Uruguay launches first 'Winter Fat' lottery with $90 million top prize

The National Directorate of Lotteries and Quinielas (DNLQ) in Uruguay is set to launch an unprecedented lottery game, the "Gordo de Invierno" (Winter Fat), on July 24, 2026. This marks the first time the Uruguayan Lottery will feature a winter-themed draw, distinct from its traditional year-end "Gordo."

The new game aims to expand public access to lottery offerings across the country. The inaugural draw boasts a substantial main prize of $90 million, with a total prize pool of $250 million to be distributed among various winning tiers. Other prizes include a second prize of $9 million, a third prize of $6 million, and numerous smaller prizes based on the last digits of the winning numbers.

Tickets for the Gordo de Invierno are available in whole units for $9,000 or in tenths for $900. The DNLQ has issued 5,000 full tickets for sale, which went on sale starting June 8. For those preferring to play with smaller amounts, an electronic fraction option is available for $300. These tickets can be purchased at over 7,000 points of sale nationwide.

The introduction of the Gordo de Invierno is part of a broader strategy by the DNLQ to introduce new millionaire draws, alongside the return of "La Grande" in August. This initiative seeks to invigorate the lottery market and provide more opportunities for players to win significant sums.