The jackpot is still some way short of the record set last year, when one lucky participant netted €101.7 million. The previous high mark had been €70.2 million, which was split between two ticket holders on 22nd February 2014. This Thursday’s jackpot is nevertheless a staggering amount, and shows just why La Primitiva is one of the most popular lotteries around.
Draws are held twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays. Players must pick six numbers between 1 and 49, and are then randomly given a Reintegro number between 0 and 9 for each line they play. If anyone matches all six main numbers and the Reintegro they will snap up the jackpot, while five other prize tiers are on offer for those who match anything from just the Reintegro right up to the six main numbers drawn.
The last time the jackpot was given away was on Thursday 24th March, when a single ticket holder scooped just over €20 million, but there have still been some big winners in every draw. One player who matched all six main numbers without the Reintegro on Saturday 16th July pocketed €1.8 million, while two players each received €1 million for matching six numbers, but not the Reintegro, on Thursday 14th July.
La Primitiva is one of the oldest lotteries in the modern world, dating back to the 18th century, but is still very much loved in Spain, where players can buy tickets by visiting authorised retailers. The game can now also be played online worldwide, and there are sure to be many fans looking out for the results on Thursday to see if they have won a fortune.
