By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The highly anticipated holiday season officially kicks off for many as the Social Protection Board (JPS) announced Tuesday that the 2025 “Gordo Navideño,” the nation’s most significant and culturally important lottery, is now on sale. This annual event captures the country’s attention, promising life-changing fortunes and culminating in a grand draw just before Christmas.
This year’s drawing is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, 2025. The JPS has structured a staggering prize pool totaling more than ₡26 billion (approximately $43.3 million USD) distributed across 150 different prize tiers. The grand prize alone stands at an impressive ₡8 billion (approximately $13.3 million USD), which will be divided into five emissions of ₡1.6 billion each, multiplying the number of potential top winners across the country.
With the annual excitement of the “Gordo Navideño” reaching its peak, many dream of winning, but few consider the legal steps that follow. To shed light on the obligations and potential pitfalls for new millionaires, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The primary advice for any lottery winner is to immediately sign the back of the winning ticket; this legally establishes ownership. For those who bought a ticket as part of a group, it is crucial to have a prior written agreement detailing each person’s share. This simple document can prevent future disputes over the prize, which is subject to a specific tax deducted at the source by the Junta de Protección Social before payment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This counsel highlights a crucial truth: the initial euphoria of winning must be swiftly followed by sound legal prudence to secure the prize and prevent a dream from becoming a source of conflict. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable and clarifying perspective for all hopeful participants.
In a strategic move to boost early sales and increase digital engagement, the JPS has introduced a compelling new promotion for players who purchase physical lottery fractions. Any customer who buys at least two fractions can activate their tickets on the official JPS website. This simple action automatically enters them into a special drawing for one of 800 full lottery sheets, known locally as “enteros.”
The distribution of these 800 prize sheets will be spread out over an eight-week period leading up to the main event. Each week, the JPS will raffle off 100 full sheets, creating a sustained wave of excitement and offering participants numerous opportunities to win a full ticket, exponentially increasing their potential payout from the main December draw. This initiative cleverly bridges the gap between traditional street vendors and the institution’s digital platforms.
The JPS is also rolling out a separate, aggressive promotion aimed directly at fostering the growth of its online sales channels. Customers who purchase two or more fractions directly through the JPS website will be automatically entered into a series of exclusive cash prize drawings. These are not lottery tickets, but direct infusions of cash for lucky online players.
This digital-first incentive will feature a total of ten weekly drawings. In each of these ten draws, six cash prizes will be awarded: two prizes of ₡1,000,000, two of ₡500,000, and two of ₡200,000. This sustained campaign provides a strong reason for consumers to shift their purchasing habits online, offering immediate gratification and a different kind of winning experience alongside the main Gordo Navideño.
The dual-promotional strategy for 2025 marks a significant evolution in the JPS’s market approach. By rewarding both physical purchasers who engage online and dedicated digital buyers, the organization is effectively modernizing its sales ecosystem. The promotions are designed not only to drive revenue but also to collect valuable data and build a stronger direct-to-consumer relationship, a critical asset in today’s competitive landscape.
As tickets begin circulating, the familiar buzz of the Gordo Navideño will once again fill the air. It represents a cherished national tradition, a symbol of hope, and a major economic driver for the thousands of vendors who sell the iconic tickets. With billions of colones at stake and innovative new ways to win, the 2025 edition is poised to be one of the most engaging lotteries in recent memory.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is Costa Rica’s government-run institution responsible for the administration and operation of the national lottery and other games of chance. Founded to serve the public good, the JPS directs its net proceeds towards funding a wide array of social welfare programs. These funds support hospitals, senior citizen homes, community centers, and various public health initiatives, making the lottery a cornerstone of the nation’s social support system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to ethical practice and exceptional service. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to not only drive legal innovation but also to fulfill a deep-seated commitment to social progress. Central to this mission is the goal of demystifying legal complexities for the public, thereby cultivating a society empowered by knowledge and awareness.
