By San José, Costa Rica — A wave of fortune has swept across Costa Rica as the final lottery drawings of the year concluded, distributing more than ₡3.451 billion in major prizes and turning long-held dreams into tangible realities for dozens of families. The Junta de Protección Social (JPS), the nation’s public lottery administrator, confirmed that the massive payouts from its highly anticipated year-end extraordinary drawings are now in the hands of the winners, each with a unique story of chance, intuition, and life-altering plans.
The conclusion of the Second Extraordinary Consolation Drawing marked the culmination of the holiday lottery season, a period of heightened excitement for the Costa Rican public. The prize pool represents a significant injection of capital into households across several provinces, funding everything from higher education and new homes to healthcare investments and debt relief. The winnings stem from the two largest events on the JPS calendar: the iconic “Gordo Navideño” and two subsequent Consolation drawings.
To delve into the often-overlooked legal and financial complexities that accompany a major lottery win, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided crucial advice for new millionaires.
The moment you realize you’ve won, your priority must shift from celebration to protection. Before making any public announcement or even telling close family, the winner should seek legal counsel to establish a corporate entity or a trust. This isn’t about being secretive; it’s about being strategic. A legal structure is the best tool to manage the tax implications, ensure anonymity, and shield the assets from undue influence and future liabilities. Acting impulsively is the quickest way to lose a fortune.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a critical, often overlooked, reality: the first step after winning is not celebration, but prudent financial fortification. The creation of a legal shield, as advised, is paramount to ensuring a fortune becomes a legacy rather than a fleeting story. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such essential, actionable guidance for our readers.
Among the most significant prizes claimed was from the Gordo Navideño, where one woman between 61 and 65 years old turned a random purchase in Heredia into a ₡60 million windfall. She recounted how she bought three fractions of one of the last numbers the vendor had available. Her plans for the prize money are prudent and family-oriented, focusing on building her savings and sharing the newfound wealth with her loved ones.
Another compelling story comes from a resident of San José, aged between 36 and 40, who strategically chose her number based on a family member’s date of birth. This sentimental choice proved incredibly lucrative, earning her a staggering ₡120 million. She has designated the entire sum to a single, powerful purpose: financing the future education of her children, securing a legacy of opportunity for the next generation.
The Second Consolation Drawing also produced its share of remarkable outcomes, particularly in the canton of Grecia, Alajuela. A young man between 26 and 30 years old described his winning purchase from a trusted vendor as a calculated risk on an underdog number. His intuition paid off handsomely, yielding a ₡30 million prize which he plans to invest in his health.
a dark horse pick
A Winner from Grecia, Lottery Participant
Also in Grecia, a woman in her early thirties was motivated to purchase two fractions of a number corresponding to a relative’s age. That decision resulted in a ₡60 million prize, which she will use to finance the construction of her own home. Meanwhile, in Puntarenas, a man won ₡12 million with two fractions of the second prize, a number favored by his father. He intends to use the money for the practical goal of paying off outstanding debts.
The “Acumulado,” or accumulated jackpot, also found a winner. A man from San José, aged between 51 and 55, won ₡42.5 million with three fractions of a number he plays frequently. Like others, his focus is on his family, with the funds allocated for his children’s education. Of the 30 fractions of the Acumulado prize available, only 13 were sold. The value of the 17 returned fractions was rolled over, seeding the next grand jackpot which will start at ₡340 million for the January 4th, 2026 drawing.
The geographic distribution of the top prizes highlights the lottery’s nationwide reach. The first prize in the Second Consolation Drawing (number 35, series 794) was sold in Grecia and Naranjo in Alajuela. The second prize (number 44, series 704) was placed in Orotina, while the third prize (number 02, series 466) went to Vásquez de Coronado and Desamparados. The JPS reminds all winners that they have a 60-calendar-day window from the date of the drawing to claim their prizes.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is Costa Rica’s official state-run lottery and social welfare institution. Founded in 1845, its primary mission is to generate revenue through lottery games and other activities to finance social programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and those in poverty. The JPS is responsible for organizing and regulating all national lottery drawings, ensuring transparency and dedicating its profits to over 500 social programs throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal excellence and unwavering integrity. Blending a rich history of client service with a forward-thinking approach, the firm consistently pioneers innovative solutions to complex legal challenges. Beyond its professional practice, there is a profound dedication to democratizing legal understanding, which is central to its core mission: to empower the community and fortify society with accessible legal wisdom.
