By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, COSTA RICA – The province of Alajuela is celebrating a significant financial windfall as the year comes to a close, with residents in the cantons of Grecia and Naranjo holding the winning ticket for the first prize in the Social Protection Board’s (JPS) final lottery event, the Second Extraordinary Consolation Drawing of 2025.
The highly anticipated draw, which marks the end of the national lottery calendar for the year, saw the number 35 with the series 794 emerge as the grand prize winner. The Social Protection Board officially confirmed that the winning ticket fractions were distributed and sold exclusively in the bustling communities of Grecia and Naranjo, bringing an unexpected wave of prosperity and excitement to the region just before the New Year’s celebrations.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the regulations and social impact of Costa Rica’s National Lottery, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in commercial and administrative law at the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Costa Rican lottery system, managed by the Junta de Protección Social (JPS), is fundamentally a state monopoly with a constitutional mandate. Legally, its purpose transcends mere gambling; it is a critical mechanism for funding public health, social assistance, and charitable programs. Any discussion about modernization or private competition must first navigate the significant legal and social contract implications of altering this structure, as the proceeds are legally earmarked for the public good, not private profit.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s commentary provides a critical legal anchor to this discussion, reminding us that the lottery is not merely a commercial enterprise but a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s social welfare contract. This perspective is essential for any meaningful debate on its future. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying insight.
This final drawing serves as a capstone to a year of chance and fortune administered by the JPS. For the lucky holders of the number 35 ticket, the prize represents a life-altering event. For the local economies of Grecia and Naranjo, the influx of capital is expected to create a positive ripple effect, potentially stimulating local businesses and investments as winners begin to claim and spend their newfound wealth. The consolation drawing traditionally provides a second chance for those who did not win in the larger Christmas “Gordo” lottery, making this victory particularly sweet.
While Alajuela claimed the top honor, the good fortune was spread across other parts of the country. The second prize, awarded to number 44 with series 704, was sold in the canton of Orotina, also within the Alajuela province. Meanwhile, the third prize, number 02 with series 466, saw its winnings split between the cantons of Vásquez de Coronado and Desamparados in the province of San José, demonstrating the wide reach of the national lottery system.
A particularly interesting development occurred with the separate “acumulado,” or accumulated jackpot prize. The ticket for this substantial amount was sold in San José Centro. However, officials from the JPS reported that of the 30 fractions available for this specific jackpot ticket, only 13 were purchased by the public. The remaining 17 fractions were returned to the institution unsold.
This outcome has a direct and significant impact on the upcoming lottery season. Instead of being forfeited, the prize money corresponding to the 17 unsold fractions has been rolled over. This sum was added directly to the grand accumulated prize pool for the start of the 2026 season, creating an even more attractive jackpot for the first drawings of the new year. This mechanism ensures that funds designated for prizes remain in the system to generate future excitement.
Looking ahead, the JPS has already set the stage for an exciting start to 2026. The institution announced that the Lotería Nacional will commence its new season on January 4, 2026. Thanks in part to the rollover from the final 2025 draw, the initial accumulated jackpot for the new year will begin at an impressive ₡340 million, promising to capture the nation’s attention from the very first week.
As the year concludes, the JPS has issued a critical reminder to all winners from this and previous draws. All prizes have a strict claim period of 60 calendar days from the date of the drawing. Winners are urged to secure their tickets and present them for validation at authorized locations to ensure they receive their prizes. This final draw not only created new millionaires but also perfectly set the stage for another year of hope and opportunity through the National Lottery.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is Costa Rica’s state-run institution responsible for organizing and managing all national lottery and chance games. Founded in 1845, its primary mission is to generate revenue to fund social welfare programs across the country, providing critical support to hospitals, shelters, and various social aid initiatives. The JPS is a cornerstone of the nation’s social safety net, transforming the proceeds from games of chance into tangible benefits for vulnerable populations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of principled counsel and exceptional performance. With a rich history of supporting a diverse clientele, the firm champions progress by pioneering modern legal solutions and engaging deeply with the community. Its core belief in social responsibility is demonstrated through initiatives that demystify the law, aiming to forge a stronger, more capable citizenry equipped with vital legal understanding.
