Spain's Lotería del Niño and El Gordo Lotteries Distribute Massive Prizes

As the festive season in Spain comes to a close, the country's renowned lotteries have once again distributed staggering amounts of money to lucky winners. The Lotería del Niño, held on January 6, 2025, and the preceding El Gordo de Navidad lottery have made this year's holiday season particularly memorable for many.

Lotería del Niño 2025: A €770 Million Prize Pot

The Lotería del Niño, translated as "The Kid’s Lottery," took place on January 6, 2025, coinciding with the celebration of the Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day. This traditional lottery, which dates back to the 19th century, offered a sensational €770 million prize pot. The draw, held at the Salón del Sorteo de Loterías in Madrid, was broadcast live on Spanish TV and online, captivating audiences across the nation.

Top Prizes and Winners

The top prize, known as the "Primer premio," was €2 million per number series, with each décimo (a tenth of a number series) worth €200,000. The second and third prizes were €750,000 and €250,000 per series, respectively, with corresponding décimo values of €75,000 and €25,000.

In addition to these major prizes, the lottery included numerous other awards, such as four-digit, three-digit, and two-digit extractions, as well as prizes for matching certain digits of the winning numbers. This year, areas like Malaga, Torremolinos, Arriate, and Marbella were among the successful regions, continuing their lucky streaks in the El Niño lottery.

El Gordo de Navidad: A €2.7 Billion Christmas Draw

Preceding the Lotería del Niño was the El Gordo de Navidad lottery, held on December 22, 2024. This Christmas lottery, one of the world's oldest and largest, distributed a staggering €2.7 billion in prizes. The top prize, "El Gordo," was €4 million for a full ticket, with 193 winners this year, each receiving a share of the prize money.

Tradition and Community

Both lotteries are deeply ingrained in Spanish culture and tradition. The El Gordo de Navidad, established in 1812 during the Napoleonic Wars, has been a significant part of Spanish Christmas celebrations for over two centuries. The lottery draws are often communal events, with families, friends, and entire neighborhoods pooling their resources to buy tickets or fractions of them.

Claims and Taxes

Winners of both lotteries have until April 6, 2025, to claim their prizes. It is important to note that prizes exceeding €40,000 are subject to a 20% tax. However, winners of the third prize in the Lotería del Niño are exempt from this tax.

A Festive Season of Hope and Luck

For many in Spain, these lotteries are more than just games of chance; they are cherished traditions that bring communities together and offer a glimmer of hope for a prosperous new year. Whether you are a long-time resident or an expat in Spain, participating in these lotteries can be a fun and exciting way to be part of the country's festive spirit. So, if you missed out this time, mark your calendars for next year's draws and join in the excitement of Spain's beloved lotteries.