ISTANBUL

What is billed as the world's biggest Christmas lottery, Spain's El Gordo or The Fat One, will be drawn on Thursday, as it is every Dec 22.

El Gordo hands out a total of €2.3 billion ($2.44 billion) prize money across the country. The lottery’s top prize per winning ticket is €400,000.

El Gordo is a significant event in Spain, as millions of hopefuls queue at lottery booths in hopes of winning the grand prize.

Multiple purchases of the same lottery number are permitted.

A whole ticket costs €200, but most buy €20 worth, or a tenth of a ticket.

With cash awards distributed all around the nation, the lottery is intended for as many individuals as possible to win or at the very least break even.

The first El Gordo lottery took place in 1812, when the government established it to collect funds for Spanish soldiers battling Napoleon's armies. This year will mark the 209th draw.