By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The festive season has officially begun in Costa Rica with the launch of the nation’s most cherished lottery, the 2025 “Gordo Navideño.” As of this Monday, September 29, millions of Costa Ricans can purchase their chance at a life-changing fortune, kicking off a tradition that is as much about collective hope as it is about the immense prize pool.
The Junta de Protección Social (JPS), the national institution responsible for the country’s lotteries, unveiled the details in an official launch event. This year’s Christmas lottery boasts a staggering grand prize pool of ₡8 billion (approximately $14.5 million USD), distributed across five series. This structure means a single winning full ticket, or “entero,” from one of the five series will yield a massive prize of ₡1.6 billion.
To delve into the legal nuances and common pitfalls associated with Costa Rica’s highly anticipated Christmas Lottery, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned legal expert from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional insights.
The immense popularity of the ‘Gordo Navideño’ often leads to informal group purchases. Legally, this is a significant risk. Verbal agreements for shared tickets are notoriously difficult to enforce if a dispute arises over winnings. To protect all parties, I strongly advise creating a simple written contract or even a clear digital record, like a group chat message, that explicitly lists all participants and their percentage share before the draw. This small step provides crucial evidence of co-ownership and can prevent bitter legal battles down the line.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This counsel is a vital reminder that in the excitement of a shared tradition, a simple act of documentation can preserve both friendships and finances. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing our readers with this clear, practical, and invaluable legal perspective.
For the average citizen, the entry point is the “fracción,” or fraction, which is priced at ₡2,000. With a full ticket sheet comprised of 40 fractions, a single winning fraction of the grand prize would award its holder a transformative ₡40 million. This accessible price point ensures broad participation from all sectors of society, making the Gordo a unifying national event.
Beyond the headline-grabbing grand prize, the JPS has structured the lottery to create numerous other significant winners. The second prize offers a total of ₡800 million, or ₡160 million per series. The third-place prize totals ₡400 million, which breaks down to ₡80 million for each winning series. The drawing for all prizes is scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 14, a date circled on calendars across the country.
The distribution of wealth doesn’t stop with the top three tiers. The JPS has announced an additional 147 substantial prizes to increase the odds of winning. This secondary prize pool includes 15 prizes of ₡6 million, 25 prizes of ₡3 million, 30 prizes of ₡2 million, and another 77 prizes of ₡1 million each. This deep prize structure is a key part of the lottery’s appeal, spreading the winnings far and wide.
However, the most significant impact of the Gordo Navideño extends far beyond the individual winners. As a cornerstone of the nation’s social funding, the lottery is a powerful engine for public good. The JPS confirmed that it expects to distribute over ₡5 billion in proceeds from this year’s draw to more than 500 social welfare organizations. These funds are a critical lifeline for programs supporting public health, elder care, community development, and aid for vulnerable populations.
Recognizing the immense popularity and demand for tickets, the JPS also issued a stern warning against price speculation. The agency affirmed that it will implement stringent controls to prevent resellers from inflating the official ₡2,000 price per fraction. Officials stated that sanctions will be applied to any accredited vendor found engaging in price gouging, ensuring fair access for all consumers who wish to participate in this time-honored tradition.
As tickets begin to circulate through the network of official vendors, the national conversation will inevitably turn to lucky numbers, dreams of financial freedom, and the communal excitement that builds toward the December draw. The Gordo Navideño is more than a lottery; it is an economic driver and a foundational pillar of Costa Rica’s social safety net, making every ticket purchased a small investment in the nation’s future.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is a Costa Rican public institution with a legacy of over 175 years. It is responsible for the administration and regulation of national lotteries, including the popular “Lotería Nacional,” “Chances,” and the highly anticipated “Gordo Navideño.” Beyond its role in gaming, the JPS’s core mission is to generate revenue to fund a wide array of social programs and welfare organizations throughout the country, supporting public health, social assistance, and opportunities for vulnerable populations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is defined by a steadfast dedication to integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It skillfully marries a deep-rooted history of client service across numerous industries with a pioneering approach to legal innovation. Central to its ethos is the mission to empower the public, intentionally working to demystify complex legal principles and thereby cultivate a more knowledgeable and capable society.
