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The 2025 Christmas Lottery: Who's barred from playing and how not to lose it all if you win
With the season fast approaching, here’s a reminder of who can’t join in the fun - and some handy advice for those dreaming of striking it lucky
It might still be early November, but Christmas is already starting to peek around the corner. Soon the streets will sparkle with lights, shop windows will shine in gold and red, and shelves will fill with nougat and shortbread. And across Spain, millions will be hoping for a share of the Christmas magic when the famous lottery draw takes place on Monday December 22.For many, buying a ticket for the Christmas Lottery is as much a tradition as decorating the tree or sharing a festive meal. But not everyone is allowed to take part. Spanish law is quite clear about who can, and who definitely cannot, play.
Who cannot buy Christmas Lottery tickets
Under Law 13/2011 on the regulation of gambling, the following groups are legally prohibited from buying tickets or taking part in any game of chance:
- Minors under 18 years old
- Anyone banned from gambling by court order
- People who have voluntarily asked to be excluded from gambling activity
- Directors, shareholders, or managers of Loterías y Apuestas del Estado - the state body that organises the draw
- Workers directly involved in running the lottery, along with their spouses or partners
- The president, board members and directors of the National Gambling Commission, plus their spouses or partners
So, while friends and colleagues across the country start sharing décimos (one-tenth shares of a full lottery ticket, usually costing €20 each) and dreaming of “El Gordo”, the famous jackpot, there are a few who simply have to watch from the sidelines.
You might also be interested in: Spanish Christmas Lottery: What is El Gordo and why is it such a big deal?
What to do if you beat the odds
Of course, for those lucky enough to hold a winning ticket, that’s when things really get interesting. But before rushing out to celebrate, financial adviser Sergi Torrens has some sensible words of caution. “70% of people who win a lottery prize are broke five years later,” he says.
His first piece of advice? Keep it quiet. “Maximum discretion, don’t shout it from the rooftops,” he recommends. Then, take some time before making any big decisions. Remember too, that the taxman will be waiting. “You will pay 20 percent, except for the first 40,000 euros,” says Torrens. “So, if you win 400,000 euros, 40,000 will be exempt and you will pay tax on 360,000. Twenty percent of that is 72,000, leaving you with 328,000 euros.”
He also warns against paying off loans and mortgages straight away and urges new winners to get independent financial advice before doing anything with their prize money.
So, whether you’re planning to buy a ticket or just watching the excitement unfold, keep the rules, and Torrens’ sensible tips, in mind. After all, winning the Christmas Lottery might be down to luck, but keeping hold of it takes a little more planning.
You might also be interested in: The Spanish Christmas lottery ads
Image: wikicommons
