Before Powerball: A Look at the World’s Oldest Lotteries

Lotteries have been around for centuries, and some of the world’s most iconic draws still take place today, continuing a long legacy of dreams, numbers, and lucky winners. While modern jackpots like Powerball and Mega Millions often grab headlines, they’re just the latest chapter in a much older story. Let’s take a look at some of the oldest lotteries that are still celebrated around the world.

The Oldest Lotteries Still Running Today

Spain’s El Gordo – Since 1812

One of the oldest and most beloved lotteries is El Gordo, Spain’s Christmas lottery. First held in 1812, it’s not only historic but also one of the biggest in terms of total prize money. Every December 22, the entire country tunes in as children from a Madrid school sing the winning numbers live on TV. The event has become a cherished holiday tradition, and winning tickets are often shared among friends, families, and coworkers.

Ireland’s National Lottery – Since 1987

While not as old as El Gordo, Ireland’s National Lottery has been running consistently since 1987. Its flagship game, Lotto, has created many millionaires and continues to fund arts, sports, and community initiatives across Ireland.

Lotería Nacional de México – Since 1770

Few know that Mexico’s national lottery is among the oldest operating lotteries in the Americas. Founded in 1770, this lottery has deep roots in Mexican culture. Today, it still draws large audiences, especially for its special raffles and symbolic prizes. It remains a key contributor to social welfare programs throughout the country.

The Dutch State Lottery – Since 1726

Established in 1726, the Dutch Staatsloterij is the oldest active lottery in the world. Originally created to raise money for the Dutch state, it has since become one of the most trusted lotteries, with millions of euros paid out each month.

The Origins of the Lottery in the U.S.

The United States also has a rich lottery history. In fact, lotteries played a major role in the funding of early American projects. During the 18th and 19th centuries, lotteries were used to help finance everything from the construction of roads and libraries to universities like Harvard and Yale. Even the Statue of Liberty’s was partially funded by a lottery!

The first official U.S. state-run lottery was established in New Hampshire in 1964, paving the way for other states to follow. Since then, lotteries like Powerball (launched in 1992) and Mega Millions (launched in 1996) have grown into nationwide sensations, offering life-changing jackpots and captivating millions of players.

Today, thanks to TuLotero, participating in these legendary draws is easier than ever: You can access official U.S. lotteries from the palm of your hand.