Spain's El Gordo Lottery

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
Spain's 200-year-old holiday lottery, 'The Fat One,' known as 'El Gordo,' delivered over $2.8 billion in prizes this year. The drawing took place at Teatro Real in Madrid, with multiple winners sharing top prizes. The lottery is a key part of the Christmas season in Spain.

Key Points

  • Drawing held at Teatro Real in Madrid
  • Originated in 1812 during the Napoleonic Wars
  • Organized by the Spanish government
  • Watched live on national television and livestreamed globally
  • No single jackpot, winnings distributed among thousands

Pros

  • Over $2.8 billion in prizes distributed
  • Multiple winners sharing top prizes

Cons

  • Complex system of distributing winnings