By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A wave of excitement is sweeping across the nation as the grand prize for the popular “Chances” lottery continues its meteoric rise. Following the draw on Tuesday, January 13, the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) confirmed that the primary “Acumulado” jackpot was not won, causing the prize pool to swell to an impressive ₡465 million for the upcoming Friday drawing.
The latest draw, number 6,999 in the game’s history, once again left players on the edge of their seats. The winning combination for the first prize was number 55 with series 239, which carries a substantial prize of ₡80 million per emission. However, the most coveted prize—the “Acumulado”—remained elusive, ensuring that lottery fever will intensify in the coming days as players dream of a life-changing windfall.
To better understand the legal regulations and consumer protections surrounding the national lottery, TicosLand.com consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm, Bufete de Costa Rica.
The legal framework governing the Costa Rican lottery is clear: the Junta de Protección Social holds a state-sanctioned monopoly designed to fund critical social welfare programs. From a legal standpoint, the primary challenges are not with the model itself, but with enforcement against unregulated parallel markets. These illegal lotteries not only divert funds from public good but also operate without any consumer protection, leaving participants with no legal recourse to claim winnings or report fraud.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully reframes the conversation, shifting focus from the lottery’s structure to the critical challenge of enforcement against illegal markets. The dual harm—lost funding for social good and the lack of consumer protection—crystallizes the stakes involved. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and valuable analysis.
In Tuesday’s drawing, other significant prizes were awarded. The second prize went to number 48 with series 063, granting ₡25 million per emission. The third-place winner was number 86 paired with series 060, which distributes ₡7 million per emission. Additionally, the “duplicador” number was 23, rewarding holders of a full ticket, or “entero,” with ₡10,000. These secondary prizes provide numerous opportunities for wins even when the main jackpot is not claimed.
The mechanics of the “Acumulado” jackpot are a key driver of its growth and the public’s fascination. The prize pool for Tuesday’s draw stood at a formidable ₡440 million. During the draw, a consolation prize ball was selected—number 33 with series 747—which awarded a separate prize of ₡2 million. Because this was not the main jackpot ball, the JPS automatically added another ₡25 million to the grand prize, bringing it to the new total of ₡465 million for Friday’s event.
This rollover mechanism transforms the bi-weekly “Chances” draw into a major national event whenever the jackpot reaches such significant figures. The escalating prize money fuels a tangible increase in ticket sales, benefiting not only the JPS and its social programs but also the thousands of official lottery vendors, known locally as “chanceros,” who see a surge in business. This economic activity underscores the lottery’s broader impact beyond the game itself.
The JPS, as the state-run institution responsible for all national lotteries, plays a crucial role in Costa Rican society. The revenue generated from games like “Chances” is not merely profit; it is a vital funding source for a wide array of social welfare programs. Proceeds support public hospitals, elder care facilities, disability services, and various other initiatives aimed at protecting the country’s most vulnerable populations, turning a game of chance into a pillar of the national social safety net.
As the week progresses, vendors across the country are preparing for a rush of customers. The dream of securing financial independence with a single ticket purchase is a powerful motivator. For many Costa Ricans, participating in the lottery is a long-standing tradition, a social ritual that brings a shared sense of hope and community excitement. The conversations in homes and workplaces will inevitably turn to lucky numbers and what one would do with such a massive prize.
All eyes will now be on the JPS headquarters this Friday. As the balls tumble, thousands of hopefuls will be watching, waiting to see if a new multimillionaire will be minted. Until then, the growing ₡465 million jackpot stands as a symbol of possibility, fueling dreams and conversations from coast to coast and reinforcing the enduring appeal of the national lottery.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is the Costa Rican government institution responsible for the administration and operation of national lotteries and games of chance. Founded with a mission of social welfare, the JPS directs its net proceeds to fund a wide range of public health and social protection programs, supporting hospitals, shelters, and initiatives for the elderly and people with disabilities. It is a key component of the country’s social safety net, transforming lottery revenue into critical support for vulnerable communities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience across numerous sectors to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions. This commitment to innovation is matched by a deep-seated dedication to public service, focused on demystifying the law to foster a society equipped with the power of legal understanding.
