How Long Do You Have to Claim a Lottery Prize?
Quick answer: In Spain you have 3 months to claim a lottery prize from Loterías y Apuestas del Estado (Lotería Nacional, the Christmas Lottery, El Niño, La Primitiva, Bonoloto, EuroMillions, La Quiniela…). The deadline starts the day after the draw. After that, the prize expires and can no longer be claimed.
Updated 25 September 2026 · By the Serviloto team, Lottery Office no. 40 in Málaga (Spain).
| Prize amount | Where to claim it | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Up to €2,000 | At any Loterías y Apuestas del Estado outlet | 3 months from the day after the draw |
| Over €2,000 | At SELAE partner banks | 3 months from the day after the draw |
| Over €40,000 | At a bank; 20% is withheld on the amount above €40,000 | 3 months from the day after the draw |
Winning a lottery prize is exciting, but it is also important to know how long you have to claim it.
When does the deadline begin?
The claim period generally begins on the day after the relevant lottery draw.
Checking your ticket as soon as possible is therefore a good habit.
What happens if the deadline expires?
Once the official claim period has ended, the prize may expire.
This is why players should avoid leaving winning tickets unchecked for long periods.
Are all prizes claimed in the same way?
Not necessarily.
The process may depend on the lottery game and the value of the prize. Smaller prizes may be paid through authorized lottery retailers, while larger prizes may require payment through an authorized financial institution.
What should you do after discovering a winning ticket?
Keep the original ticket safe and verify the result using an official source.
For major prizes, find out the correct claim procedure before going to collect the money.
Why should you check every prize category?
Not every winning ticket receives a major prize. Smaller prizes and refunds can easily be overlooked if players only check the main winning combination.
What about shared tickets?
If several people share a ticket, all participants should be informed of the result and the ownership arrangement should be properly documented.
Conclusion
Knowing the claim deadline is an essential part of playing the lottery. Checking your tickets promptly, keeping them safe and following the official claim procedure can help ensure that a winning prize is not accidentally left unclaimed.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to claim a Spanish lottery ticket?
You have 3 months from the day after the draw. The same deadline applies to the Lotería Nacional, the Christmas Lottery and El Niño.
When does a 2026 Christmas Lottery prize expire?
If the draw is on 22 December 2026, the 3-month period starts on 23 December, so the prize expires at the end of March 2027.
What happens if I do not claim a prize in time?
The prize expires and you lose the right to claim it. That is why it is best to check your tickets right after every draw.
Where are lottery prizes claimed in Spain?
Prizes up to €2,000 can be claimed at any official lottery outlet. Prizes over €2,000 are claimed at the partner banks of Loterías y Apuestas del Estado.
Is the deadline the same for La Primitiva, Bonoloto and EuroMillions?
Yes. All Loterías y Apuestas del Estado games have a 3-month deadline from the day after the draw.
Check your tickets in time: see recent draws on our results pages for EuroMillions, La Primitiva, Bonoloto, EuroDreams and El Gordo de la Primitiva.
