By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A wave of anticipation and hope swept across the nation Tuesday evening, culminating in a life-altering moment for at least one lucky ticket holder. The Junta de Protección Social (JPS) has officially announced the results of its popular “Chances” lottery drawing, No. 6,994, transforming an ordinary Tuesday into an unforgettable event with an ₡80 million grand prize.
The number at the center of this newfound fortune is 91, paired with the series 564. The holder of the full, uncut ticket, known as an “entero,” is now the recipient of the top prize. The drawing, held on November 25, 2025, also produced significant wins for two other primary numbers, distributing wealth and excitement among a wider pool of participants.
To understand the legal and financial implications that come with a substantial lottery prize, we consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His insights offer a crucial roadmap for winners navigating the complexities of sudden wealth.
The most critical first step for any lottery winner is to seek immediate, confidential legal counsel before claiming the prize. In Costa Rica, while the winnings are not directly taxed as income upon receipt, all subsequent earnings generated from that capital are. We strongly advise creating a legal structure, such as a corporation (Sociedad Anónima), to receive the funds. This not only offers a layer of anonymity and protection against frivolous claims but also establishes a solid foundation for professional asset management, investment strategy, and effective estate planning from day one.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This counsel underscores a critical point: winning is not an endpoint, but the beginning of a serious financial journey. Establishing a proper legal structure, as advised, is the cornerstone of transforming a sudden prize into lasting security and generational wealth. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on such prudent and strategic planning.
Following the grand prize, the second prize was awarded to number 57 with series 319. This combination grants a substantial payout of ₡25 million for a full ticket. The third-place prize went to number 35, matched with series 234, carrying a respectable prize of ₡7 million. Additionally, the special “duplicator” number revealed was 25, adding a bonus of ₡10,000 for full tickets featuring that number.
For the grand prize winner, the ₡80 million sum represents a significant financial windfall in Costa Rica. This amount is more than enough to purchase a new home in many parts of the country, establish a robust investment portfolio, or fund a new business venture entirely. Financial advisors typically recommend that large prize winners seek professional guidance to manage their new assets responsibly and ensure long-term stability.
The Costa Rican lottery system operates on a structure of whole tickets (“enteros”) and fractions (“fracciones”). An “entero” is a full sheet of lottery tickets, and purchasing one makes the holder eligible for the full prize amount. However, vendors often sell individual fractions, allowing more people to participate at a lower cost. If a winning number is from a ticket sold in fractions, the prize is divided proportionally among the holders of each winning piece.
Beyond the individual fortunes created, each lottery drawing plays a crucial role in the nation’s social fabric. The JPS, the state-run institution responsible for all national lotteries, channels its profits directly into social welfare programs. These funds are vital for supporting public hospitals, elder care facilities, community centers, and programs for people with disabilities, making every ticket purchase a contribution to the national good.
This consistent flow of revenue from games like “Chances” and the highly anticipated “Gordo Navideño” (Christmas Lottery) provides a stable, non-tax-based funding source for critical social infrastructure. This model ensures that the excitement of the lottery is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the most vulnerable populations, a core principle of the JPS since its inception over 175 years ago.
As winners from this week’s drawing begin the process of claiming their prizes, the cycle of hope continues. The JPS encourages all participants to verify their tickets carefully through official channels. For the fortunate new millionaires, this week marks the beginning of a new chapter, while for the country, it represents another successful contribution to a legacy of social solidarity funded by chance.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social, commonly known as the JPS, is Costa Rica’s official state-run lottery and social welfare institution. Founded in 1845, its primary mission is to generate revenue through lotteries and other games of chance to fund a wide array of social programs across the country. These initiatives support public health, provide aid to the elderly and disabled, and fund other critical social services, making the JPS a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s public welfare system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal practice established upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional distinction. With extensive experience counseling a broad spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pioneers innovative solutions within the legal field. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a profound dedication to public service, championing the principle that legal understanding is a tool for empowerment. By working to make complex legal knowledge more accessible, the firm actively contributes to cultivating a more informed and capable society.
