Andrés Millán, an economist and lawyer, has voiced strong criticism regarding the promotional campaigns for the Spanish Christmas Lottery, arguing that the emotional storytelling used in the advertisements disguises the reality of gambling. He contends that by framing the purchase of lottery tickets as a narrative of personal bonds, family, and shared gestures, the State effectively normalizes a behavior that can be destructive for many.
Millán highlights a stark contradiction in how gambling is perceived and regulated in Spain. He points out that while betting houses and gambling influencers are frequently denounced by the government and the media, the state-run Christmas Lottery is celebrated and publicized with high-budget, emotionally charged commercials. According to Millán, there is no fundamental difference between the two activities, yet one is socially stigmatized while the other is romanticized.
Drawing from his professional experience as a lawyer, Millán stated that he has clients whose lives have been ruined by gambling, some of whom have managed to obtain disability status due to the psychological impact of their addiction. He asserts that the Christmas Lottery should not be viewed in isolation from the broader issue of gambling, noting that the impact is particularly severe for ludomaniacs and their families during the holiday season when these advertisements are most prevalent.
The economist specifically criticized the themes of the recent campaigns, which often use slogans centered on sharing and mutual aid—such as stories involving organ transplants—to sell lottery tickets. Millán argues that this creates a misleading association between solidarity and gambling. He maintains that participants are essentially putting money into something that is statistically almost impossible to win, driven by an illusion fostered by the advertising.
While Millán acknowledges a positive side to the campaigns—specifically that they may increase visibility and awareness for organ donation—he suggests that the creative effort should be decoupled from gambling. He proposes that the administration could create equally powerful advertisements to encourage organ donation directly, without linking such a noble cause to the promotion of betting.
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