How to Play La Primitiva
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On the list of lotteries offered by Spain’s Society for State Lotteries and Bets (SELAE), the La Primitiva lottery must be acknowledged for its frequency and good odds. And luckily, people from around the world can enjoy it by going online.
This game has draws multiple times a week and you’ll need to pick numbers from two number ranges, making it an interesting lottery to try. Let’s help you get started! We’ve compiled user-friendly guides to help new players with all aspects of the game, from how to play La Primitiva to getting your cash.
In a Hurry?
The table below provides the basics of the La Primitiva game, at a glance.
Numbers to win the jackpot | 7 (6 + 1) |
---|---|
Jackpot type | Rollover |
Number range | 1-49 & 0 – 9 |
Prize categories | 7 |
Draw days | Monday, Thursday, Saturday |
Draw time (SA Time) | 9:40 pm (April – October) 10:40 pm (Nov – March) |
Minimum age | 18 |
Claim period | Not confirmed |
Jackpot odds | 1:139,838,160 |
Biggest Jackpot | €101,724,559 (~ZAR 1.9 billion) (Update: October 2023) |
La Primitiva Basics and Rules
For clarity, because of the names being slightly confusing, make sure you play the correct game when picking your Spanish lottery of choice. The operators host the La Primitiva game, but also once weekly El Gordo de la Primitiva and the El Gordo de Navidad (the Christmas lottery).
The details below pertain to La Primitiva, the lottery that takes place three times a week.
Playing La Primitiva
Start off your playing by always making sure you can abide by the rules and afford your next play. This makes lottery playing safe, responsible and fun.
Feature | Rules | Additional Notes |
---|---|---|
Minimum age | 18 | Any ticket seller can ask for proof of age and identification. They may refuse to sell you tickets if you can’t produce proof. |
Ticket costs | Standard ticket costs: €1Supplementary Joker game: €1 | Playing via online lottery sites may incur additional costs. |
Rules and Structure
Always check the rules of the platform you’re playing on. Certain online lottery sites may follow a unique structure and have their own rules. Below, we summarise the most important things to take note of.
Understanding the La Primitiva Structure
In its original form, as created by SELAE, the La Primitiva follows these guidelines:
- Number ranges: The original game requires six numbers chosen between 1 and 49, as well as one number, the Reintegro, between 0 and 9.
- Picking numbers: Players pick seven numbers in total, coming from two different grids.
- Reintegro: The single number between 0 and 9 is called the Reintegro number, which translates to ‘refund’. This refers to players getting a small prize, equal to the ticket price, if they only get this number correct.
- Platform-specific rules: Certain online platforms only use the first grid, giving an original spin on the game. The second grid’s number – the Reintegro – is assigned at random.
- Bonus number: Some platforms add the ‘Bonus number’ feature, which is also assigned randomly. This number is only taken into account for one prize tier, but is important since it increases players’ chances of winning.
- Jackpot requirements: You must have the seven numbers – six main numbers and the Reintegro – correct to win the jackpot.
- Joker game: Players who enjoy supplementary games like Lotto Plus 1 may appreciate add-on options like ‘Joker’. Random numbers play an important role here. When you buy a ticket, the system generates a random number sequence and if your numbers match draws numbers, you could win up to €1 million. Note that this does require a small additional fee of €1.
Drawings and Prizes
We’ve mentioned that one of the most attractive features of the La Primitiva lottery is the schedule. This is because more opportunities to play increases players’ chances of winning and here you can try your luck three times a week!
- Monday
- Thursday
- Saturday
All draws take place at 9:40 pm, and since South Africa is in the same time zone as Spain from late March to October, you can catch the results at the same time during these months. Because of changes with Daylight Savings Time, the results are only available to South Africans at 10:40 during the period from late October to March.
As with many international lotteries like Mega Millions, ticket sales that fund a prize pool affect how much players can win. Some details to help you understand what you’re able to win:
- The lowest tiers that have set prizes.
- For the higher tiers, a percentage of a prize pool is allocated to them.
- The operator, SELAE uses as much as 55% of sales for this purpose, resulting in impressive prizes.
- Ticket sales affect the jackpot prize, but after a win, when it resets, you can expect the main prize to be at least €2 million or €3 million strong. From there, it grows with each draw if it’s not won, all thanks to rollover rules.
This table gives a detailed overview of this setup:
Tier | General Numbers | Reintegro Number | Complementary Number (Bonus) | Prize Pool % |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 20% |
2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 40% |
3 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 6% |
4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 13% |
5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 21% |
6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Set prize: €8 |
7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Set prize: €1 |
Players can use this information to determine how much they’ve won and then implement these tips to get your prize money.
Method of Play | Claiming a prize |
---|---|
Spanish retail outlets | Go to a local outlet for claiming small prizes, but contact authorised financial institutions if you win €2,000+. |
Operator website or app | When you win over €2,000 you’ll follow a prize claim process instead of getting an automatic payout. |
Online lottery sites | Most sites will pay out automatically within days, but confirm that they have your correct information. |
How to Buy a La Primitiva Ticket
If you already know how to play games like Lotto and US Powerball, you’ll see La Primitiva has many similar traits. Still, plan well so you never miss a cut off time and always play responsibly.
Where and how you play La Primitiva | Ticket Price | Cut Off Times | Important Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Official outlet in Spain | Standard ticket: €1 Supplementary Joker game: €1 | Check store times | Operator’s website offers user-friendly tool to locate a retailer in your area |
Operator app or website | Standard ticket: €1 Supplementary Joker game: €1 |
| These services are blocked for anyone trying to gain access from outside Spain |
Online lottery sites |
| Vendors provide their own guidelines and may show countdowns to help players plan |
Source: Agent Lotto
With so many draws a week, it’s worth using subscriptions and multi-draw features that many platforms offer. It empowers you to play multiple times a week, with minimal effort on your part. And, thanks to the World Wide Web and online sites, South Africans can enjoy these same privileges, even from the comfort of your one home.
To understand how this works and identify the most appropriate playing option for you, use our detailed instructions set out below, covering all popular methods of playing the La Primitiva lottery:
- The operator, SELAE, website
- The operator, SELAE, app
- Authorised SELAE retail outlets based in Spain
- Online lottery sites
How to Play La Primitiva Online
You have a good chance of finding La Primitiva on almost any online lottery site, since reputable platforms cater to players’ preferences – and La Primitiva is as sought after as other European lotteries like SuperEnalotto or Eurojackpot.
If you want to know how to play Eurojackpot or La Primitiva on such a platform, these steps explain the basic premise.
1. Select a platform – Online lotteries differ. Find one that offers the game and has payment options you prefer.
2. Open an account – For security reasons you must provide identification.
3. Pick La Primitiva – Browse the lottery lists or use search functions. Make sure you pick the correct one from the list of Spanish games.
Source: theLotter
4. Pick lines – Picking multiple ones can work out cheaper per line.
5. Pick numbers on grid/s – Click on your lucky numbers or use Quick Pick. A La Primitiva number generator can be helpful. Some platforms only allow you to pick general numbers and assign the Reintegro at random.
6. Confirm multi-draws and other special options – If available, subscriptions, bundles, and multi-draws can lead to discounts.
7. Pay for tickets – Check details before paying.
8. Compare after draw – Your tickets’ details are available in your player account. View them and compare them with published results.
How to Play La Primitiva In-Store
In store playing is an option if you ever visit Spain and want to enjoy lottery playing like the locals do. The rules do allow tourists to also partake, as long as you play and claim your prize while in the country.
Find an official SELAE outlet – the website is helpful in this regard – and when you visit, the following will happen:
1. Take a bet slip – One store may sell multiple lotteries’ tickets, so pick the correct one. The green form for La Primitiva has eight grids, so you can enter a maximum of eight tickets per slip.
2. Fill in numbers – On the 1 – 49 grid, pick your six numbers, or use a La Primitiva number predictor if you’re unsure which numbers to trust.
Note: if you prefer Quick Pick’s random numbers, ask the cashier to assign you a ticket with random numbers.
3. Indicate Joker play – For additional payment, you can enter the Joker draw. Tick the box. Only one Joker play per bet slip.
4. Hand it in – Give the completed ticket to the cashier and pay.
5. Receive ticket – A printed receipt with all the ticket information is provided. Make sure all details are correct.
6. Keep ticket safe – Keep tickets secure, so you don’t lose a potentially valuable receipt.
7. Compare and claim – Once results are published, see if you’ve won, so you can initiate the claims process.
How to Play La Primitiva via Lottery Apps & More
In Spain, one company manages many lotteries and makes it easy for players to take part. This entity, SELAE, has launched a website and an app to make lottery playing more accessible. Simply note it’s only meant for locals, so if you have a Spanish NDI document or own a Foreign Identity Card, this is another fun way to take part in La Primitiva.
Pick the platform most convenient for you and follow the steps.
- Register – Use your NDI or Foreign Identity Card to open an account.
- Pick La Primitiva – Main menu offers quick links to all lotteries.
- Select numbers – Click on numbers to pick. Reintegro is assigned randomly.
- Confirm game details – Commit tickets for multiple draws if you want.
- Finalise purchase – Review details and pay for ticket.
- Wait for draw – Compare results with your ticket. Get automated payments, or follow the necessary claims process.
- Get the app – SELAE supports both Android and iOS.
- Register or log in – You can use the SELAE account you have, if you’re already playing via the website.
- Click on La Primitiva – The intuitive layout has easy navigation to all SELAE’s lotteries.
- Confirm ticket details – Click on numbers to play and confirm if you’re just playing once, or commit to multiple draws.
- Finalise ticket – The system will take payment from your account.
- Check results – Use online La Primitiva results or the app’s feature to see if you’ve won.
How to Know if You Won the La Primitiva Lottery?
When you stay informed about the latest results, there will never be a possibility of you not getting your winnings. Here are the easy ways to follow up on each La Primitiva lottery ticket you’ve bought.
Method of Play | How to Know You’ve Won |
---|---|
Spain brick and mortar stores | Wait for published results and compare with your printed ticket. |
Operator (SELAE) app or website | The operator usually informs you by email, a system notification or an SMS. SELAE also helps track the status of all tickets related to your profile. |
Online lottery sites | Use their informative pages with all latest results. |
What Happens If You Win the La Primitiva Lottery?
All lottery retailers have efficient systems in place to help with payouts and also protect your privacy and ensure security for all players. Because of the strict rules, make sure you know how to ensure your winnings reach your pocket:
- Store purchases: For all tickets you buy in store in Spain, you must visit an entity that makes payouts. Small wins can be claimed at a point of sale but for over €2,000 you must go to a financial institution and follow a claims process.
- Online playing: Vendors, including lottery sites, usually make automated payments but claims processes may apply. For example, SELAE requires a Player Information Form for wins over €2,000 and your online lottery agent may want to confirm your bank details before making a payout.
Once you have the correct paperwork submitted, you’ll have your payments within days.
Final Thoughts
The La Primitiva lottery keeps Spanish players’ weeks interesting thanks to its regular draws and palyers can watch the jackpot grow quickly and hope to win! And thankfully, South Africans can enjoy this same privilege by simply opening an account with a trustworthy online lottery site.
Don’t stop at only playing SA Powerball or Daily Lotto. Get a taste for international lotteries and start out with one that carries favourable odds and fun additional features!
FAQs
When in Spain you can get lottery tickets online from the operator, SELAE, or one of their many points of sale. Online lottery sites also enable you to buy official tickets, as they buy them on your behalf.
Because of the luxury of online lottery sites like Lotto Agent, players from almost anywhere in the world can play Spain’s lotteries, including Spain’s El Gordo de la Primitiva and La Primitiva. Note that you won’t be able to access the operator’s own online services from South Africa, as the system blocks IP addresses from outside Spain.
Spain has similar rules to South Africa, so you must be at least 18 to play the lottery in Spain itself. Also, most online lottery sites that offer La Primitiva as a game option require players to be 18 years or older.
When using online lottery sites you must consult their policies to understand until when you have to buy a ticket for a specific draw. The Spanish operator also has cut-off times for in store tickets, but they may be store-dependent.
A single ticket purchased from official retailers will cost you €1. When using online lottery sites you’ll also have to budget for service fees and each vendor charges a different rate. For offering you the convenience of playing online, these platforms may also have a minimum number of tickets you’ll be expected to buy.
Yes, as is the case with most European lotteries like EuroMillions and Greece Powerball too, players usually have freedom of choice to pick the numbers they want to play. You can use your own lucky numbers, follow a strategy that incorporates La Primitiva hot and cold numbers or use a Quick Pick option to play with randomly assigned numbers.
Quick Pick is a feature on most platforms, and also when playing in store. Also, note that certain platforms assign the Reintegro number at random, once you’ve confirmed your other numbers.
For each La Primitiva ticket you need seven numbers. This includes six main numbers and a Reintegro. All seven numbers must be the same as the numbers in the draw in order to win the jackpot.
Spain’s La Primitiva lottery gives players three chances a week to win. Draws take place at 9:40 pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. In South Africa the time will be the same from April to October, but because of Daylight Savings Time you’ll only get results at 10:40 pm from late October until March.
Similar to when you play US Powerball, players must take tax deductions into account when playing La Primitiva. Your payout may be less than the advertised amount, as Spain charges 20% on lottery wins. However, it may only apply for amounts over €40,000. It’s best to consult a tax expert for clarity, or contact the customer service department of your online lottery site.
In addition, although South Africans aren’t charged tax on lottery winnings – except when it’s your main household income – you may have to pay fees on money paid into your account from abroad. If you use lottery sites to play the lottery and you receive payments from overseas, talk to a lawyer or accountant to understand how you can keep tax payments to a minimum.
A winner from Germany once won over €101 million in the La Primitiva lottery. This took place in October 2015. For South Africans that would be a win of ~ZAR1.9 billion.
There is no jackpot cap to this game and although the La Primitiva lottery has a fairly low starting jackpot of €2 million, it quickly grows thanks to multiple draws a week and the rollover rules.