Spain's Lottery Sellers Call for Bigger Christmas Jackpot to Match Inflation
Spain is experiencing a cost-of-living squeeze, with rising housing and energy costs reducing disposable income and dimming hopes of a big lottery win. Some people start purchasing their Christmas tickets as early as spring, spending significant amounts.
Request to Raise Ticket Prices and Jackpot
Spain's lottery sellers have appealed to the government to increase the price of tickets for the traditional Christmas draw and to raise the top prize, known as the "Fat One," in response to inflation. Borja Muniz, President of ANAPAL—the association representing 4,100 lottery shops—explained the issue:
“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 suggests increasing the price of a ticket tenth, called a decimo, from 20 to 25 euros and boosting the top prize from 400,000 to 500,000 euros per winning decimo. This proposal has been submitted to the state lottery agency and the Budget Ministry.
Financial Pressure on Lottery Sellers
Lottery sellers report that inflation and rising expenses have reduced their profits. They are also requesting their commission on Christmas draw sales be increased from 4.5% to 6%, aligning it with commissions from other national lottery draws.
Upcoming Changes in Spain's Christmas Lottery 2025
The Christmas Lottery draw scheduled for 22 December 2025 will feature historic modifications, though specific details were not disclosed. The agency organizing the event declined to comment on the proposals.
“The price of tickets and the jackpot prize need to reflect current economic realities,”Muniz emphasized, highlighting the need for modernization in the traditional lottery structure.
Author's summary: Spain's lottery sellers urge raising ticket prices and the Christmas jackpot to counter the effects of 14 years of stagnant prizes amid 26% inflation, seeking better commissions and updated regulations for 2025.