A major drama is unfolding in the Spanish town of Villamanín (León province) over the largest El Gordo lottery win. The local Festival Committee has announced that €26.568 million, won with 81 tickets, is already in the account. But the celebration is overshadowed: now, the winners must decide whether they are willing to voluntarily reduce their prize by 10% to ensure a fair distribution among all participants, including those whose tickets were not fully completed.
It’s no trivial matter: each winner stands to gain hundreds of thousands of euros. This issue arose after it was discovered that some tickets hadn’t been officially registered, putting their holders at risk of losing everything. The Committee has suggested a compromise—a special platform where each winner can vote for or against decreasing their share. The decision must be made by March 22, and the outcome will determine how quickly and smoothly the payouts proceed.
Voting and terms
The platform for registration and voting is almost ready. Every lottery winner will need to upload a photo of their ticket and sign a statement. Only after completing this process will they be eligible to claim their payout. For elderly residents of Villamanín and León, in-person registration days will be organized to ensure no one is left out due to technical difficulties.
The vote is straightforward: ‘yes’ means agreeing to reduce the payout by about 10% to support those whose tickets were not properly processed; ‘no’ means wanting to receive the full amount, even if this leads to legal proceedings. The commission makes it clear: if the majority opt for the second option, the process will drag on and payments may be frozen indefinitely.
Risks and concerns
In Villamanín, there are fears that some winners, especially those from outside the area, may not support the idea of a collective agreement. In such cases, lawsuits amounting to tens of thousands of euros are possible, which could prolong the process for months or even years. The commission stresses: the more people back the agreement, the faster and easier the payouts will be. But if litigation begins, the money could be tied up in accounts until a final court decision is made.
Strict security measures are in place for all participants: data will remain confidential and only those responsible for distributions will have access. This is intended to minimize the risk of fraud and duplicate claims. However, nerves are already frayed for many—nobody expected that the joy of winning would turn into such stress.
Legal intricacies
The commission is working closely with Madrid-based lawyers who have proposed the collective agreement scheme. In their view, this is the only way to avoid lengthy and costly court battles. Yet even with this approach, bureaucracy and verification are slowing things down. Many participants are tired of waiting and are demanding faster payouts.
If someone decides not to sign the agreement, their share will be paid out only after all legal procedures are completed. This could take months or even years. Meanwhile, the other winners will receive their money immediately after registration and document verification are finalized.
Public reaction
There is a tense atmosphere in Villamanín. Locals thank each other for their patience and restraint, but they do not hide their frustration over the drawn-out process. Many fear that the conflict over the money could destroy friendships in this small community. The commission calls for calm and mutual understanding, stressing that only a joint solution will help avoid bigger problems.
The situation in Villamanín has become an example of how a large win can bring not only joy, but also spark serious disputes. Now the fate of millions depends on whether the winners can reach an agreement and show solidarity. Otherwise, the story of El Gordo in Villamanín risks turning into a long legal battle.
