DEDIT declines to attend SELAE's 2026 Christmas lottery campaign launch
Regulation2 min read
DEDIT did not attend SELAE's presentation of Spain's 2026 Christmas lottery campaign, saying talks had made insufficient progress on retailer profitability, digital sales and commercial terms. The association says commissions have changed little since 2002, estimates more than 1,800 outlets have low or negative margins, and wants retailers to be able to sell lottery products through their own digital channels.
Spanish lottery retailers’ association DEDIT did not attend SELAE’s presentation of its 2026 Christmas lottery campaign, citing insufficient progress in talks over retailer profitability, digital sales and commercial terms. DEDIT said SELAE had not included its proposals for discussion in the parties’ working group, making agreement harder on issues the association considers essential to retailers’ continuity.
Retailers say commissions have remained almost unchanged since 2002 despite rising costs. Industry associations say about 60% of retailers have lost profitability over the past 24 years, while operating costs have risen by nearly 60%. DEDIT estimates that more than 1,800 outlets currently operate on low or negative margins.
Retailers are concerned that SELAE’s online sales model could concentrate transactions on its official platform and limit sales through their own channels. During earlier protests, industry associations said the strategy could reduce turnover generated through retailers’ digital channels by up to 30%. DEDIT wants retailers to have the right to sell lottery products through their own websites and other authorised digital platforms. Retailers are asking for sales through SELAE’s official portal to be transparently attributed to the relevant outlets so they receive the corresponding commissions.
DEDIT has proposed that Spain’s DGOJ supervise digital activity and said commercial and supervisory functions should be separated to avoid potential conflicts of interest. The association is seeking a review of commissions and lottery product prices to reflect current economic conditions.
The decision not to attend came four months after sector representatives protested outside SELAE’s headquarters during the presentation of the Christmas lottery ticket. DEDIT said its absence was intended to draw attention to retailers’ circumstances, not to reject the Christmas draw or its tradition.
SELAE presented the advertising campaign at the Real Casa de la Moneda in Madrid. The 2026 draw will distribute €2.87bn in prizes, €98m more than in 2025. The draw will take place on 22 December at Madrid’s Teatro Real, with the Gordo de Navidad prize worth €400,000 per décimo.