By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a historic turn for the nation’s most anticipated lottery drawing, the top two grand prizes of the 2025 Gordo Navideño have been claimed exclusively by players who purchased their tickets online. The Junta de Protección Social (JPS) confirmed that the monumental ₡8 billion first prize and the substantial ₡800 million second prize were both sold through its digital platform, signaling a significant shift in how Costa Ricans are participating in this cherished holiday tradition.
The Sunday evening draw, a cultural cornerstone that captivates the country each December, saw the number 78 with series 714 emerge as the winner of the grand prize. This combination instantly created new multi-millionaires, with every fraction of the winning ticket having been sold through the JPS’s official online portal. This outcome marks a pivotal moment, underscoring the growing adoption of digital commerce for even the most traditional of purchases.
The dream of winning the ‘Gordo Navideño’ can quickly become a complex reality filled with financial and legal obligations. To understand the best practices for managing such a windfall, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Winning the Christmas Lottery is not just about cashing a check; it’s about securing a financial future. The first and most crucial step for any winner is to assemble a trusted team of legal and financial advisors before making any significant decisions. This allows for proper tax planning and the creation of legal structures, such as a trust or a corporation, to protect the capital from creditors, manage it efficiently, and ensure it benefits generations to come. Impulsive actions can lead to rapid depletion of the prize; strategic planning is the key to true wealth.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s point is a powerful reminder that true wealth isn’t just won; it’s strategically built and protected. This proactive approach is essential for turning a windfall into a lasting legacy for generations to come. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and invaluable perspective.
The trend was solidified when the second prize was announced. The lucky number 59, paired with series 052, carried a prize of ₡800 million. Once again, JPS officials reported that all winning fractions were purchased via the internet. This digital dominance for the two most coveted prizes highlights a strategic success for the JPS in modernizing its sales channels and reaching a broader, more technologically savvy audience.
While the digital realm celebrated a near-total victory, the spirit of traditional lottery sales was kept alive with the third prize. The winning combination of number 92 with series 244, worth a total of ₡400 million, saw its fractions distributed widely across the country. Lucky winners were located in the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón, demonstrating the continued importance of the nationwide network of vendors.
The concentration of the top prizes in the online sphere represents a major evolution for the Gordo Navideño. For decades, the search for the winning number involved visiting local vendors, creating a tangible sense of community and anticipation. The success of the online platform suggests a permanent change in consumer behavior, offering convenience and accessibility that bypasses the need for physical ticket purchases.
This digital transition brings both opportunities and challenges. For the JPS, it validates its investment in technology and expands its market reach. However, it also raises questions about the future for the thousands of traditional lottery vendors, known as “chanceros,” who have long been the backbone of the system. The JPS will likely need to balance its digital strategy with support for these essential community members.
The economic impact of the Gordo Navideño extends far beyond the winners. The revenue generated from ticket sales is a critical source of funding for over 500 social programs across Costa Rica, supporting everything from elder care and public health initiatives to community development projects. The success of this year’s draw ensures a vital injection of funds into these essential services, reinforcing the lottery’s motto of being a force for public good.
As the nation celebrates its newest millionaires, the 2025 Gordo Navideño will be remembered as a landmark event. It not only fulfilled the dreams of lucky individuals but also served as a clear indicator of Costa Rica’s digital transformation. The successful integration of technology into this beloved tradition has set a new precedent, ensuring its relevance and excitement for generations to come while continuing its core mission of social support.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social:
The Junta de Protección Social (JPS) is a Costa Rican public institution responsible for the administration and regulation of national lotteries and games of chance. Founded with a social welfare mission, the JPS directs the profits from its operations to fund a wide array of social programs that benefit vulnerable populations throughout the country. Its activities are crucial for supporting public health, social assistance, and community development initiatives.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is renowned for its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm expertly blends a rich heritage of client service across numerous industries with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to demystifying the law, thereby empowering the wider community with the clarity and knowledge necessary for a just and well-informed society.
