What Is El Gordo de la Primitiva?
Quick answer: El Gordo de la Primitiva is a Loterías y Apuestas del Estado game where you choose 5 numbers from 1 to 54 and a key number from 0 to 9. It is drawn on Sundays at 21:30 (Spanish time), each bet costs €1.50, and the jackpot, with a guaranteed minimum of €5 million, goes to whoever matches the 5 numbers and the key number.
By the Serviloto team, Lottery Office no. 40 in Málaga (Spain).
| Fact | El Gordo de la Primitiva |
|---|---|
| Numbers to pick | 5 from 1 to 54 + 1 key number from 0 to 9 |
| Price per bet | €1.50 |
| Draw day | Sunday, 21:30 (Spanish time) |
| Minimum jackpot | €5 million |
| Top prize | 5 numbers + key number |
| Odds of the jackpot | 1 in 31,625,100 |
| Refund | Matching the key number (€1.50) |
El Gordo de la Primitiva is one of Spain's most popular lottery draws, run by Loterías y Apuestas del Estado (SELAE). It's held every Sunday and stands out for offering one of the highest top prizes among Spain's regular lottery draws, making it a weekly fixture for millions of players.
How to Play El Gordo de la Primitiva
To take part, you need to pick 5 numbers between 1 and 54, plus a key number (the "Clave") between 0 and 9. A single bet costs €1.50. You can also place a multiple bet by marking extra numbers on the same ticket, or let the system choose your combination at random.
When Is the Draw Held?
The El Gordo de la Primitiva draw takes place every Sunday evening at 21:30 (Spanish time), which sets it apart from other Spanish lottery draws held during the week. It's a great way to end the week with the excitement of a possible prize.
El Gordo de la Primitiva Prize Categories
El Gordo de la Primitiva pays out prizes across several categories:
- First category: 5 numbers plus the Key
- Second category: 5 numbers
- Third category: 4 numbers plus the Key
- Fourth category: 4 numbers
- Fifth category: 3 numbers plus the Key
- Sixth category: 3 numbers
- Seventh category: 2 numbers plus the Key
- Eighth category: 2 numbers (fixed prize of €3)
- Refund: matching only the Key
The top prize isn't capped at a fixed amount and can roll over between draws when nobody wins it, sometimes reaching multi-million-euro sums.
How to Check If You've Won
You can check your ticket at any authorised point of sale, on the official Loterías y Apuestas del Estado website, or by checking the results we publish on Serviloto after each draw. Prizes under €2,500 can be collected at any lottery outlet, while larger prizes must be claimed at Loterías offices or through an authorised bank.
Is It Worth Playing El Gordo de la Primitiva?
Thanks to its high top prize and its Sunday draw, El Gordo de la Primitiva is an appealing option for anyone looking for a different draw from the rest of the week. As always, the most important thing is to play responsibly and within your means.
Frequently asked questions
What day is El Gordo de la Primitiva drawn?
Every Sunday at 21:30 Spanish time.
How much does it cost to play El Gordo de la Primitiva?
Each simple bet costs €1.50.
How many numbers do you pick in El Gordo de la Primitiva?
5 numbers from 1 to 54 and a key number from 0 to 9.
What is the minimum El Gordo de la Primitiva jackpot?
The guaranteed minimum jackpot is €5 million, and it rolls over if nobody matches the 5 numbers plus the key number.
What are the odds of winning the El Gordo jackpot?
1 in 31,625,100. Prizes start from 2 matches, and matching only the key number gives you the refund.
