One of the many unique differences in Alicante Spain is the lottery system. In Alicante there are individuals ticket vendors that bring a portable table and set up outside of busy areas of the city. Many people will approach the vendor and buy their tickets. You can also buy tickets at certain lottery stores and other locations, but the majority of people pick up their tickets at an outside vendor.

We have seen some vendors all over the city. Some of them pin a lottery ticket on their shirt as a form of advertising and walk along the sidewalks trying to sell the tickets. Other vendors set up at a stationary location.  Most of them carry their portable lottery stand with them on the bus to their particular area. I have seen people walk up to a vendor before they even get on the bus to buy a ticket. It seems that the lottery is very popular here in Spain.

The lottery system is called Once and it has been  in existence for over 75 years. The proceeds from the lottery go to help support social needs and in particular the blind. Apparently over 230 million euros annually are provided to social needs. There are different tickets that you can buy from scratch tickets to full lottery draws. They also have special lotteries that have large winning pots available. One of the special lotteries is called the “Dia de la Madre” Mothers Day lottery and is drawn on May 1st.

The ticket price for the special lottery of “Dia de la Madre”  is 5 euros. The ticket has a chance for one winner of 17 million and runner-up prizes of different values from $40,000 to as small as $5. euros.

I know some of you are avid lottery players, so I took a chance and bought a ticket. The vendor was happy to pose with me and my “tentative winning ticket” Hey you never know!

The ticket itself is the same size as a Euro 5 dollar bill. It is made of a thick paper and has a little image of the special draw on the front.

Lottery winnings are taxed in Spain and if by luck I win the 17.000.000 euro draw, I would need to pay around 3.5 million in taxes. (I am ok with that)

“Adios y que tenga un grand días”