Winners of world's richest lottery 'El Gordo' celebrate

December 23, 2019 | 10:16

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Winners of Spain's "El Gordo" lottery were celebrating on Sunday (Dec 22) after more than €2 billion were paid out as the lucky numbers were announced live on national television.

winners of worlds richest lottery el gordo celebrate

Dona Manolita Lottery Administration shop employees celebrate having sold the winning number 26590, that represents takings of €4 million (£2.9 million) of Spain's Christmas lottery named "El Gordo" (Fat One). (OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP)

"El Gordo", or "The Fat One", is the world's richest lottery, paying out millions of euros every year to multiple winners.

A single lottery office in the resort town of Salou in the northeast Catalan region, shared out €320 million (US$354 million), Spanish television station TVE reported.

Such are the riches that can be won, Spaniards spent more than €2.9 billion on lottery tickets in the hope of getting lucky - three per cent more than the previous year, organisers said.

Children sang out the lucky numbers on the televised show.

The winners are often members of the same family or working colleagues, who pool together to buy a share of a ticket.

Thus if 10 people buy a share in a ticket which wins the top prize paid out, which is €4 million, then each will receive €400,000.

AFP

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