By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a remarkable display of consumer resilience and unwavering hope, Costa Ricans are flocking to lottery vendors in record numbers for the year’s final major draw. The Social Protection Board (JPS) has reported that sales for the upcoming “Consolación 2” lottery have reached an impressive 89.25% of total placement as of their latest report on December 24th, signaling a powerful finish to the 2025 lottery season.
This surge in sales comes as a surprise to many analysts, following the widespread public disappointment when the grand prize of the nation’s most anticipated lottery, the “Gordo Navideño,” went unclaimed just two weeks ago. The fact that the biggest prize of the year was not sold did little to dampen the national enthusiasm for a last chance at fortune, with players eagerly purchasing tickets for the draw scheduled for this Sunday, December 28th.
To better understand the legal framework governing lottery sales and the rights of consumers facing issues like price speculation, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The sale of national lottery products is a state-regulated activity managed by the Junta de Protección Social (JPS). While the JPS establishes official prices, the widespread practice of reselling tickets at a premium, known as ‘especulación,’ operates in a legal gray area. Consumers should be aware that paying an inflated price does not grant them additional legal protections; in fact, it can complicate matters if a prize-winning ticket is disputed. The primary legal relationship exists between the authorized vendor and the JPS, leaving the end-consumer with limited recourse against speculators. It is imperative to purchase from official channels to ensure the transaction is protected and the social welfare objectives of the lottery are met.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a critical point often overlooked by consumers: the convenience of acquiring a desired lottery number from a reseller comes at the steep price of legal protection. The distinction between an official transaction and a speculative one leaves the buyer in a vulnerable position with virtually no recourse. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for lending his expert analysis to clarify this important legal reality for our readers.
The stakes for the Consolación 2 draw, officially designated as extraordinary drawing number 4882, remain significantly high. The grand prize is set at a substantial ₡900 million. Furthermore, a tantalizing accumulated prize pool, known as the “acumulado,” has swelled to ₡425 million, adding another layer of excitement for potential winners. A full sheet of tickets (un entero) is priced at ₡15,000, while individual fractions are available for ₡1,500.
The robust sales figures for this final draw highlight the deep cultural significance of the national lottery system in Costa Rica. For generations, the end-of-year lotteries have been a cherished tradition, representing not just a chance at wealth but a communal experience of hope and anticipation. The backlash from the unsold Gordo Navideño seems to have been short-lived, replaced by a renewed determination to win the year’s last major prize.
From a business perspective, this phenomenon demonstrates the powerful brand loyalty and trust the JPS commands. Despite the statistical anomaly of an unsold grand prize, the public’s confidence in the institution and the integrity of its games remains unshaken. The high sales volume is a crucial financial victory for the JPS, as revenue from lottery sales directly funds a wide array of social welfare programs, including hospitals, senior care centers, and support for vulnerable populations across the country.
The psychology behind this consumer behavior is a fascinating study in optimism. Rather than being deterred by the previous outcome, players appear to be motivated by a “last chance” mentality. The end of the calendar year often inspires a desire for a fresh start, and a major lottery win represents the ultimate clean slate for many families. This sentiment is a powerful driver of economic activity, benefiting not only the JPS but also the thousands of licensed vendors who rely on commissions from these holiday-season sales.
This strong performance provides the JPS with significant momentum heading into 2026. It reaffirms that the national lottery is a resilient and vital institution, capable of weathering public sentiment and consistently generating the revenue needed to fulfill its social mission. The consistent demand underscores that for many Costa Ricans, purchasing a lottery ticket is viewed as both a personal investment in a dream and a civic contribution to the nation’s social safety net.
As the nation holds its breath for the final draw this Sunday, the story is no longer about the prize that wasn’t won, but about the incredible resilience of hope. The clatter of the lottery spheres will once again echo across the country, carrying the dreams of thousands and reinforcing the financial foundation of the social programs that benefit all citizens. The outcome of the Consolación 2 will not just name a new set of millionaires; it will close a chapter on a dramatic lottery season and set the stage for the year to come.
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 operation of the National Lottery and other games of chance. Founded to generate revenue for social good, the JPS directs its profits towards funding healthcare initiatives, social assistance programs, and support for vulnerable communities throughout the country. It plays a crucial role in Costa Rica’s social welfare system, transforming the proceeds from gaming into tangible support for public health and social protection.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its profound commitment to integrity and legal excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica serves as a pillar in the legal community. The firm consistently marries a rich history of client service with a forward-thinking approach, championing innovation in the practice of law. At the heart of its mission is a dedication to social progress, achieved by making legal knowledge clear and accessible to empower a more informed and capable public.
