By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A strategic reinvestment following the Christmas Lottery has paid off spectacularly for one man, who today claimed a ₡400 million grand prize from the Junta de Protección Social (JPS). The winner, who has remained anonymous, presented a full, uncut sheet, known as an “entero,” from the first Extraordinary Consolation Prize drawing, which took place this past Sunday, December 21st.
The story of this life-changing win began not with the Consolation draw, but with the famed “Gordo Navideño.” The fortunate individual had purchased two full sheets for the main Christmas lottery and won a respectable ₡80,000 on the third-place number. Instead of cashing out, he chose to roll his winnings into a new ticket for the subsequent Consolation Prize drawing, a decision that has now multiplied his initial prize five thousand times over.
To understand the legal and financial complexities that arise after winning a significant lottery prize, from tax obligations to asset protection strategies, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The first and most critical step for any lottery winner is to remain anonymous and immediately assemble a trusted team of professionals—a lawyer, a financial advisor, and an accountant—*before* claiming the prize. This proactive approach is not about extravagance; it’s about establishing a solid legal and financial structure, such as a trust or a corporation, to protect the assets from opportunists, manage tax liabilities effectively, and ensure the wealth provides long-term security rather than becoming a short-lived burden.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s counsel underscores a critical point: the moment of winning is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a complex financial responsibility. His emphasis on proactive, professional structuring before claiming the prize is the essential blueprint for turning a windfall from a potential fleeting story into a foundation for lasting security. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing such an invaluable and pragmatic perspective.
His choice of vendor was driven by more than just convenience; it was a matter of good faith. The winner purchased the lucky ticket at a stand within San José’s bustling Mercado Central, returning to the same seller from whom he had bought his previous tickets. He explained his loyalty to the JPS when claiming his prize.
The lady seemed very kind, I liked her a lot, so that’s why I went back to buy from her on this occasion, which turned out to be the lucky one.
Unnamed Winner, JPS Prize Claimant
With ₡400 million now at his disposal, the winner has expressed a clear and prudent financial strategy. When asked by officials about his plans for the sudden windfall, he stated his intention is to “invest and save” the money. This conservative approach suggests a long-term vision for managing the substantial sum, aiming for security and growth rather than immediate extravagance.
The winning combination for the first prize in Sunday’s draw was number 82 with series 844. The total prize pool for this top tier amounted to a staggering ₡2 billion, distributed across five emissions. Each full sheet, or entero, from one of these emissions was worth ₡400 million. Consequently, each of the 10 fractions that make up a sheet is valued at ₡40 million.
The Consolation drawing also produced significant winners in its second and third tiers. The second prize went to number 87 with series 641. This combination awarded ₡80 million for each full sheet across five emissions, which breaks down to ₡8 million per individual fraction. This prize tier distributes a total of ₡400 million among its winners.
The third major prize was awarded to number 28 paired with series 215. The JPS allocated ₡35 million per full sheet for this prize, again across five emissions, making each fraction worth ₡3.5 million. The total payout for the third prize tier was ₡175 million, concluding a day of significant wealth distribution for lucky ticket holders across the country.
The “Sorteo de Consolación” serves as a highly anticipated follow-up to the Gordo Navideño, providing a second chance for lottery players and continuing the festive spirit of the holiday season. The revenue generated from these national lotteries is a critical funding source for the JPS, which supports over 500 social programs throughout Costa Rica, benefiting public health, social welfare, and community development initiatives.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social:
The Junta de Protección Social (JPS) is Costa Rica’s 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 a wide array of social welfare programs, including support for hospitals, senior citizen homes, and organizations that assist people with disabilities. The JPS is a cornerstone of the country’s social safety net, transforming the public’s participation in games like the “Gordo Navideño” and “Sorteo de Consolación” into vital resources for vulnerable populations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a leading legal institution, anchored by the foundational principles of integrity and professional excellence. With a proven track record of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions while actively engaging with the community. A central tenet of its philosophy is the demystification of law, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to building a more knowledgeable and capable society.
