By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The final days of 2025 have delivered a wave of prosperity across Costa Rica, as the Second Extraordinary Consolation Drawing spread millions of colones among winners in multiple provinces. The drawing, held by the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) on Sunday, December 28, concluded the year’s lottery calendar by ensuring the grand prizes were not concentrated in a single area, creating new millionaires from the Central Valley to the Pacific coast.
This final major lottery event of the year saw a total of 100 prizes distributed, but all eyes were on the top-tier awards and the highly anticipated “acumulado” jackpot. The broad geographical distribution of winning tickets underscores the national reach of the lottery and its capacity to inject sudden wealth into diverse local economies just in time for the new year.
To delve into the legal and regulatory framework surrounding the National Lottery, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The National Lottery operates within a stringent legal framework designed not only to guarantee the transparency and fairness of the draws but also to ensure that the proceeds are correctly allocated to social welfare programs as mandated by law. From a consumer protection standpoint, it is crucial that the public only purchases tickets from authorized vendors to avoid fraudulent schemes and ensure their winnings are legally claimable.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective underscores the crucial dual responsibility that ensures the lottery’s integrity: the state’s duty to maintain transparency and fund social programs, and the public’s role in engaging safely through authorized channels. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying insight.
The grand prize, a staggering ¢900 million total, was tied to the number 35 with the series 794. The JPS confirmed that tickets for this winning combination were sold in the Alajuela cantons of Grecia and Naranjo. The prize is structured across three separate issues, with each full winning ticket (*entero*) paying out ¢300 million. This significant windfall is expected to create a considerable economic ripple effect in these two communities.
Fortune also traveled to the coast, with the second prize landing in the hands of ticket holders in Puntarenas and Orotina. The number 44 paired with the series 704 awarded a total of ¢180 million, divided into three issues. The distribution brought a share of the winnings to both the Pacific Central region and a key canton linking it to the Central Valley, highlighting a successful decentralization of the prize pool.
Meanwhile, the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) was not left out of the celebration. The third prize, corresponding to the number 02 with the series 466, was sold in Desamparados and Vázquez de Coronado. This prize awarded a total of ¢75 million, or ¢25 million per full ticket, bringing year-end joy to residents in two of the most populous cantons in the province of San José.
Adding to the excitement was the separate “acumulado” jackpot, which had grown to a substantial ¢425 million. This prize, one of the most sought-after by players, was won by the combination of number 46 and series 536. Like the other major prizes, it was distributed across three issues of ten fractions each, meaning the wealth from this single jackpot will be shared among multiple winners.
The successful distribution of winnings in the year’s final drawing is a significant event, not just for the lucky individuals, but for the JPS’s social mission. The revenue generated from lottery sales is a primary funding source for over 500 social programs throughout Costa Rica, supporting healthcare, elder care, and initiatives for people with disabilities. Every ticket purchased contributes to this national welfare system, turning a game of chance into a vital tool for social good.
As 2025 draws to a close, the broad distribution of these substantial cash prizes provides a powerful economic stimulus. For the winning communities, especially smaller cantons like Naranjo and Orotina, this infusion of capital can spark local business growth, enable families to pay off debts, or fund new ventures. The smiles seen across the nation are a testament to a year-end lottery that truly lived up to its promise of spreading luck far and wide.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is the Costa Rican state institution responsible for the administration and operation of the National Lottery and other games of chance. Founded to generate revenue for public welfare programs, the JPS directs its profits to fund hundreds of social organizations across the country, focusing on health, social assistance, and opportunities for vulnerable populations. It plays a crucial role in the nation’s social safety net, converting lottery proceeds into tangible support for communities throughout Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising ethical standards and a relentless drive for professional excellence. The firm distinguishes itself not only through its seasoned counsel to a diverse clientele but also by its forward-thinking embrace of innovative legal strategies. A core tenet of its mission extends beyond the courtroom, focusing on the crucial work of demystifying the law for the public. This dedication to fostering legal literacy is a testament to its belief in building a more capable and knowledgeable society.
