Christmas in Canary Islands is accompanied by the excitement of lottery. Sharing tenths and shares with friends, family, or colleagues is a deeply rooted custom, yet it can lead to issues if adequate precautions are not taken. In this article, we provide a practical guide to ensure you can experience the thrill of lottery without surprises.
Online Shopping
Every year, an increasing number of individuals prefer the convenience of purchasing their lottery tickets online. This method has its benefits, but it is vital to exercise certain precautions to prevent fraud:
- Official Websites: Only make your purchases from the official websites of authorised lottery administrations or directly via the State Lotteries and Betting website.
- Electronic Receipt: When buying online, you will receive an electronic receipt, which holds the same legal validity as the physical tenth. This document confirms that you are the rightful owner of the tenth, which is securely stored in the administration’s safe deposit box or, in some instances, can be sent to your residence.
Sharing Luck: How to Avoid Misunderstandings
A lottery tenth is a bearer document, meaning that the prize is awarded to whomever holds it. In the case of shared tenths, it is essential to take certain precautions to avoid disputes during collection:
Written Participation: The Best Option
To share without complications, the most effective approach is to maintain a written record:
- The custodian of the tenth should make a photocopy and distribute it to each participant, including their name, ID number, and the amount each person has contributed.
- It is also advisable to send a photo of the tenth via email or WhatsApp, capturing the details of the custodian, the participants, and each person’s contribution. While WhatsApp messages can serve as a form of evidence, be aware that they may be challenged if considered manipulated.
Sharing as a Couple: Property or Separation of Assets?
When it comes to couples, the situation is slightly more intricate:
- If the marriage operates under the community property regime, the prize will be split equally, with 50% allocated to each spouse.
- If the marriage follows the separation of assets regime, the prize belongs to the individual who purchased it, unless it can be proven that the purchase was a joint effort.

Tenths of the Christmas Lottery. /ED
Loss or Theft of the Tenth
If you misplace your tenth or it is stolen, acting swiftly is imperative:
- Report. Lodge a complaint with the National Police or Civil Guard at the location where the incident occurred. In your report, provide as many details as possible about the tenth (number, series, and fraction), in addition to any relevant circumstances and evidence.
- Notify Lotteries. Inform Loterías y Apuestas del Estado in writing regarding the loss or theft.
- Payment Suspension. Filing a report enables the suspension of the prize payment until a judge establishes the legitimate owner of the tenth.
With these recommendations, we hope you can relish the excitement of the Christmas Lottery without anxiety. Furthermore, through this link, you can purchase your Christmas Lottery number on the day the Draw is held. Best of luck!