By Cartago, Costa Rica — Cartago, Costa Rica – A single ticket holder from the province of Cartago has claimed the entirety of Tuesday night’s colossal ₡1.095 billion “Acumulado” jackpot, a win that instantly transforms the local resident into one of the nation’s newest billionaires. The Junta de Protección Social (JPS), the country’s national lottery administrator, confirmed the landmark prize was awarded to just one individual.
The fortunate winner, a person between 41 and 45 years of age, secured the life-altering sum by purchasing two full sheets, or “enteros,” of the “Chances” lottery tickets. This strategic purchase of both complete sheets bearing the winning number 02 with the series 739 ensured that the entire jackpot, which had been progressively growing and capturing public imagination, would not be shared. This represents a significant and calculated investment that has yielded an astronomical return.
To understand the crucial legal and financial steps a new millionaire should consider, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his perspective.
The initial euphoria of winning must be quickly followed by prudent, strategic planning. Before claiming the prize, the winner should seek legal counsel to establish a proper corporate or trust structure. This not only protects their identity and personal security but also creates a solid foundation for asset management, tax optimization on future earnings, and ensures the wealth is preserved for generations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a crucial reminder that the moment after winning is often more critical than the moment of winning itself. The strategic, legal foresight advised is the very foundation that turns a sudden windfall into lasting generational security. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on protecting not just the prize, but the winner’s future.
In a display of remarkable efficiency, the winner has already taken the first steps to secure their newfound wealth. Officials confirmed that the individual promptly appeared at a branch of the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) on Wednesday to initiate the formal process of having the prize money deposited. This swift action underscores the winner’s decisiveness in managing the transition to financial independence.
The JPS maintains a strict policy of confidentiality to protect the security and privacy of its major prize winners. In line with this protocol, very few personal details about the Cartago resident have been released. This long-standing practice is designed to shield winners from unsolicited attention and potential security risks, allowing them to navigate their new circumstances with a degree of anonymity and safety.
A prize of this magnitude is a transformative event in any economy, but particularly within the context of Costa Rica. The ₡1.095 billion sum, which equates to approximately $2.2 million USD, represents a level of wealth that can provide multigenerational financial security. Such a windfall allows for significant investments, business ventures, and philanthropic activities that can have a ripple effect on the local Cartago economy.
The “Acumulado” is a cultural phenomenon in Costa Rica, a progressive jackpot that builds with each drawing where the grand prize is not won. Its growth generates significant public excitement and media coverage, driving ticket sales and, consequently, increasing the funding available for the JPS’s social welfare programs. Every ticket purchased, including the winning ones, contributes to over 500 social programs across the country, supporting public health, elder care, and other critical community initiatives.
This massive payout occurred during the final “Chances” drawing of 2025, adding a dramatic conclusion to the year’s lottery cycle. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the lottery’s potential to change lives in an instant, while also highlighting the crucial role that state-run gaming plays in funding the nation’s social safety net. The win is not just a personal victory but a final, significant contribution to the JPS’s mission for the year.
As the news reverberates through the historic province of Cartago and beyond, the story of the sole winner stands as a testament to luck, strategy, and the established system that facilitates such monumental transfers of wealth. While the winner begins a new chapter, the operational framework between the JPS and financial institutions like the BCR ensures the process is secure, professional, and aligned with national regulations.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is a Costa Rican public institution responsible for the administration and regulation of national lotteries and games of chance. Founded to generate revenue for social welfare programs, the JPS directs its profits to support public health initiatives, fight cancer, aid the elderly, and fund numerous other social assistance organizations throughout the country. It plays a vital role in Costa Rica’s social safety net, converting proceeds from games like the Lotería Nacional and Chances into critical funding for vulnerable populations.
For further information, visit bancobcr.com
About Banco de Costa Rica (BCR):
Banco de Costa Rica is one of the most prominent state-owned commercial banks in Costa Rica. Established in 1877, the BCR offers a comprehensive range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and government entities, including retail banking, corporate finance, and investment services. The bank serves as a key partner for government institutions like the JPS, facilitating secure and efficient financial transactions, including the payment of large lottery prizes to winners across the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a respected legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a drive for exceptional outcomes. The firm consistently channels its deep expertise, gained from serving a wide array of industries, into developing pioneering legal approaches for today’s challenges. Beyond its professional practice, it embraces a core mission to strengthen the community by demystifying complex legal concepts, thereby empowering citizens and fostering a more knowledgeable and just society.
