The situation with El Gordo prize payouts in the small town of Villamanín (León) has attracted nationwide attention in Spain. For the first time, a mandatory online procedure has been introduced for claiming lottery winnings, affecting hundreds of residents and guests who purchased tickets during local festivities. The new rules, set out by the organizers’ association, could impact the fate of large sums and trigger legal disputes among participants.
Registration is mandatory
Winners must register on a dedicated website created specifically for this case. Only after uploading photos of their tickets and providing proof of identity, along with completing a detailed form, can they claim their entitled winnings. Organizers stress that without completing this step, no prize will be paid. The entire process includes email confirmation and requires careful handling of personal data.
Special attention is given to security: participants are strongly advised to avoid errors when sending photos and not to share their information with third parties. As lottery ticket fraud becomes increasingly sophisticated, this aspect is raising concerns among many locals.
Unexpected conditions
A key feature of this year’s draw was the assembly’s decision: owners of officially registered tickets must allocate about 10% of their winnings to those whose tickets, for various reasons, were not verified. This decision sparked a wave of debate and dissatisfaction among some winners, as it involves substantial sums. Each ticket brings in around 80,000 euros after taxes, and the total prize fund exceeded 26 million euros.
Organizers explain that the redistribution is necessary for fairness, so that no participant is left without a share. However, not everyone agrees with this approach. Participants are given a choice: accept a reduced payout, or refuse and seek the full amount in court. The latter option may result in lengthy proceedings and uncertain timelines.
Step-by-step guide
For convenience, the website offers detailed instructions divided into four steps. First, you need to register and confirm your email, then upload photos of your documents and tickets. Next, fill out a personal information form and sign the agreement either consenting to or declining the distribution of winnings. In the final step, the participant receives registration confirmation and a copy of the signed document by email.
In the FAQ section, the organizers address key questions related to the procedure, deadlines, and potential issues. They specifically emphasize: registration and application submissions close at midnight on March 22. No new requests will be accepted after this deadline.
Possible consequences
The association warns: if some of the winners choose to pursue legal action, this could delay payouts for everyone. Lawsuits in such cases can last for months or even years. In addition, attorney fees and possible court costs can significantly reduce the final winnings.
For elderly residents and those who do not use the internet, personal registration with the help of specialists is available. Dates and locations for completing the procedure offline in Villamanín and León will be announced soon. This solution aims to ease anxiety among those wary of digital technologies.
Risks and cautions
Organizers strongly remind everyone: any deviation from the official procedure may lead to forfeiture of the right to receive funds. Special attention is given to protecting personal data and preventing fraud. All actions are coordinated through a Madrid-based law firm to minimize risks for participants.
In the coming weeks, the situation around El Gordo in Villamanín is expected to remain tense. The winners’ decisions will determine not only the speed of payouts but also the future of similar initiatives in other regions of the country.
