Spain's Billion Dollar Lottery By Madeline Ibarra

In Spain, the economic crisis leaves many people in debt or struggling. Some of the lucky and hardworking people of Spain were blessed on Saturday when thousands won stocks of the Christmas Lottery. The payout of this years Christmas Lottery in Spain was $2.2 billion which was handed out to thousands of people. This drawing became known as "El Gordo" or the fat one because of the massive amount of money. The largest amount of money won was $950 million or 43% of the overall prize which was won by some residents of the historic university town of Alcala de Henares, just east of Madrid. "Spaniards typically buy a share of a ticket, among friends or family, at the local bar or workplace, so the joy was spread around." The second biggest prize was won by a group of residents in the town of Aranda de Duero, north of Madrid. One man in that town bought what is know as a "full ticket" or 10 shares of the lottery, which is now worth $5.2 million. He said that he will be giving parts of his winnings to family and people in need. He also said that he will be buying a car and a decent home for his family. Spaniards spent 8% less on lottery tickets this year than last year, with the amount paid for one share being $68 compared to $73 last year.

I feel like this lottery is bringing the winners and their families closer. We usually hear about lottery winners going crazy with their money or something bad happening to them, but the Spanish people seem to become more loving and thankful for their blessing. For the people who won, I know that they will do practical and responsible things with their winnings. For the people who did not win as much as others, they will still be able to improve their lives.

source:  http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/22/world/europe/spain-el-gordo/index.html?hpt=ieu_t2