Spain's Christmas Lottery 2025 will introduce historic changes to the traditional draw scheduled for 22 December. For the first time in its more than two centuries of existence, the number of series will reach a record 198, resulting in a total issue worth 3,960 million euros. Of this amount, 2,772 million euros will be exclusively allocated to prizes, representing €70 million more than in the 2024 edition. These adjustments aim to enhance participants' chances of winning the coveted 'el Gordo' (the Fat One) whilst maintaining the value of the main prizes.
This increase in available series marks a significant milestone in the history of Spain's most anticipated annual lottery draw. The expansion to 198 series not only establishes a new record but also modifies the distribution of winning probabilities, making them more favourable for participants. Despite these substantial changes, 'el Gordo' will maintain its prize of 4 million euros per series, equivalent to 400,000 euros per winning tenth (décimo) before applicable tax deductions.
The prize structure for this year's draw will preserve the traditional scheme, although with the particularity that, thanks to the increased number of series, more winning tickets will be circulating throughout Spain. The first prize, popularly known as 'el Gordo', will remain at 4 million euros per series, which translates to 400,000 euros per tenth. The second prize will maintain its €125,000 per tenth, while the third will be 50,000 euros.
Expanded prize distribution for 2025
The fourth prizes, which are two lucky numbers, will continue to offer 20,000 euros per tenth each. Meanwhile, the eight fifth prizes will deliver 6,000 euros for each fortunate tenth. Completing the range of prizes, the traditional 'pedreas' will continue to spread joy with 1,794 prizes of 1,000 euros per tenth, thus maintaining the same scheme as in the 2024 edition.
With the increase to 198 series, the Christmas Lottery 2025 not only grows in numbers but also in opportunities for players. The total issue will reach the record figure of 3,960 million euros, a significant increase compared to previous editions. This change represents a commitment to making the draw more accessible to a greater number of people, better distributing the chances of obtaining one of the prizes.
A lottery steeped in history
The Extraordinary Christmas Draw boasts more than two centuries of history in Spain. Since its first celebration in 1812 in Cádiz, it has undergone numerous transformations in both format and prizes. What began as a modest draw to raise funds during the War of Independence has become the most anticipated event in the Spanish Christmas calendar.
Over the decades, the draw has progressively increased both the number of tickets issued and the amount of its prizes. The 2025 edition represents a new milestone in this evolution, with the largest number of series ever issued. This upward trend reflects the growing interest of Spaniards in participating in this tradition that transcends the merely economic to become a social and cultural phenomenon.
How these changes affect winning chances
With the increase in series to 198, the mathematical probabilities of a specific number being drawn remain the same, as the total numbers participating in the draw remains at 100,000 (from 00000 to 99999). However, with more tenths in circulation for each number, the chances increase that more people will share the joy of the major prizes.
Statistically, the probability of a tenth being awarded the top prize remains 1 in 100,000, but with the increase in series, there will be 198 tenths awarded the first prize instead of the 185 from the previous edition. This means more players will be able to celebrate winning the coveted 'el Gordo' on 22 December.