Lotería del Niño 2025: A New Year’s Hope for Luck and Fortune

As the festive season in Spain comes to a close, the anticipation for the Lotería del Niño, or the Children's Lottery, reaches its peak. This year, on Monday, January 6, 2025, millions of Spaniards and expats alike will be holding their breaths, hoping to win a share of the 770 million euros in prizes.

The Grand Event

The Lotería del Niño, celebrated on the day of the Epiphany (Día de Reyes), is a beloved tradition that follows closely after the Christmas Lottery. The draw will take place at the Salón de Sorteos de Loterías y Apuestas del Estado in Madrid, starting at 12:00 PM. This event, though less elaborate than the Christmas Lottery, still captivates the nation with its promise of significant prizes.

Prizes and Probabilities

The top prize, often referred to as the "Gordo" of the Lotería del Niño, awards 200,000 euros per décimo (a tenth of a ticket). This translates to a substantial 20,000 euros return for every euro invested, before taxes. However, after a 20% tax on amounts exceeding 40,000 euros, the actual payout would be 168,000 euros per décimo[5].

In addition to the first prize, there are two other major prizes: the second prize is 750,000 euros per series (75,000 euros per décimo), and the third prize is 250,000 euros per series (25,000 euros per décimo)[3].

How to Watch and Participate

Expats and locals can watch the live draw on La 1 de TVE, ensuring no one misses the excitement of the moment. Tickets can be purchased until 10:00 AM on the day of the draw at lottery administrations across Spain[1].

Historical Context and Tradition

The Lotería del Niño is part of a long-standing lottery tradition in Spain, similar to the Christmas Lottery but with a simpler format. The draw uses a system of multiple drums, each containing numbers from 0 to 9, corresponding to different parts of the ticket number. This process, lasting just under 60 minutes, adds to the suspense and anticipation[1].

A Second Chance at Fortune

For those who did not win in the Christmas Lottery, the Lotería del Niño offers a second chance at fortune. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Valencia have historically been fortunate in this draw, adding to the local excitement and hope[1].

Tax Implications and Smaller Prizes

It's important to note that any prize exceeding 40,000 euros is subject to a 20% tax. However, smaller prizes and cumulative wins below this threshold are not taxed. This means that winners of multiple smaller prizes will receive their full amounts without any deductions[5].

As the year 2025 begins, the Lotería del Niño stands as a beacon of hope and a continuation of Spain's rich lottery traditions. Whether you are a long-time resident or a new expat in Spain, participating in this lottery is a way to be part of a national celebration that combines luck, tradition, and community spirit. So mark your calendars for January 6, and perhaps this year, Lady Luck will smile upon you.