U.S. residents can now play in the world’s biggest lottery: how to buy tickets and the prizes to win

Picture this: it’s December 22 in Spain, and a nation is collectively holding its breath. Radios, TVs, and phones buzz with anticipation as the Spanish Christmas Lottery unfolds – an event as deeply woven into their holiday traditions as carols and tinsel are in the U.S. And now, Americans can join the frenzy. Yes, you can participate in this historic lottery, known for its jaw-dropping pot of cash, emotional backstory to the draw proceedings, and its array of prizes, all from the comfort of your couch.

But how did this lottery – called El Gordo (‘The Fat One’) – earn its reputation as the heavyweight of jackpots, and more importantly, how can you snag a ticket?

What makes the Spanish Christmas Lottery so special?

This isn’t your typical lottery with a single winning ticket that leaves the rest of us muttering under our breath. The Spanish Christmas Lottery distributes wealth with the kind of generosity that would make Santa blush. This year alone, it’s putting $2.9 billion on the line, with 70% of ticket sales returned as prizes. Even the smallest winnings can feel like a festive miracle.

Tickets are unique in structure. Rather than buying one number, players often purchase a “tenth” of a ticket (décimo), which means multiple people can share a winning number – and the payout. At just over $200 per full ticket, many folks split the cost with family or friends, adding a layer of communal excitement to the draw. It’s this spirit of shared hope that turns the event into a national celebration.

How does Spain’s Christmas Lottery work?

The lottery features 100,000 five-digit numbers, and each number is printed across 193 series of tickets. That means if your number wins the jackpot (El Gordo), the prize is shared among all holders of that number across the series. For 2024, the grand prize is $4.2 million per full ticket – or $420,000 per tenth. Lesser prizes also stack up quickly, creating thousands of winners.

While Americans have long marveled at this spectacle, new online platforms now allow U.S. residents to buy tickets. These sites act as middlemen, purchasing physical tickets on your behalf in Spain. Before you ask: yes, it’s legal, and yes, the winnings are yours after a 20% tax on prizes over €40,000 (roughly $43,000). Uncle Sam will likely want a slice too, but that’s a worry for future-you.

Why is El Gordo worth the buzz?

If you think your odds of winning are as slim as fitting into last year’s holiday sweater, here’s a twist: El Gordo offers significantly better odds than most U.S. lotteries. The chance of winning any prize is 1 in 6, which, compared to the Powerball’s 1 in 25 odds, suddenly feels like a stocking stuffed with hope.

Even the draw itself is a spectacle. Held at Madrid’s Teatro Real, it starts early on December 22, with children from the San Ildefonso school for orphans singing the winning numbers in a time-honored tradition. Think of it as part concert, part lottery, and entirely captivating. Here’s what to expect.

How can you play the Spanish Christmas lottery from the U.S.?

To participate, you’ll need to go through a ticket reseller. Websites like TheLotter or Jackpot.com specialize in international lottery sales, allowing you to pick a number or let the system choose one for you. There is also the appropriately named elGordo.com which will cover all your specific needs. Once purchased, you’ll receive a scanned copy of your ticket as proof of ownership. If your number hits, the platform will guide you through claiming your prize.

Joining the Spanish Christmas Lottery from the U.S. might not guarantee you riches, but it offers something equally valuable: a slice of holiday excitement and a reason to dream big. After all, isn’t that what the season is about? So, pour yourself some eggnog, pick your numbers, and let’s see if El Gordo can sprinkle a little extra magic on your holidays this year.

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