The numbers for the first prize in the Spanish Christmas Lottery came out at just after half twelve on Saturday. "El Gordo" was 03347, and Majorcan winners will enjoy a combined Christmas present of 2.8 million euros. Seven tenths were sold, one apiece at lottery offices in Can Picafort, Inca and Palma and two at offices in Arenal and Cala Ratjada.
There were third prize winners in Sa Coma in Sant Llorenç, where six tenths of 04211 were sold at the office in the local tabac. The tobacconist, Joan O'Connel, recognised that many people in the area had been badly affected by the October floods and was happy to have been able to bring some people some good luck. The fourth prize was won in Colonia Sant Jordi and Palma, and there were fifth prizes in Cala Millor, Manacor and Palma.
One of the first prize winners, 39-year-old Sergi Marne, headed straight to the lottery office on calle Felip II in Palma after the numbers were announced. There were nine others in his syndicate. He says that he will use the money for home improvements and spend it on his three children.
In Arenal, the operator of the lottery office said that this was the first time that there had been a share of El Gordo. At the time he was speaking, an hour or so after the numbers had come out, he still had no idea who had won. Tourists as well as residents buy tickets. At the lottery outlet in a bar in Can Picafort, there had been no claimant either.