Lottery provides break from crisis woes

But while average spending on holiday festivities by Spanish households has dropped since the collapse of a housing boom in 2008, the lottery has suffered only fractionally from the crisis.

Its commercial director Juan Antonio Gallardo said ticket sales have fallen 3.5 percent since 2008 and this year "are similar or slightly lower" than in 2011.

"It is a tradition in Spain. It is in Spaniards' DNA," he said.

The draw, which is always on Dec 22, has been held since 1812 and is considered the kickoff to the Christmas season.

Instead of a single jackpot, the lottery is designed so that as many people as possible across Spain get a windfall in time for the holidays.

While residents spent eight percent less on the draw this year, they still dished out an average of 52 euros per person, down from 57 euros last year on tickets that cost 20 euros each.

"Now in a time of crisis is when the lottery is especially important. We play even more and hope to win something," said 31-year-old Oscar Binon.

"People aren't doing well in the crisis. But we haven't lost hope," said Rufino Huertas, a 55-year-old metro employee.

Agence France-Presse