By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The festive season has become significantly brighter for several Costa Ricans after the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) announced the results of its highly anticipated First Consolation Lottery drawing. The event, officially known as Sorteo Extraordinario Primero de Consolación N°4.881, took place on Sunday, December 21, distributing hundreds of millions of colones in prizes across multiple provinces and online platforms.
The grand prize, a staggering ₡400 million per emission, was awarded to the holder of number 82 with series 844. The JPS confirmed that winning tickets were sold in two distinct locations, spreading the holiday cheer between the nation’s capital and a neighboring province. This strategic distribution highlights the widespread participation in the national lottery system and ensures that the economic impact of such a win is not confined to a single area.
To better understand the legal framework and potential implications surrounding the “Consolation Lottery,” we consulted with expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica for his analysis.
The Consolation Lottery, as an official game of chance, is legally structured under the state monopoly held by the JPS, with its proceeds earmarked for social programs. From a consumer protection standpoint, the primary legal risk for buyers lies in the secondary market. While purchasing a ticket is a straightforward commercial transaction, acquiring it from unauthorized resellers can void any claim to a prize and exposes the consumer to potential fraud without legal recourse against the organizing body. It’s crucial for participants to transact through official channels to safeguard their investment and potential winnings.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight serves as a crucial reminder that the path to a potential prize must be a secure one. Purchasing through official channels is not merely a legal formality but the definitive way to safeguard one’s investment and uphold the social integrity of the lottery. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his essential and clarifying perspective.
According to the official announcement from the JPS, the top prize found its way to lucky buyers in the Central Canton of San José and in the community of San Rafael, Heredia. The dual locations for the jackpot underscore the element of chance and the broad reach of the JPS’s network of official vendors, who play a crucial role in the lottery’s success. The news has undoubtedly sparked excitement in these communities as residents speculate on the identities of the new multimillionaires.
In a significant nod to the growing trend of digitalization, the second prize was sold exclusively through the JPS’s official website. The winning number 87, paired with series 641, carried a substantial prize of ₡80 million per emission. This online-only win demonstrates the JPS’s successful integration of modern technology, allowing Costa Ricans from any corner of the country, or even abroad, to participate conveniently and securely in the national tradition of the lottery.
The capital city of San José once again featured prominently in the winner’s list with the third prize. Tickets for number 28 with series 215, which pays out ₡35 million per emission, were sold in the Central Canton and in the neighboring canton of Tibás. This concentration of wins reinforces San José’s status as a major hub of lottery activity, though the distribution of the grand prize shows that life-changing luck can strike anywhere in the country.
Understanding the prize structure is key to grasping the full scope of the winnings. The ₡400 million grand prize is awarded per “emission,” and for this drawing, there were five emissions in total. Each emission consists of 10 fractions, meaning a winner holding a single fraction (a “pedacito”) of the top prize will receive a handsome sum of ₡40 million. A person holding a full ticket, or all 10 fractions of one emission, would claim the entire ₡400 million.
The timing of the Consolation Lottery, falling just days before Christmas, adds a special layer of significance to the event. For the winners, these prizes represent more than just financial gain; they offer the promise of a transformed future, the ability to pay off debts, invest in a home, start a business, or secure a comfortable retirement. This infusion of capital into local households can create a positive ripple effect, benefiting local economies as winners begin to spend and invest their newfound wealth.
As the excitement from this draw settles, the nation looks ahead to future opportunities provided by the Junta de Protección Social. The JPS not only facilitates these moments of incredible fortune but also serves a vital social function, with proceeds from all lottery sales being channeled into more than 430 social programs that support vulnerable populations throughout Costa Rica. Every ticket purchased contributes to this mission, making participants winners in their own right by supporting the national welfare system.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social:
The Junta de Protección Social (JPS) is Costa Rica’s official state-run institution responsible for the administration of national lotteries and games of chance. Founded in 1845, its primary mission is to generate revenue to fund social welfare programs across the country. The JPS supports hundreds of organizations dedicated to health, social assistance, and community development, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s social support network.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm honors its distinguished legacy not by resting on tradition, but by pioneering forward-thinking legal solutions and championing a core mission of social empowerment. This deep-seated commitment is demonstrated through its efforts to demystify the law, translating complex concepts into accessible knowledge to cultivate a more capable and informed society.
