The El Nino Lottery Draw: What It Is, When It's Held and How It Works
What Is the El Nino Lottery Draw?
Quick answer: El Niño is the special National Lottery draw held every 6 January, Epiphany; in 2027 it falls on a Wednesday. A tenth costs €20 and the first prize pays €200,000 per tenth (€168,000 net). It has three refund numbers, so getting your money back is more likely than in the Christmas Lottery.
By the Serviloto team, Lottery Office no. 40 in Málaga (Spain).
| Prize | Per tenth (gross) | Per tenth (net) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st prize | €200,000 | €168,000 |
| 2nd prize | €75,000 | €68,000 |
| 3rd prize | €25,000 | €25,000 (tax-free) |
| Refund (3 final digits) | €20 | €20 (tax-free) |
The El Nino draw is one of the most important special draws run by Spain's state lottery, Loterías y Apuestas del Estado. It takes place every January 6th, coinciding with the Epiphany (Three Kings' Day), and marks the first major date on the Spanish lottery calendar after the Christmas Lottery. Its name refers to the Christ Child, in reference to the Epiphany celebration.
History and Origin of the Draw
The origins of the El Nino draw date back to 1941, when it was officially established. Some researchers point to earlier precedents in the 19th century with the so-called Rifa Nacional del Niño, or National Child Raffle. It wasn't until 1966 that the draw officially adopted the name by which it is known today: El Niño.
When and How Is It Held?
Today the draw takes place every 6 January. Tickets usually go on sale in the autumn, weeks before the Christmas Lottery draw, and remain available until 5 January, so many players reserve their preferred numbers well in advance. On draw day, numbered balls and prize balls are drawn from two rotating drums, following the same traditional system used in Spain’s other special National Lottery draws.
Differences from the Christmas Lottery
Although they share the same format and mechanics, the El Niño draw is smaller than the Christmas Lottery: it is played with far fewer series per number, so the total issue and the number of prizes are smaller. Ticket prices are the same as at Christmas: 200 euros per full ticket and 20 euros per tenth (décimo), and around 70% of the issue is paid out in prizes.
Prizes in the El Nino Draw
The top prize, popularly known as El Gordo of El Nino, pays 2 million euros per full ticket, or 200,000 euros per tenth share. The second prize pays 750,000 euros per full ticket, and the third prize pays 250,000 euros per full ticket. Below these, there are numerous smaller prize categories, approximation prizes for the numbers before and after the top prizes, and refund prizes for tickets matching the last digit. In total, each series of the draw awards close to 37,812 prizes.
Key Facts About the El Nino Draw
- Held every January 6th, coinciding with Three Kings' Day.
- Its origins date back to 1941, though the name El Nino was officially adopted in 1966.
- Played with €200 tickets divided into €20 tenths, just like the Christmas Lottery.
- The top prize pays 200,000 euros per tenth share.
- Prizes over €40,000 per tenth are taxed at 20% on the amount above that figure.
- Tickets usually go on sale in the autumn and sales close on 5 January.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2027 El Niño draw?
On Wednesday 6 January 2027, Epiphany.
How much does an El Niño tenth cost?
€20, the same as a Christmas Lottery tenth. The full ticket costs €200.
How much is the El Niño first prize?
€200,000 per tenth. After the 20% tax on the amount above €40,000, €168,000 net remains.
How many refund numbers does El Niño have?
Three: the last digit of the first prize and two more final digits drawn separately.
What is the difference between El Niño and the Christmas Lottery?
El Niño is held on 6 January, has fewer series and a smaller first prize (€200,000 per tenth versus €400,000), but it pays three refunds instead of one.
