Lottery fever has gripped Spain once again after the latest La Primitiva draw produced a spectacular win for a resident of Albacete. The lucky ticket holder will collect a prize exceeding one million euros. But luck didn’t stop there—a major prize also landed in the Madrid region. Across the country, Spaniards are checking their tickets with bated breath, hoping their numbers will prove to be the winners.
La Primitiva is more than just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon that spans generations. Each draw becomes an event that can change a person’s destiny. This Monday, January 12, 2026, the excitement reached a boiling point: a record jackpot was up for grabs, and the dreams of thousands hinged on six coveted numbers.
Main Winners
This time, the top first-category prize—over 1 million euros—went to a player who placed a bet in Albacete. The winning ticket was purchased at a point of sale on Avenida Ramón Menéndez Pidal, number 4. For this person, life will never be the same: prizes like these can turn everything upside down.
The second most significant prize, nearly 165,000 euros, went to Torrejón de la Calzada, a small town in the Madrid community. Here, luck smiled on another participant, who placed their bet at 22 Calle Real. Both winners can now afford things they once only dreamed of.
Draw Results
The draw held on January 12 produced the following numbers: 2, 16, 18, 20, 43, and 46. The additional number was 19, and the refund number was 06. In addition, the Joker number was 1 632 681. These numbers proved to be life-changing for two lucky winners, while thousands of other players walked away with smaller, yet still welcome, prizes.
It is worth noting that this time, there were no winners in the “six numbers plus refund” category. This means the main jackpot continues to grow and could reach an astronomical €78.5 million at the next draw. Spaniards are already making plans for a possible win, and queues are only getting longer at lottery outlets.
History and traditions
La Primitiva is one of the oldest lotteries not just in Spain, but worldwide. Its story dates back to the 18th century, when the first draw was held in 1763 at the initiative of Finance Minister Marqués de Esquilache. The aim then was to boost the state treasury without raising taxes. Over the centuries, the rules and format have changed, but since 1985 the lottery has taken on its modern form and become an integral part of Spanish life.
Today, La Primitiva is held three times a week—on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. To play, you just need to pick six numbers from 49, and the system automatically adds an extra number and a refund number. To hit the jackpot, you have to match all six numbers plus the refund.
Categories and odds
La Primitiva offers several prize tiers: from matching three numbers to hitting all six and the Reintegro. This makes the game appealing to a broad audience—even if you don’t win millions, there’s always a chance to get your ticket price back or land a pleasant bonus.
Particular attention is drawn to the additional Joker game. For a small extra fee, players receive a seven-digit number, and matching it with the winning combination awards another million euros. This feature is especially popular among those who love to take risks and dream of instant wealth.
Lottery fever
With every new draw, excitement around La Primitiva only grows. Spaniards discuss winning strategies, share stories about lucky winners, and keep hoping for their own success. In a country where lotteries have long become part of the national culture, each draw is a chance for a new life.
This time, luck smiled on Albacete and Torrejón de la Calzada, but in the coming days, millions of Spaniards will once again try to catch their own lucky break. Who knows—perhaps the next millionaire is already among us.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that La Primitiva is Spain’s national lottery, dating back to the 18th century. Regulated by Loterías y Apuestas del Estado, it remains one of the country’s most popular games. Millions take part in the draws each year, with jackpots often reaching tens of millions of euros. In addition to the main prizes, the lottery offers extra chances to win, including the Joker game. Participation in La Primitiva is open to adults and visitors in Spain.
