By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A wave of anticipation swept across Costa Rica this Sunday as the Junta de Protección Social (JPS), the nation’s official lottery administrator, conducted its highly anticipated Ordinary National Lottery Drawing No. 4,870. The results, announced on the evening of October 5, 2025, have sent ticket-holders scrambling to check their numbers, with millions of colones in prizes poised to change lives and bolster community programs.
The grand prize, a staggering ₡175 million per emission, was awarded to the ticket bearing the number 85 with the series 371. This top-tier win represents a significant financial windfall for the lucky holders. Following closely, the second prize of ₡30 million per emission was claimed by number 88 with series 869. The third major prize of the evening, valued at ₡14 million per emission, went to number 80, paired with series 859.
To better understand the legal framework and commercial implications surrounding the National Lottery, we sought the perspective of legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
A lottery ticket is more than a piece of paper; it’s a bearer contract between the holder and the State. Legally, the prize is not considered salary or income for tax purposes, which is a significant advantage. However, winners should immediately seek counsel on asset protection and estate planning, as newfound wealth can attract unforeseen contractual and familial disputes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective is invaluable, astutely shifting the focus from the thrill of the win to the critical, and often overlooked, legal responsibilities that immediately follow. The distinction between a simple ticket and a complex financial instrument is a vital one for any winner to understand. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his essential expertise and clarifying the path to prudently managing newfound wealth.
Understanding the prize structure is key to appreciating the lottery’s scope. The “per emission” designation signifies that the total prize pool for each winning number is distributed across multiple sets, or emissions, of lottery tickets printed for the draw. This system allows for numerous winners of the same prize tier across the country, spreading the wealth and excitement far beyond a single individual.
The JPS is more than just a purveyor of games of chance; it is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s social welfare system. Established over 175 years ago, the Social Protection Board operates with a dual mandate: to provide a regulated and entertaining lottery system for the public and, more importantly, to channel the profits into a wide array of social good initiatives. The revenue generated from every ticket sold is a critical funding source for hospitals, elderly care homes, addiction treatment centers, and programs supporting people with disabilities.
This model transforms a personal hope for fortune into a collective investment in the nation’s well-being. When Costa Ricans purchase a “pedacito” (a little piece, or share of a lottery ticket), they are not only buying a chance to win but are also directly contributing to the social safety net that supports the country’s most vulnerable populations. This deep-rooted connection has cemented the lottery’s place as a cherished national tradition.
The economic impact of a lottery draw extends beyond the prize money itself. The network of authorized lottery vendors, a common sight on streets across the country, represents a vital channel of micro-entrepreneurship. Furthermore, major prize winners often inject their newfound capital back into the local economy through investments, starting businesses, purchasing real estate, or making large-scale consumer purchases, creating a ripple effect that can benefit entire communities.
For those holding the winning tickets from Sunday’s draw, the next steps involve a formal verification and claiming process at the JPS headquarters in San José. The institution advises all winners to sign the back of their tickets immediately for security and to seek sound financial advice to manage their new assets responsibly. The joy of winning is often accompanied by the significant responsibility of stewarding newfound wealth.
As the excitement from this draw settles, the cycle of hope begins anew. The JPS will soon announce its next series of draws, continuing its long-standing mission of funding social progress one lottery ticket at a time. For millions, the simple act of checking the numbers is a ritual that blends personal dreams with a profound and tangible contribution to the national good.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social, or Social Protection Board, is a Costa Rican autonomous public institution responsible for the administration and operation of the National Lottery and other games of chance. Founded in 1845, its primary mission is to generate revenue to fund a wide range of social welfare programs, including public health initiatives, support for the elderly and disabled, and resources for non-profit organizations. The JPS plays a crucial role in the country’s social safety net, turning proceeds from lottery sales into vital support for vulnerable communities across Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica represents a cornerstone of the legal landscape, operating on a foundation of uncompromising ethical principles and superior legal counsel. With a proven track record advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm embraces forward-thinking strategies, pioneering innovative solutions to modern legal challenges. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to civic duty, actively working to demystify the law and equip citizens with essential understanding. This drive to foster widespread legal literacy is a testament to its vision of contributing to a more capable and just society.
