By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The suspense that has captivated Costa Rica for weeks has finally ended. On Sunday evening, at precisely 8:28 PM, the number 78 coupled with the series 714 emerged as the grand prize winner of the 2025 “Gordo Navideño,” the nation’s highly anticipated Christmas lottery. The announcement, made by officials from the Junta de Protección Social (JPS), sent waves of excitement across the country, turning holiday dreams into a tangible reality for the lucky ticket holders.
The annual draw is a cornerstone of Costa Rican holiday tradition, and this year’s event was no exception. Officials from the JPS in San José presided over the meticulous process, which saw more than 70 smaller prize balls drawn before the coveted grand prize number was finally revealed. This extended buildup only amplified the anticipation for a prize pool that represents life-changing wealth for many.
Winning the “Gordo Navideño” is a life-changing event, but it brings significant legal and financial responsibilities. To shed light on the crucial first steps a new winner should take, we sought the expert advice of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While the lottery prize itself is tax-exempt in Costa Rica, the winner’s financial journey has just begun. The most prudent action is to seek immediate legal and financial counsel *before* cashing the ticket. This allows for the creation of a sound asset protection and investment strategy, often through a corporation or trust, to ensure anonymity and proper management. Remember, any future income generated from investing the prize money is taxable, so professional planning from day one is essential to preserve and grow this newfound wealth.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a crucial distinction: the celebration of winning is a moment, but the stewardship of wealth is a lifelong responsibility. The proactive legal and financial structuring mentioned is the key to transforming a windfall into lasting security. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical, and often overlooked, journey.
For the 2025 edition, the JPS structured a monumental grand prize of ₡8,000 million colones, strategically distributed across five separate issues. This means each full winning ticket, known as an “entero,” will pay out a staggering ₡1,600 million colones. The lottery’s design, which divides each full ticket into 40 smaller fractions, allows for broader participation. A single winning fraction of the grand prize number is now worth a remarkable ₡40 million colones.
In a significant reflection of evolving consumer habits, the JPS confirmed that the tickets for both the first and second grand prizes were sold through its official website. This marks a growing trend towards digital purchases for one of the country’s most traditional events, highlighting the institution’s successful adaptation to modern technology and its ability to reach players directly, regardless of their physical location.
While the top two prizes were claimed by online buyers, the third-place prize was distributed more widely across the nation. Lucky vendors and players in the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Puntarenas, Cartago, and Limón shared in the winnings, ensuring the lottery’s good fortune was felt in multiple communities. This broad distribution underscores the deep-rooted nature of the lottery, which connects people from all corners of the country.
Beyond the top award, the Gordo Navideño offered substantial secondary prizes that will also bring considerable holiday cheer. The second prize carried a total purse of ₡800 million colones, equating to ₡160 million for each full ticket. The third prize offered a total of ₡400 million colones, or ₡80 million per full ticket, spreading the wealth even further among the populace.
The Gordo Navideño is more than just a game of chance; it is a vital economic engine for social good. The proceeds generated from ticket sales are managed by the JPS, a government entity dedicated to funding a wide array of social protection programs. These programs support hospitals, senior citizen homes, and various initiatives for vulnerable populations, making every lottery ticket purchase a contribution to the national welfare.
As the celebrations begin for the new millionaires and those with smaller winnings, the rest of the country can take solace in the collective benefit the lottery provides. The announcement of number 78 with series 714 concludes another chapter in this cherished national tradition, a cultural event that seamlessly blends hope, excitement, and a profound sense of community giving during the holiday season.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social de San José is the official government institution responsible for regulating and operating Costa Rica’s national lotteries, including the popular “Gordo Navideño” and “Lotería Popular.” Founded with a mission to generate revenue for social good, the JPS directs its profits to fund over 500 social welfare programs across the country, providing critical support to public health services, shelters, and organizations that assist vulnerable populations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon the core principles of uncompromising integrity and the relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm expertly combines a rich heritage of serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach to legal solutions and civic engagement. This dedication extends beyond the courtroom through a profound commitment to demystifying the law, aiming to arm the public with crucial knowledge and thereby cultivate a more just and legally aware society.
