Lotería La Primera: A Guide to the Dominican Republic’s Favorite Lottery Game
If you are looking for a fun and exciting way to try your luck in the Dominican Republic, you might want to check out lotería la primera, one of the most popular lottery games in the country. Lotería la primera is a game of chance that involves matching numbers on a board with those drawn by a caller. It is similar to bingo, but with images instead of numbers. In this article, we will explain what lotería la primera is, how to play it, its history, its prizes, and some tips to increase your chances of winning.
What is lotería la primera and how to play it?
Lotería la primera is a lottery game that is played with a deck of 54 cards, each with a different image and a name. The images are based on Mexican culture and folklore, such as El Catrín (the gentleman), La Sirena (the mermaid), or El Diablito (the little devil). Each image also has an assigned number, but it is usually ignored.
To play lotería la primera, you need at least one tabla, which is a board with a 4 x 4 grid of pictures randomly selected from the deck. You can choose from different tablas, each with a different combination of images. The caller shuffles the deck and draws one card at a time, announcing its name and sometimes using a verse or a riddle before reading it. For example, for El Catrín, the caller might say “El que se viste de seda” (The one who dresses in silk).
As the caller announces each card, you have to mark off the matching picture on your tabla with a chip or another marker. You can use anything as a marker, such as rocks, beans, or bottle caps. The first player who marks off four pictures in a row, column, diagonal, or another agreed pattern shouts “¡Buena!” or “¡Lotería!” and wins the game.
How did lotería la primera originate and evolve?
The origin of lotería la primera can be traced back to Italy in the 15th century, where it was a hobby of the upper classes. It was brought to New Spain (modern Mexico) in 1769 by Spanish colonizers. Eventually, it became a tradition at Mexican fairs and carnivals.
In 1887, Don Clemente Jacques began publishing his version of the game, which became iconic in Mexican culture. He also distributed his cards to Mexican soldiers along with their rations and supplies. His images were inspired by the Major Arcana of Tarot cards used for divination.
Lotería la primera was introduced to the Dominican Republic by immigrants from Mexico and other Latin American countries. It became popular among Dominicans who enjoyed its colorful images and its simple rules. Today, lotería la primera is one of the most played lottery games in the country, along with other games such as quiniela pale and loto.
What are the different types of prizes and how to win them?
Lotería la primera offers different types of prizes depending on the type of game you play. The most common types of games are quiniela la primera, palé la primera, tripleta la primera, and super palé de la primera.
| Type of game | Description | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Quiniela la primera | You have to match one of the three numbers drawn by the caller. | If you match the first number, you win RD$60 for every RD$1 you bet. If you match the second number, you win RD$8 for every RD$1 you bet. If you match the third number, you win RD$4 for every RD$1 you bet. |
| Palé la primera | You have to match two of the three numbers drawn by the caller, in any order. | If you match the first and second numbers, you win RD$1,000 for every RD$1 you bet. If you match the first and third numbers, you win RD$100 for every RD$1 you bet. If you match the second and third numbers, you win RD$100 for every RD$1 you bet. |
| Tripleta la primera | You have to match all three numbers drawn by the caller, in any order. | You win RD$20,000 for every RD$1 you bet. |
| Super palé de la primera | You have to match two of the three numbers drawn by the caller, in any order, plus the number drawn by another lottery game, such as quiniela nacional or leidsa. | You win RD$50,000 for every RD$1 you bet. |
The prizes are paid in cash or by check, depending on the amount. You have to claim your prize within 90 days of the draw date. You also have to pay a 10% tax on your winnings.
How to increase your chances of winning lotería la primera?
While lotería la primera is a game of chance, there are some tips that can help you improve your odds of winning. Here are some of them:
- Play more than one tabla. The more tablas you play, the more chances you have to match the cards drawn by the caller. You can also play different types of games, such as quiniela, palé, tripleta, or super palé.
- Choose your numbers wisely. Some people believe that certain numbers are luckier than others, based on their personal experience, numerology, or superstition. You can also use statistics to see which numbers are drawn more or less frequently.
- Join a syndicate. A syndicate is a group of people who pool their money and buy multiple tickets or tablas. This way, they increase their chances of winning and share the prize among themselves. You can join a syndicate with your friends, family, co-workers, or online.
- Have fun and enjoy the game. Lotería la primera is not only a way to win money, but also a way to have fun and socialize with other players. You can chat with them, exchange tips, or make jokes. Remember that lotería la primera is a game of luck and entertainment, not a source of income or stress.
Conclusion
Lotería la primera is a lottery game that is very popular in the Dominican Republic. It is similar to bingo, but with images instead of numbers. It has a rich history and culture behind it, and it offers different types of prizes and games. To play lotería la primera, you need a tabla and a marker, and you have to match the cards drawn by the caller with those on your tabla. To increase your chances of winning lotería la primera, you can play more than one tabla, choose your numbers wisely, join a syndicate, or just have fun and enjoy the game.
If you want to try your luck with lotería la primera, you can find it at many places in the Dominican Republic, such as lottery offices, street vendors, or online platforms. You can also learn more about lotería la primera by visiting its official website or following its social media accounts . Who knows? Maybe you will be the next lucky winner of lotería la primera!
FAQs
What is the difference between lotería la primera and bingo?
Lotería la primera and bingo are both games of chance that involve matching numbers on a board with those drawn by a caller. However, lotería la primera uses images instead of numbers on its cards and boards. Also, lotería la primera has different types of games and prizes than bingo.
How much does it cost to play lotería la primera?
The cost of playing lotería la primera depends on the type of game you choose and how much you bet. For example, if you play quiniela la primera, you can bet as little as RD$1 or as much as RD$100 per number. If you play palé la primera, you can bet from RD$5 to RD$500 per pair of numbers. If you play tripleta la primera, you can bet from RD$10 to RD$1,000 per trio of numbers. If you play super palé de la primera, you can bet from RD$20 to RD$2,000 per pair of numbers plus another number from another lottery game.
When are the draws of lotería la primera?
The draws of lotería la primera are held every day, except on Sundays and holidays. The draws are broadcasted live on television, radio, and online platforms. The schedule of the draws is as follows:
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | 1:00 p.m. |
| Monday to Friday | 3:00 p.m. |
| Monday to Saturday | 9:00 p.m. |
How can I check the results of lotería la primera?
You can check the results of lotería la primera by visiting its official website or following its social media accounts . You can also call its customer service number or visit any lottery office or vendor. The results are updated shortly after each draw.
Where can I buy tickets or tablas for lotería la primera?
You can buy tickets or tablas for lotería la primera at many places in the Dominican Republic, such as lottery offices, street vendors, supermarkets, gas stations, or online platforms. You can also join a syndicate with other players and buy tickets or tablas together.
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