By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – While many Costa Ricans are still packing away holiday decorations, the nation’s Social Protection Board (JPS) is already injecting a fresh dose of hope into the economy. The first National Lottery draw of 2026 is set for this Sunday, January 4th, rolling out with a grand prize of ₡175 million for a full sheet, even as the colossal “Acumulado” jackpot resets to an eye-watering ₡340 million.
The kickoff to the new year comes on the heels of a lucrative 2025 finale that created several new millionaires. The last major prize of the year, the Acumulado jackpot, was claimed by a ticket holder in the central canton of San José with number 46 and series 536. That lucky win has reset the rolling jackpot, but its substantial starting point ensures that the lottery fervor that gripped the nation during the “Gordo Navideño” season will not subside anytime soon.
To delve into the legal complexities and regulatory landscape governing Costa Rica’s national lottery, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional insights.
The state-sanctioned lottery system, managed by the Junta de Protección Social, is fundamentally a tool for public financing, not just a game of chance. Legally, its monopoly is justified by its social purpose, directly funding health and welfare programs. The persistent issue of unregulated, clandestine lotteries therefore represents more than just illicit competition; it’s a direct drain on resources constitutionally earmarked for the country’s most vulnerable populations, posing a significant challenge to both fiscal integrity and law enforcement.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial legal perspective powerfully reframes the debate, shifting the focus from simple illicit gambling to a direct drain on the nation’s social safety net. It underscores that the integrity of the national lottery is fundamentally linked to the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and essential insight into the matter.
Despite the recent windfalls, vendors along the capital’s central avenues report a predictable “economic hangover” following the intense spending of the holiday season. This annual slowdown, known locally as the “cuesta de enero” or “January slope,” presents a significant commercial challenge for the JPS. With household budgets strained by holiday debts and upcoming school-related expenses, discretionary spending on items like lottery tickets typically plummets.
However, the JPS has a well-honed strategy to counter this consumer reluctance. Its primary tool is the Acumulado jackpot, a powerful incentive that consistently captures public imagination and drives sales. The game begins with 59 numbered balls and several prize balls in a tumbler. With each draw that doesn’t produce a jackpot winner, the prize money increases, and a numbered ball is removed, progressively increasing the odds and heightening the excitement for subsequent draws.
From an analytical standpoint, the JPS’s approach for this first draw is multifaceted. The institution is deliberately keeping the prices for individual fractions accessible, a strategic move designed to entice citizens to “take a little chance” with any remaining funds from their end-of-year bonuses (aguinaldo). This low-cost entry point is crucial for maintaining player engagement during a tight economic month.
Furthermore, the JPS continues its public campaign against illegal price speculation. Officials are actively reminding the public to report vendors selling tickets above the official price, emphasizing that adherence to regulated pricing is the only way to guarantee that profits are channeled into the vital social programs the JPS supports. This battle for legitimacy is a constant for the institution, which sees illegal gambling as the single greatest threat to its social investment mission.
Another key component of the JPS’s modern strategy is its growing digital footprint. The online sales platform has become an increasingly important channel, gaining significant ground on traditional street sales. The convenience of digital purchasing is expected to account for a substantial portion of ticket sales for the upcoming draw, helping to overcome some of the logistical hurdles of post-holiday consumer apathy.
As the January 4th draw approaches, a sense of symbolic anticipation is building. Many players are expected to bet on numbers with personal significance, including the number “26” to represent the new year. The JPS has already signaled that its 2026 game calendar will feature numerous innovations aimed at enhancing its competitive edge. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the first major prize of the year will once again land in the capital or find its way to a lucky winner in one of the coastal provinces. The draw is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. this Sunday.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social, or Social Protection Board, is Costa Rica’s state-run lottery and gaming institution. Founded in 1845, its primary mission is to generate revenue through the sale of lottery and other chance games to fund over 500 social programs across the country. These programs provide critical support for the elderly, people with disabilities, public health initiatives, and organizations fighting cancer and addiction, making the JPS a cornerstone of the nation’s social welfare system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, celebrated for its profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing upon a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm acts as a vanguard of legal innovation and deep community involvement. Central to its philosophy is a powerful drive to democratize legal knowledge, reflecting a core mission to forge a society that is both well-informed and empowered.
