Spain's Lottery Sellers Call for Bigger Christmas Jackpot to Match Inflation
Spain is facing a significant cost-of-living squeeze due to rising housing and energy costs, which has reduced disposable income and dampened hopes of winning big in the lottery. Some people begin purchasing their Christmas lottery tickets as early as spring, often spending considerable amounts.
Lottery Sellers Advocate for Ticket Price and Jackpot Increase
Lottery sellers have urged the government to increase the price of tickets for Spain's traditional Christmas lottery and raise the top prize, known as the "Fat One," to keep pace with inflation. Borja Muniz, President of ANAPAL, the association representing Spain's 4,100 lottery shops, highlighted the issue:
"The jackpot hasn't changed in 14 years, while prices have climbed about 26%."
He added,
"Before, you could buy two apartments with it. Now it barely covers one."
Proposed Changes
- Increase the price of a "decimo" (one-tenth of a ticket) from 20 euros to 25 euros.
- Raise the top prize from 400,000 euros to 500,000 euros per winning decimo.
This proposal has been submitted to the state lottery agency and the Budget Ministry. However, the agency organizing the Christmas draw declined to comment on the proposal.
Additional Requests from Lottery Sellers
Lottery sellers claim that inflation and rising expenses have eroded their earnings. They also request an increase in their commission on Christmas draw sales from 4.5% to 6%, aligning it with commissions for other national lottery draws.
Upcoming Changes to Spain's Christmas Lottery 2025
Spain's Christmas Lottery 2025, scheduled for December 22, will feature historic changes to the traditional draw.
Author's summary: Spanish lottery sellers demand higher ticket prices and larger jackpots to counter inflation and protect their profits ahead of major changes in the 2025 Christmas lottery draw.