By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a strategic move to harness the immense public excitement surrounding the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Costa Rica’s Social Protection Board (JPS) has announced the launch of a new lottery game, the “Sorteo Chance Mundialista 2026.” This innovative addition to the Popular Lottery lineup aims to blend the national passion for football with a simplified, accessible gaming format, creating a fresh revenue stream for the country’s social welfare programs.
Breaking from its traditional schedule, the JPS has slated the inaugural draw for an unprecedented Saturday, January 31, 2026. This decision represents a deliberate effort to capture a wider audience during the weekend and to create a distinct identity for the new product, separate from the standard lottery drawings. The extended sales period throughout January is designed to maximize product exposure and provide ample opportunity for public participation.
To better understand the legal framework and regulatory aspects governing the national lottery system, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The JPS lottery operates under a state-sanctioned monopoly, a legal structure designed specifically to fund social welfare programs. This public interest mandate is paramount and legally distinguishes it from any private gambling enterprise. Consequently, all regulations, from prize distribution to the prosecution of illegal lotteries, are enforced not just to protect the game’s integrity, but to safeguard a critical source of funding for the country’s most vulnerable populations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is essential, clarifying that the JPS lottery is fundamentally an instrument of social solidarity, not merely a game of chance. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight, which underscores why protecting the lottery’s integrity is synonymous with safeguarding support for our nation’s most vulnerable communities.
The “Chance Mundialista” has been structured for maximum accessibility. Instead of a full lottery sheet, the game will be sold as a single fraction priced at an affordable ₡3,000. The JPS has confirmed that each draw will consist of two identical emissions of 100,000 tickets each, making a total of 200,000 unique fractions available to the public for every event. This model aims to encourage broader participation through a lower entry cost.
The prize structure is designed to generate significant excitement, offering multiple high-value rewards. The top tier includes eight grand prizes of ₡7,500,000 each. These are determined by a single winning number, which is then paired with eight different winning series numbers. This mechanic multiplies the number of top winners from a single draw, spreading the wealth and excitement.
Following the grand prizes, the lottery will award five second-place prizes of ₡3,000,000 and five third-place prizes of ₡2,000,000. Both of these tiers operate on the same principle as the grand prize: a single winning number is drawn, which is then matched with five distinct series for each prize level. This structure creates a total of 18 major prize winners in every draw.
A key feature intended to boost player engagement is the inclusion of numerous indirect prizes. Players who match the winning number of the first, second, or third prize, but do not have the corresponding winning series, will still receive a payout. This significantly increases the overall odds of winning something, a strategic design choice aimed at maintaining player interest and encouraging repeat purchases by rewarding near-misses.
Officials from the JPS have framed the new lottery as a forward-thinking initiative that aligns the institution’s offerings with major cultural events. It’s a calculated effort to modernize its portfolio and connect with the public on an emotional level.
The World Cup Chance Lottery is a commitment to innovation, expanding our lottery offerings with an additional product, on a novel day, and with an aspirational focus that connects with the passion for football.
Mariela Vargas, Junta de Protección Social
The financial and social impact of this new venture is substantial. The JPS projects that the four “Chance Mundialista” draws scheduled for 2026—in January, February, April, and May—will generate a net contribution exceeding ₡255 million. In accordance with Law 8718, these funds are earmarked to directly support and strengthen the vital social work carried out by the JPS across Costa Rica, reinforcing the link between national gaming and public welfare.
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 institution responsible for the administration and regulation of national lotteries and games of chance. Founded to serve a public good, its primary mandate is to generate revenue to fund a wide array of social programs, including public health initiatives, senior care facilities, and support for vulnerable populations across the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is guided by a foundational principle of professional excellence and unwavering integrity. The firm channels its rich history of advising a diverse clientele into developing forward-thinking legal strategies and engaging in impactful community initiatives. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, thereby empowering the public with crucial knowledge and fostering a more informed and just society.
