued to their TV screens and dreaming of a very special Christmas present.

Spanish Christmas Lottery at Lottoland South Africa

Table of contents:

  • DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPANISH CHRISTMAS LOTTERY
  • EL GORDO - MORE THAN JUST TRADITION
  • R15 BILLION IN FIRST PRIZE PAYOUTS
  • THE EL GORDO TV ADS: BOX OFFICE GOLD!
  • MEET LOTTOLAND BIGGEST EL GORDO WINNER
  • BET ON THE SPANISH CHRISTMAS LOTTERY FROM SOUTH AFRICA

 

El Gordo is the largest lottery in the world with a total prize pool of €2.4 billion. Try your luck this year with the Spanish lotto before Christmas. We have summarised everything you need to know about this generous lottery in a very short video below. Try your luck this year with a bet on the Spanish Christmas lottery with Lottoland!

DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPANISH CHRISTMAS LOTTERY

Many Spanish people believe that the Christmas lottery was originally launched to provide a highlight in the lead-up to the Christmas celebrations. In fact, the truth is rather different. The first draw took place all the way back in 1812, but the reason for this lottery was to fund the Spanish armies in their battle against the forces of Emperor Napoleon of France.

The first winning tickets were drawn in Cádiz, but for more than 100 years Madrid has been the host. The only time that it changed was during the Spanish Civil War, when the draw had to be relocated to Valencia. 22 December is a red-letter day in the calendars of the Spanish people today, and according to estimates, about 90 percent of the population of Spain are eagerly awaiting the annual announcement of the winning numbers. South Africans can, too, now.

Bonus Bet 60% off on El Gordo

El Gordo Bonus Bet applies to New Customers Only.

EL GORDO - MORE THAN JUST TRADITION

Just when you thought South Africa knew how to put on a spectacle – think again. The event lasts over three hours and captivates the entire country as it is broadcast live on state television from start to finish. Two gigantic spherical cages are used during the draw process. Inside the larger of these are 100,000 wooden balls, each emblazoned with five-digit numbers from 00000 to 99999. The smaller sphere contains 1,807 balls, with a number representing the euro amount. One ball from both cages is released at the same time to match a number with its prize, and this continues until the smaller sphere is empty. As you can imagine, this takes quite some time.

The performance of the draw has hardly changed at all since 1812, even if the venue and the date have both moved over the years. The new draw date of 22 December eventually led to it becoming known as the Spanish Christmas lottery. The first use of the name ‘Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad’, which roughly translates to the 'extraordinary Christmas lottery', has been dated back to the year 1892. Originally the balls were drawn by orphans from a local school, and today school children still do that prestigious job.

But what makes the Christmas lottery interesting is the way in which the winnings are distributed among the lot buyers. First, 70 percent of total revenue is paid out in prizes - a much higher amount than is usual with other lotteries. And second, it ensures that as many prizes as possible are distributed among the population. The price for a ticket is relatively high, which is why most Spaniards buy only shares (commonly called 'décimos') rather than a full share, meaning that the joy of a win can be shared between many people.

Infographic Why is the Spanish Christmas Lottery so famous

*Lottoland South Africa will payout the Rand equivalent of the Euro exchange rate at the time of the payout.

€688 MILLION IN FIRST PRIZE PAYOUTS

The main prize of the Christmas lottery is called 'El Gordo', which translates to 'The Fat One'. Sticking to the motto ‘less is more’, this top prize is worth 'only' four million euros, but the good news is that this amount will be paid out 172 times. This means that a whopping €680 million is paid out in total in the first prize class waiting to be won by the people. In addition,there are many smaller prizes such as ‘La Pedrea’ (loosely translated as 'avalanche of pebbles'), generated in the lower classes to boost that Christmas cheer.

Some stores have become very famous as sellers of lottery tickets. El Gordo fans stand in line for hours just to buy a ticket from these supposedly 'lucky' outlets. Here the lottery numbers that have some significance to people tend to be particularly popular. In 2015, among other things, the number 28915 quickly sold out because this represented the date of the total eclipse in that year.

Since many shares with the same number are delivered to the sales outlets in a particular village, town or region, in the event of a win there is often an outbreak of celebrations for that whole region if the number comes out of the draw – much like when a South African lotto winner is from a township or poorer community. One extreme example occurred in 2011 when almost every single inhabitant of the small town of Sodeto became rich overnight as they had all bought the same winning lot series. In 2013 the town of Mondragón, hit hard by the economic crisis, was able to bring around 160 million euros into the northern Basque region when they hit the big time. You could probably hear the popping of the champagne corks in Madrid.

2015 was also a celebrated year for the Spanish Christmas Lottery at Lottoland. A small syndicate from Wolfsburg in Germany showed just how to hit the biggest lottery in the world when they bet on share number 79140 and nabbed the maximum profit of €4 million.

THE EL GORDO TV ADS: BOX OFFICE GOLD!

Traditionally, the way to tell that Christmas season in Spain has arrived is when the TV commercial for the Spanish Christmas lottery hits the screens. Get ready now for a touch of pathos and a story to tug on the heart-strings, elaborately produced to highlight the true strength of the biggest lottery in the world: the shared joy of giving a gift even before the big giveaway. Check out the 2020 version of the Christmas Lottery ad:

MEET LOTTOLAND'S BIGGEST EL GORDO WINNER 

In 2015 one of our Lottolanders from Germany banked the top prize by betting on Lottoland's Spanish Christmas Lottery - and received an incredible early Christmas boost of €4 million.

Although he chose to remain anonymous, he was kind enough to share a few details about himself and his big win. He'd been shopping around online for a way to enter the Spanish Christmas Lottery online, outside of Spain, and opted to bet with us.

He formed a syndicate with his wife and three friends and together they pooled their money to purchase a full bet share, giving them the chance to take home the biggest prize. Each member of this mini syndicate chose a number, and they sat back and waited for the big draw.

"When I got the win notification I had butterflies in my stomach. I simply could not believe it,” he told us. In a state of disbelief, our lucky winner patiently waited for his wife and friends to finish work before telling them the good news.

Despite pledging to keep celebrations modest, we did get him to reveal what his first major purchase might be. In true German style, it was a BMW racing bike. Of course, he wasn't the only Lottolander to claim a prize from the El Gordo Christmas Lottery.

BET ON THE SPANISH CHRISTMAS LOTTERY FROM SOUTH AFRICA

Once again, with Lottoland you don't need to head over to Spain in order to enjoy the fun. You can simply place a bet with Lottoland on the outcome of the Spanish Christmas Lottery to win the same prizes. Check out our Christmas Lottery page and wait for 22 December to discover the outcome of this generous lottery.

Feliz Navidad, as they say in Spanish, or sterkte for South Africans.

Last Updated: December 2020

M
by Martin
Martin


Your next chances to become a millionaire:
Keno 24/7 R10 million
EuroMillions GO! R787 million
6/49 GO! R73 million
EuroJackpot GO! R1.1 billion

  • Latest Articles
  • Recommended
1

03 February 2021

How to play Lotto x5

2

12 January 2021

When is the next EuroMillions Superdraw?

3

17 December 2020

Strange Christmas Traditions From Around The World

4

15 December 2020

The 10 Strangest New Year's Eve Traditions

5

14 December 2020

Spanish Christmas Lottery at Lottoland South Africa

1

21 July 2020

Can Lotto Predictions Help You Win The Lottery?

2

06 March 2020

How To Bet On The Lotto Online At Lottoland

3

21 January 2020

The 10 Most Common Dreams and What They Mean

4

21 January 2020

How To Stay Secure Online


What is Fixed Odds Betting? READ MORE
  • Log in
  • Register
  • 0
    R0.00
    To checkout
    Your cart is empty
  • SA Lotto
    3 days 18 hrs remaining
    R3 million
    Only  R60.006 QuickPicks
    Only  R120.0012 QuickPicks
    » Choose numbers

    Numbers from Sat 06 Mar 2021
    • » SA Lotto Results
    • » SA Lotto Product Rules
  • SA PowerBall
    2 days 18 hrs remaining
    R11 million
    Only  R45.006 QuickPicks
    Only  R90.0012 QuickPicks
    » Choose numbers

    Numbers from Fri 05 Mar 2021
    • » SA PowerBall Results
    • » SA PowerBall Product Rules
  • Lotto x5
    3 days 21 hrs remaining
    5 chances to win R1 million for R2
    Only  R10.005 QuickPicks
    Only  R20.0010 QuickPicks
    » Choose numbers

    Numbers from Sun 07 Mar 2021
  • More Bets
    • Cash4Life
      R10,000 a day
      Only  R150.006 QuickPicks
      Only  R300.0012 QuickPicks
      » Choose numbers
      Sun 07 Mar 2021 03:00:00
    • PowerBall
      R5.3 billion
      Only  R330.006 QuickPicks
      Only  R660.0012 QuickPicks
      » Choose numbers
      Sun 07 Mar 2021 05:00:00
    • French Lotto
      R37 million
      Only  R240.006 QuickPicks
      Only  R480.0012 QuickPicks
      » Choose numbers
      Mon 08 Mar 2021 21:15:00
    • SuperEnalotto
      R2.2 billion
      Only  R180.006 QuickPicks
      Only  R360.0012 QuickPicks
      » Choose numbers
      Tue 09 Mar 2021 20:00:00
    • EuroMillions
      R787 million
      Only  R300.006 QuickPicks
      Only  R600.0012 QuickPicks
      » Choose numbers
      Tue 09 Mar 2021 21:30:00
    • MegaMillions
      R1 billion
      Only  R300.006 QuickPicks
      Only  R600.0012 QuickPicks
      » Choose numbers
      Wed 10 Mar 2021 05:00:00
    • EuroJackpot
      R1.1 billion
      Only  R210.006 QuickPicks
      Only  R420.0012 QuickPicks
      » Choose numbers
      Fri 12 Mar 2021 20:00:00
    More bets »
  • Daily Bets
    • Keno 24/7
      R10 million
      Only  R10.005 QuickPicks
      Only  R20.0010 QuickPicks
      » Choose numbers
      Sun 07 Mar 2021 02:15:45
    • EuroMillions GO!
      R787 million
      Only  R390.006 QuickPicks
      Only  R780.0012 QuickPicks
      » Choose numbers
      Sun 07 Mar 2021 02:55:00
    • EuroJackpot GO!
      R1.1 billion
      Only  R300.006 QuickPicks
      Only  R600.0012 QuickPicks
      » Choose numbers
      Sun 07 Mar 2021 02:58:00
  • NEW!
    Promotions
  • Bundle Bets
  • Blog
  1. Lottoland
  2. Blog
  3. Lotto News & Stories
  4. Spanish Christmas Lottery at Lottoland
Lottoland Information
Lottoland Information
  • Lottoland South Africa Review
  • Lottoland Help & FAQ
  • Lottoland Subscriptions
  • What is Fixed Odds Betting?
  • Guaranteed Payout
  • Legal Line
  • COVID-19 SA Resource Portal
Legal Information
Legal Information
  • Player Protection
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Totalisator Operational Rules
  • Bookmakers Operational Rules
  • Racing & Betting Rules of the Board
  • National Gambling Board
  • Financial Intelligence Centre Act
  • KYC Requirements
  • Disputes
Contact
Contact
  • About Lottoland®
  • Contact Us
  • Lottoland Corporate
Lotto Quick Links
Lotto Quick Links
  • All Lottery Results
Country
Country
  • International
  • Österreich
  • Magyarország
  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland
  • Australia
  • América Latina
  • Sverige
  • India
  • Italia
  • Gibraltar

Lottoland South Africa (Pty) Ltd. (Reg No: 2017/042156/07) is a licensed bookmaker with the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, under bookmaker license number 10185705. Manufacturers license number 10185706 Version 1.0

LOTTOLAND SUPPORTS RESPONSIBLE BETTING. NO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS ARE PERMITTED TO GAMBLE. WINNERS KNOW WHEN TO STOP. NATIONAL RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING TOLL-FREE COUNSELLING LINE 0800 006 008.

Contact us: [email protected] Spanish Christmas Lottery at Lottoland - Lottoland.co.za

Register logo
Log in to your account
Log in logo
Register now to stand a chance to win millions in prize money
  • Join 10 million people across the globe, in betting on lottery events and stand a chance to win some of the largest prize money on offer.
  • Dream Bigger with Lottoland.
Player Support Always happy to help
[email protected]
I confirm I am 18+ and have read and accept the T&C and privacy policy. I understand that I will receive marketing messages and can update my contact preferences at any time in the “My Account” section of the website.
To set a deposit limit, click here.To cancel the deposit limit, click cancel.
Live Chat