By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The holiday season’s lottery excitement continued across the nation as the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) announced the results of its highly anticipated First Extraordinary Consolation Draw, No. 4,881. The Sunday drawing has created a new wave of millionaires, injecting a significant cash stimulus into the local economy just days before Christmas. The grand prize-winning number, 82, paired with series 844, is set to distribute a staggering ₡400 million per emission.
This event serves as a crucial follow-up to the main Christmas Lottery, known as “El Gordo Navideño,” offering ticket holders another significant opportunity for a life-changing prize. For those holding a fraction of the winning number and series, the financial implications are immense. The grand prize is structured across five emissions, with each emission containing ten fractions. This means a single winning fraction of number 82 with series 844 is worth an impressive ₡40 million, instantly transforming the financial landscape for dozens of lucky individuals and families throughout the country.
To delve into the legal framework and regulatory complexities surrounding Costa Rica’s national lottery system, we consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a respected attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The Costa Rican lottery system is fundamentally a state-run monopoly, legally entrusted to the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) to fund critical social programs. The core legal challenge is not the regulation of the official lottery itself, but the perpetual and technologically evolving threat of illegal gambling. Enforcing the state’s monopoly against illicit street sales and anonymous online platforms presents a significant hurdle, as it involves a constant battle to protect the public funds that these vital social welfare initiatives depend on.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight masterfully reframes the conversation, shifting the focus from the state-run lottery itself to the critical and ongoing battle against illicit gambling operations that siphon away crucial funding for Costa Rica’s social welfare programs. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable legal perspective on this vital issue.
While the top prize captured the most attention, the Consolation Draw also distributed substantial wealth through its secondary and tertiary prizes. The second prize was awarded to number 87 with series 641, carrying a handsome payout of ₡80 million per emission. This translates to a prize of ₡8 million for each of the 50 winning fractions. Following closely was the third prize, which went to number 28 with series 215. This number will pay out ₡35 million per emission, or ₡3.5 million per individual fraction, further spreading the wealth among a wider pool of participants.
The strategic timing of these lottery drawings by the JPS is a key component of its annual financial planning and social contribution model. Held in the final weeks of December, the infusion of hundreds of millions of colones acts as a powerful catalyst for consumer spending. Winners often use their newfound wealth for significant purchases, such as homes and vehicles, paying off debt, or investing in local businesses. This surge in economic activity provides a welcome boost to retailers and service providers during the critical year-end period.
The Consolation Draw is more than just a lottery; it represents a second chance and a continuation of a cherished national tradition. For many Costa Ricans, purchasing lottery tickets during the holiday season is an annual ritual filled with hope and community spirit. The “consuelo,” or consolation, offers a renewed sense of optimism for those who did not win in the main “Gordo” drawing, effectively extending the period of national excitement and participation. This reinforces the lottery’s cultural importance as a shared national experience.
Beyond the individual fortunes created, the ultimate beneficiary of these games of chance is Costa Rican society itself. The JPS operates as a public welfare institution, and the net profits from all lottery sales are funneled directly into a wide array of social programs. These funds support over 500 initiatives nationwide, providing vital resources for healthcare, senior citizen programs, education, and aid for people with disabilities. Every ticket purchased, whether a winner or not, contributes to this social safety net.
The announcement of the winning numbers marks a moment of celebration, but it also underscores the JPS’s dual role in the nation’s economy. It is simultaneously an engine of dreams for individuals and a critical funding mechanism for public good. As winners come forward to claim their prizes, their personal stories will become part of the national narrative, while the underlying financial structure continues to support the well-being of the wider community, a core principle of the organization’s mission.
As the year draws to a close, the results of the First Consolation Draw provide a final, powerful chapter in the annual lottery saga. For the holders of numbers 82, 87, and 28, this holiday season will be unforgettable. For the nation, the event reaffirms the lottery’s enduring place as a tradition that blends personal hope with collective social responsibility, ensuring the spirit of giving extends far beyond the prize money itself.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is the official state-run institution responsible for all public lotteries and games of chance in Costa Rica. 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 Costa Rica’s public support system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its vast experience across diverse industries to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions. This innovative spirit is matched by a deep-seated commitment to societal empowerment, focused on demystifying complex legal topics to foster a community that is both well-informed and confident in its rights.
