Spain's Christmas lottery is still "El Gordo"

Comment #14

rdgrnr — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:28:35 GMT

Two hundred Euros broken down over a year doesn't sound too bad to me. I'd probably buy a whole ticket, given the opportunity.

It's funny how coincidences arise. As I read this article I remembered that I had a mother in law at one time that had the same name as the Spanish Lottery - El Gordo. Well, it wasn't actually her given name, it was more like a nickname that I gave her. I thought it was quaint and fitting; my wife at the time took offense. That woman had absolutely no sense of humor.... [ More ]

Comment #13

Todd — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 03:56:08 GMT

Oy. Maybe you should re-read my post then. I don't want to bore everyone by saying everything again.

Comment #12

jarasan — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Not all cultures are like this American culture, a lot of those villages have been there for literally hundreds of years and the familys that live there go back generations in many cases.

Comment #11

time*treat — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:59:11 GMT

From the first comment, the point seemed to be that there were no computers involved. Was there another?

I didn't judge the game, nor say it was unsuccessful. That case would be kind of hard to make about a game that's been around a couple hundred years.

I made a comment about the specific aspect of the ticket cost. How that was extrapolated into some kind of slam against their culture is just ... unfortunate.

With as many stories that show up here about families, co-worker groups frien... [ More ]

Comment #10

Todd — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:02:38 GMT

Well, you have to understand that the Fat One lottery is only once per year, and you also have to understand how tickets are traditionally purchased in Spain. By only comparing El Gordo to USA lotteries, you are missing the point.

Someone buying tickets for themselves may pick up a few decimas. But often families buy whole tickets, and share in the winnings. Sometimes entire villages buy ranges of tickets. It is a cultural thing, and one of the longest-running lotteries worldwide. Certainly

Comment #9

lottocalgal — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:43:26 GMT

Got it. Thanks for the explanation.

Comment #8

time*treat — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:51:01 GMT

A decimo, a tenth of a ticket, is the smallest unit officially sold. It costs 20 euros.

That makes a full ticket cost 200 euros. I'm not keen to see that aspect adopted in the US.

Comment #7

Todd — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:46:22 GMT

The girl on the right is picking out ticket numbers. As you can see, each game number has one wooden ball with the number stamped on it. No computers needed!

The boy on the left is picking out prize descriptions. You can see when he picks out the fat one prize he stops the girl from racking her number, and that number she's holding is the big winner.

If you look at the spindles where they are racking the numbers, it is a box with lots of spindles that already have wooden balls racked, so y... [ More ]

Comment #6

lottocalgal — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:20:10 GMT

Hey Todd ( or maybe someone else)

Could you explain that lottery to me? I watched the video and didn't get. The kids seemed like they were doing alot of singing or calling out ball numbers but then in the end they pulled out only two balls? But after that I saw alot of people jumping around and hugging and such. Two balls? but its supposed to be this gigantic lottery? Everyone please forgive my ignorance but any explanation would be appreciated. Of course i won't be playing it, but i just... [ More ]

Comment #5

savagegoose — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:41:10 GMT

2.2 bill euros in prizes is no shabby lotto. well lottery. Yeah i agree the tradition and the fact people buy into multiple ticketys all year round for the big even. family tickets offfice tickets, people down the pub.

all up its a year long event, buying and then hopefully winning. I wish i could get into that sort of excitemnt. especally the winning part lol

Comment #4

Todd — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:58:31 GMT

Click State Lottery Report Card in the Results menu. After you're done there, click here.

Comment #3

Nino224 — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:41:14 GMT

Todd, which states have computerized drawings

Comment #2

jarasan — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:13:23 GMT

Totally agree! Thanks for that video.

Comment #1

Todd — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:20:48 GMT

Hopefully all the lottery execs watch the YouTube video (above) of the drawing. Notice the lack of computers. There isn't a hint of deception or rigging. Notice the excitement of a traditional event in front of a live audience. You can actually feel the excitement when the Fat One number is drawn by the kids.

The raffles are a good start, but the conspicuous absence of raffles in many states this year is a shame.

Perhaps this is the opportunity for a national game -- not another Super Powe... [ More ]

Spain's Christmas lottery is still "El Gordo"

Lottery Post — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:11:23 GMT

In tough times, Spaniards trim trees, not their lottery ticket purchases

Includes video report

On the morning of Dec. 22, Spain will be glued to radios and TV sets. A monotonous chant of children's voices will float through the air of homes, cafeterias and offices for hours.

It is the lyrical event of the season, a kickoff to Christmas celebrations. Children dressed up in navy blue and gray uniforms sing, not Christmas carols, but the winning numbers and prizes for the Loteria de Navida... [ More ]