By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The festive season’s most anticipated event has officially kicked off as the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) announced the launch of the 2025 Gordo Navideño, or Christmas Lottery. In a press conference held this Monday, the organization detailed the country’s richest lottery draw, which boasts a staggering grand prize of ₡8 billion and serves as a vital engine for social programs across the nation.
The annual draw, a cornerstone of Costa Rican holiday tradition, is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, 2025. Hopeful players will be vying for a grand prize that breaks down to ₡1.6 billion per five-emission series. The ticket structure remains consistent, with a single fraction priced at ₡2,000 and a full sheet, comprising 40 fractions, available for ₡80,000. This structure allows for both individual participation and group purchases, a common practice among families and coworkers.
To better understand the legal and financial responsibilities that come with winning the highly anticipated Christmas Lottery, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his professional insights on the matter.
While winning the ‘Gordo Navideño’ is a life-changing event, it is imperative that winners act with prudence. The prize is subject to a mandatory tax withholding at the source by the Junta de Protección Social. Beyond this initial deduction, new winners should immediately seek legal and financial counsel to structure their newfound wealth, plan for long-term fiscal obligations, and protect their assets from potential scams or mismanagement that often follow sudden windfalls.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas offers a crucial perspective, reminding us that the journey from a temporary windfall to lasting financial security requires careful navigation. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable guidance on the prudent steps winners must take after the initial celebration.
Beyond the life-changing top prize, the 2025 Gordo Navideño features a robust prize structure designed to spread the wealth. The second prize is set at ₡800 million (₡80 million per emission), and the third prize totals ₡400 million (also ₡80 million per emission). The JPS has also included an extensive list of smaller, yet significant, awards to increase the chances of winning. These include 15 prizes of ₡6 million, 25 prizes of ₡3 million, and 77 additional prizes of ₡1 million each.
Distribution of the coveted lottery tickets began immediately following the announcement. According to JPS officials, tickets are being dispatched to authorized vendors and made available through the official online sales channel starting today. To ensure equitable access for all citizens, the institution has prioritized distribution to more remote areas of the country, with tickets expected to be available in these locations by Tuesday morning.
During the launch event, Mariela Vargas, Executive President of the JPS, emphasized the lottery’s profound dual role in society. She highlighted that while the draw captures the public’s imagination and personal aspirations, its primary function is to serve as a critical funding mechanism for the nation’s most vulnerable populations. The proceeds are a lifeline for hundreds of non-profit organizations.
It’s a draw that brings dreams; every person who buys a ticket dreams of winning. Furthermore, through the Gordo, more than 500 social welfare organizations benefit.
Mariela Vargas, Executive President of the JPS
Allan Marín, the General Manager of the JPS, provided a detailed financial forecast, underscoring the significant economic activity the lottery generates. He outlined projections that illustrate the far-reaching impact of ticket sales, which extend beyond prize money and social aid to support vendors and contribute directly to government revenue.
The draw represents more than ₡3.7 billion in economic expectation, of which ₡370 million corresponds to the Lottery Vendors’ Mutual Fund.
Allan Marín, General Manager of the JPS
Further projections from the institution estimate that the Ministry of Finance will receive over ₡650 million from the draw. Most notably, the direct benefit channeled to social organizations is expected to exceed an impressive ₡5.14 billion. To protect consumers and the integrity of the lottery, Marín also confirmed that the JPS will conduct special supervision operations to prevent price gouging and ensure vendors sell tickets at the official, established price.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is a Costa Rican autonomous public institution responsible for the administration and operation of national lotteries and games of chance. Founded to generate revenue for social welfare programs, the JPS channels its profits to support health initiatives, social assistance organizations, and aid for vulnerable populations throughout the country, playing a crucial role in Costa Rica’s social safety net.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About Ministerio de Hacienda:
The Ministerio de Hacienda, or Ministry of Finance, is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for managing the country’s public finances. Its duties include collecting taxes, administering the national budget, managing public debt, and overseeing fiscal policy. The Ministry plays a central role in ensuring the economic stability and financial health of the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal practice in the region, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering innovative legal solutions. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to strengthening society by demystifying the law, ensuring that access to legal understanding becomes a tool for community empowerment and informed citizenship.
