Yep, Lots of noughts ain't it?
El Gordo Natividad
Billed as the world's richest lottery it promises a total pay out of 2.5 billion euros (£2 billion) and hundreds of ticket holders will be awarded the top prize of 4 million euros.
With the economy crumbling and an unemployment rate of 25 per cent, Spaniards have been lining up to purchase tickets from lottery sellers over the past days in the hope of a windfall.
Players chip in together to buy tickets for the lottery, making it common for multiple prize winnings in one town or city neighbourhood or shared amongst colleagues or drinkers in a local bar. They typically buy a tenth of a share in a ticket for 20 euros.
Juan Antonio Gallardo, the commercial director of Spain's national lottery told AFP that 2012 ticket sales were "similar to or slightly lower" than 2011, with an overall decrease of only 3.5 per cent since 2008 But for some, the lottery has become the last resort as the crisis broadens its grip on the Spanish population.
Kiko Villar, who has been unemployed for a year, bought his first ever Gordo ticket this year. "It's very sad really, but right now in Spain it is almost easier to win the lottery than to find a job."This is the last lottery that will be tax exempt. From January 1 future lottery winners will be forced to pay 20 per cent of winnings over 2,500 euros to the Treasury.
El Gordo Natividad
Billed as the world's richest lottery it promises a total pay out of 2.5 billion euros (£2 billion) and hundreds of ticket holders will be awarded the top prize of 4 million euros.
With the economy crumbling and an unemployment rate of 25 per cent, Spaniards have been lining up to purchase tickets from lottery sellers over the past days in the hope of a windfall.
Players chip in together to buy tickets for the lottery, making it common for multiple prize winnings in one town or city neighbourhood or shared amongst colleagues or drinkers in a local bar. They typically buy a tenth of a share in a ticket for 20 euros.
Juan Antonio Gallardo, the commercial director of Spain's national lottery told AFP that 2012 ticket sales were "similar to or slightly lower" than 2011, with an overall decrease of only 3.5 per cent since 2008 But for some, the lottery has become the last resort as the crisis broadens its grip on the Spanish population.
Kiko Villar, who has been unemployed for a year, bought his first ever Gordo ticket this year. "It's very sad really, but right now in Spain it is almost easier to win the lottery than to find a job."This is the last lottery that will be tax exempt. From January 1 future lottery winners will be forced to pay 20 per cent of winnings over 2,500 euros to the Treasury.
