Lottery in Spain: How it works and where to start
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not endorse or encourage participation in the lottery. Please play responsibly and be aware of the risks associated with gambling.
A few months ago, we considered the possibility of acquiring a lottery license in a small mountain village in Axarquía. When I mentioned it to some of my clients, I was surprised by their reactions—many admitted they had no idea how the lottery worked in Spain. Some wanted to play but simply didn’t know where to start.
Back then, I thought I’d write this article to promote the shop, but since we never went through with it, I’ve decided to share this guide for those of you who like to try your luck once in a while!
The Lottery System in Spain
Spain has one of the world’s most famous and deeply ingrained lottery traditions. The lottery is more than just a game here—it’s a social and cultural event that brings people together.
There are several types of lotteries, operated by different organizations, and each has its own rules and charm.
Who Runs the Lottery in Spain?
The Spanish lottery is managed by different agencies:
Loterías y Apuestas del Estado – The state-run lottery organization that operates most of the popular lottery draws, including the world-famous Christmas lottery.
ONCE (Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles) – This organization, run by the Spanish National Organization for the Blind, provides employment for people with disabilities through lottery ticket sales. Their daily draws support various social causes.
Private Betting Agencies – In addition to national lotteries, there are private betting houses where you can participate in additional draws and sports betting.
The Most Popular Lotteries in Spain
1. La Lotería Nacional (National Lottery)
Spain’s Lotería Nacional is held every Thursday and Saturday, but its biggest event is undoubtedly the Christmas Lottery (El Gordo de Navidad), one of the largest and oldest lotteries in the world.
Christmas Lottery (El Gordo de Navidad) – Held every December 22nd, this is the most anticipated lottery of the year. Tickets, called décimos, are pre-printed with numbers and cost 20€ per share. Many people buy shares of the same number with family, friends, or co-workers, making it a communal tradition. The prize pool is massive, with thousands of winners across Spain.
El Niño – The second most famous draw, held on January 6th, offers another chance at big winnings right after Christmas.
The Unique Ceremony of El Gordo de Navidad
One of the most iconic traditions of the Spanish Christmas Lottery is its draw ceremony, broadcast live and watched by millions. Instead of simply announcing numbers, children from the San Ildefonso School in Madrid sing the results, a tradition dating back to 1771.
Originally, these children were chosen because the school was an orphanage. Today, they take turns drawing numbers and prize amounts from two golden drums, singing each result in a distinct melodic chant. This unique performance has become a cherished part of Spain’s Christmas season.
The event lasts several hours, building excitement as major prizes (El Gordo, El Segundo, El Tercero) are revealed. Winners are often seen celebrating in lottery shops or in the streets, popping bottles of cava with family and friends. The ceremony embodies tradition, nostalgia, and a collective spirit, reinforcing the belief that the lottery is about sharing luck rather than just winning.
2. La Primitiva
This is Spain’s equivalent of a classic lotto-style draw, dating back to the 18th century. Players pick six numbers from 1 to 49, plus a Reintegro number (which can refund your ticket price). Draws take place every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, and jackpots can roll over, increasing in value until there’s a winner.
3. EuroMillions
Part of a European-wide lottery, EuroMillions offers some of the biggest jackpots in Spain. Players choose five numbers from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Stars from 1 to 12. Draws take place on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the top prize can reach hundreds of millions of euros.
4. ONCE Daily and Weekly Lotteries
ONCE offers several different draws, with the most famous being:
Cuponazo (Friday Draw) – A special weekly draw where a single ticket can win up to 9 million euros.
Daily Draws (Cupón Diario) – Held Monday to Thursday, with prizes ranging from small amounts to large jackpots.
By playing ONCE lotteries, participants also contribute to funding programs that support the blind and people with disabilities.
5. Bonoloto
A more affordable version of La Primitiva, Bonoloto tickets are cheaper, making it a popular daily game. Draws take place Monday through Saturday, and players choose six numbers from 1 to 49.
6. La Quiniela – The Football Lottery
For football enthusiasts, La Quiniela offers a unique way to engage with the sport by predicting match outcomes. Here's how it works:
Match Selection: Each betting slip lists 15 football matches, primarily from Spain's La Liga and Segunda División.
Predicting Outcomes:
First 14 Matches: For each game, you predict:
1: Home team wins.
X: Draw.
2: Away team wins.
Pleno al 15 (Match 15): This special match requires predicting the exact number of goals each team will score:
0: Zero goals.
1: One goal.
2: Two goals.
M: Three or more goals.
La Quiniela blends football knowledge and luck, making it a favorite among sports fans who enjoy testing their predictions while potentially winning big!
Where to Play the Lottery in Spain
You can buy tickets at:
Official Lottery Shops (Administración de Lotería) – These are government-authorized locations for purchasing Lotería Nacional, La Primitiva, Bonoloto, and EuroMillions.
ONCE Kiosks – Located in most cities and towns, where you can purchase ONCE lottery tickets.
Online Platforms – Many official lottery games can be played through the official Loterías y Apuestas del Estado website and authorized apps.
A Spanish Tradition Worth Experiencing
Even if you’re not a regular lottery player, participating in a draw—especially El Gordo at Christmas—is a fun and uniquely Spanish experience.
Do you play the lottery in Spain? Have you ever won? I’d love to hear your experiences!
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