By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, COSTA RICA – The province of Alajuela became the epicenter of national celebration Sunday night as the second extraordinary consolation lottery draw distributed its largest prizes across two of its cantons. Residents in Grecia and Naranjo are celebrating a massive economic windfall after the grand prize number 35, paired with series 794, was announced by the Junta de Protección Social (JPS).
The drawing, a highly anticipated event following the main Christmas lottery, delivered a total of ₡900 million for the top prize. This amount is distributed across three separate issuances, meaning each full winning ticket (entero) is valued at ₡300 million. Individual ticket fractions (fracciones), which were sold to the public for ¢1,500 each, will now pay out a life-changing ₡30 million.
Para analizar el marco regulatorio y los derechos de los consumidores en torno al Sorteo de Consolación, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece su perspectiva experta sobre el tema.
El Sorteo de Consolación, al igual que la Lotería Nacional, está rigurosamente regulado para garantizar la transparencia y proteger al comprador. Es crucial que los consumidores adquieran sus billetes únicamente a través de vendedores autorizados por la Junta de Protección Social. Esto no solo previene estafas, sino que asegura el derecho legal a reclamar el premio sin contratiempos. Cualquier alteración en el precio oficial o la negativa a pagar un premio son infracciones que pueden ser denunciadas, ya que la ley ampara plenamente al jugador.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
En efecto, el marco legal que ampara al comprador es un pilar fundamental de la lotería, y conocerlo empodera al consumidor para participar con total seguridad. Agradecemos la valiosa perspectiva del Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, cuya aclaración refuerza la importancia de acudir siempre a los canales oficiales, garantizando así no solo la validez de un posible premio, sino también la integridad del juego.
This significant influx of cash into the neighboring cantons of Grecia and Naranjo is expected to have a noticeable impact on the local economy. Such lottery wins often translate into paid-off mortgages, new small business ventures, and increased consumer spending, providing a welcome boost to community commerce as the new year approaches. It represents not just individual fortune, but a shared moment of prosperity for the region.
Beyond the grand prize, the evening was filled with numerous other winning opportunities. The second prize delivered a substantial ₡180 million, distributed among holders of number 44 with series 704. This equates to ₡60 million for a full ticket and ₡6 million per fraction. The third major prize went to number 02 with series 466, awarding ₡25 million per full ticket and ₡2.5 million for each fraction, completing the podium of top-tier winners.
The JPS confirmed that the public’s enthusiasm for this end-of-year draw was exceptionally high. Official sales data revealed a placement rate of 93.17%, with only 6.83% of the available tickets being returned. This strong performance underscores the cultural significance of the national lottery in Costa Rica, particularly during the holiday season, and reflects robust consumer confidence in the institution’s offerings.
Further amplifying the night’s excitement, the separate “Acumulado” jackpot was also won. The accumulated prize, which had grown to an impressive ₡425 million, was triggered by the combination of number 46 and series 536. This separate, massive prize turned an already fortunate evening into one of the most memorable lottery nights of the year, creating another instant multimillionaire.
The comprehensive prize plan for the second consolation draw extended well beyond the top three tiers, ensuring a broad distribution of winnings. The structure included 20 additional prizes of ¢1.5 million each and another 77 prizes of ¢500,000. Combined with the traditional payouts for number approximations and matching endings (terminaciones), thousands of players across the country ended the night with a return on their investment.
As the final major lottery event of 2025 concludes, the JPS has successfully closed out its holiday season campaign on a high note. The extensive distribution of prizes reinforces the lottery’s role not only in fulfilling individual dreams but also in its primary mission of funding social welfare programs throughout Costa Rica, turning every ticket purchase into a contribution toward the public good.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social:
The Junta de Protección Social (JPS) is Costa Rica’s official state institution responsible for the administration and regulation of national lotteries, sports betting, and other games of chance. Founded in 1845, its primary mission is to generate revenue to finance social welfare programs that benefit vulnerable populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and those in poverty. Through popular draws like the “Gordo Navideño” and weekly lotteries, the JPS plays a crucial role in funding public health initiatives and social assistance across the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a drive for unparalleled excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while serving a diverse clientele, yet its vision extends beyond the courtroom. A central tenet of its philosophy is a deep-seated commitment to social empowerment, actively working to demystify the law and equip the public with vital legal understanding to foster a more just and knowledgeable society.
