Spain's Lottery Sellers Call for Bigger Christmas Jackpot Amid Inflation
Spain is facing a cost-of-living crisis as rising housing and energy prices reduce disposable income, affecting the dream of winning big in the Christmas lottery. Some buyers begin purchasing their tickets as early as spring, spending significant amounts.
Proposed Changes to Ticket Prices and Jackpot
Spain's lottery sellers have urged the government to increase the price of tickets for the traditional Christmas draw and boost the top prize, known as the "Fat One," to match inflation, according to Borja Muniz, President of ANAPAL.
"The jackpot hasn't changed in 14 years, while prices have climbed about 26%... Before, you could buy two apartments with it. Now it barely covers one."
ANAPAL represents 4,100 lottery shops across Spain. They propose raising the price of a tenth of a ticket, called a "decimo," from 20 euros to 25 euros and increasing the top prize from 400,000 euros to 500,000 euros per winning decimo.
Official Response and Seller Concerns
The proposal was sent to the state-run lottery agency and the Budget Ministry, but the agency responsible for the Christmas draw declined to comment.
Lottery sellers also request their commission on Christmas draw sales be increased to 6% from the current 4.5%, aligning with commissions from other national lotteries. Rising inflation and costs have reduced their profits.
Upcoming Draw Changes
Spain's Christmas Lottery 2025, scheduled for December 22, will feature historic changes to the traditional draw format.
Author's summary: Spain’s lottery sellers seek higher ticket prices and jackpots to counter inflation’s impact and maintain the Christmas lottery’s appeal and seller profits.