In Spain, purchasing lottery tickets is legal and regulated by the government. The primary authority overseeing lottery operations is the Sociedad Estatal Loterías y Apuestas del Estado (SELAE), a state-owned company under the Spanish Ministry of Finance. SELAE manages various national lotteries, including the renowned Christmas Lottery, Lotería Nacional, and El Gordo de la Primitiva. Tickets can be purchased through authorized retailers across Spain or via SELAE's official website.
However, Spanish law prohibits the sale, importation, circulation, and production of lottery tickets issued by foreign entities. This restriction aims to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the national lottery system.
"Spanish law prohibits the sale, importation, circulation and production of tickets, coupons, stamps or any other medium of lotteries betting and other games organized or issued by foreign persons or Entities."
Therefore, while participating in Spain's national lotteries is legal and encouraged, engaging with unauthorized foreign lotteries is not permitted. It's essential for residents and visitors to purchase tickets only from official sources to ensure compliance with Spanish regulations and to guarantee the validity of their participation.
Source:
https://www.selae.es/en/centro-de-ayuda/centro-de-informacion-y-ayuda
https://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/10/st09/st09495.en10.pdf
Last updated: 20-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.