A wave of excitement sweeps through Spain each December, culminating in the televised spectacle of ‘El Gordo’ – The Fat One – the world’s largest lottery. Billions of euros are at stake, and people queue for hours, not just for a chance to win, but to witness the event itself. But this year, a stark warning echoes across the border in Germany.
The German gambling regulator, Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), is urging residents to steer clear of online participation in the Spanish Christmas lottery. As the festive season approaches, advertising for these opportunities surges, specifically targeting German citizens. However, the GGL insists these offers are not legitimate.
The core of the issue lies in what’s being offered. Instead of directly purchasing a ticket in the official Spanish lottery, Germans are unknowingly placing bets on the outcome with private, unauthorized providers. There’s no contract with the Spanish state lottery organization, rendering these transactions illegal under German gambling law.
This isn’t a new concern. The GGL has repeatedly cautioned against participating in ‘El Gordo’ through unofficial channels, issuing similar warnings as early as 2023. They’ve identified numerous websites, some well-known, actively promoting these illicit betting opportunities.
The regulator emphasizes that these providers operate without a German license and aren’t included on the official whitelist of approved operators. Essentially, players aren’t buying a lottery ticket; they’re making a side bet, with no guarantee of payout or legal recourse if issues arise.
The GGL has published a detailed FAQ to clarify the situation, explaining the risks of these “second lotteries.” They aim to protect citizens from unknowingly engaging in illegal gambling activities and losing their money to unregulated entities.
The allure of a multi-billion euro jackpot is powerful, but the GGL’s message is clear: participation in ‘El Gordo’ from Germany must be direct and legal, or it risks being a costly and ultimately disappointing gamble.
