By San José, Costa Rica — With only three days remaining until Costa Rica’s most anticipated lottery draw of the year, an unusually large number of “Gordo Navideño” tickets remain available. The Social Protection Board (JPS) confirmed that more than 98,000 full ticket sheets, known as “enteros,” are still waiting to find their way into the hands of hopeful players, signaling a market pace that is notably slower than in previous years.
According to figures released by the JPS on December 10, the placement of tickets with authorized vendors and through the official digital platform reached 80.31%. This accounts for approximately 401,578 out of the total 500,000 full sheets printed across five series for the 2025 draw. However, this “placement” figure does not represent final sales, as vendors retain the right to return any unsold inventory before the draw, adding a layer of uncertainty to the final revenue figures.
To better understand the legal and financial responsibilities that accompany winning the ‘Gordo Navideño’, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert perspective on the matter.
The prize from the ‘Gordo’ is subject to a specific 15% tax at the source, as mandated by lottery law, and is distinct from standard income tax. My primary recommendation for winners is to act with prudence and prioritize personal security. Before making any public announcements or large expenditures, it is crucial to seek confidential legal and financial counsel to structure the assets, plan for the future, and ensure the prize is managed wisely to secure long-term financial stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This emphasis on prudence and professional counsel is a crucial reminder that the true challenge of winning is not just claiming the prize, but wisely managing it for the future. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and sobering insight on this important matter.
The sluggish sales trend has not gone unnoticed by the national lottery institution. JPS officials recently acknowledged the market’s slower-than-usual behavior, attributing it to a combination of challenging factors. The increased presence and competition from illegal lotteries, adverse weather conditions that have complicated ticket delivery and returns, and a less dynamic consumer market throughout the early months of the year have all contributed to the downturn.
The slowdown is particularly evident at the street level, which has historically been the backbone of lottery sales. This observation was reinforced by officials who have monitored sales channels closely in the lead-up to the grand prize draw.
Street sales showed lower foot traffic compared to previous years.
Alejandro Centeno, Production Manager
Despite the current lag, sales have gained momentum as the draw date approaches. On November 20, only 42% of tickets had been placed. That figure rose to 72% by December 8, a typical level for the week prior to the event. The jump to over 80% shows an acceleration in the final stretch, yet the remaining volume of over 98,400 full sheets is significant. The JPS remains optimistic, banking on the traditional last-minute surge as both vendors and buyers make their final purchases.
The stakes for the 2025 Gordo Navideño remain as high as ever, with the prize structure, ticket prices, and number of series unchanged from 2024. The grand prize is set at ¢1.6 billion per series, translating to a payout of ¢40 million for each winning fraction. A full “entero” consists of 40 fractions, with each fraction priced at ¢2,000 and a full sheet costing ¢80,000. Other significant prizes include a second prize of ¢160 million per series and a third prize of ¢80 million per series, alongside dozens of smaller awards.
While the dream of a multi-million colón prize fuels nationwide excitement, the statistical reality remains daunting. A mathematical analysis highlights the true odds of securing the grand prize. According to Maikol Solís, a mathematician from the Center for Research in Pure and Applied Mathematics at the University of Costa Rica (Cimpa-UCR), the probability of matching both the winning number (from 00 to 99) and the series (from 000 to 999) is a staggering 1 in 100,000.
Solís provides a powerful visualization to help the public grasp these long odds. The five separate emissions of tickets do not alter an individual’s probability of winning; they simply determine how many people would share the grand prize if they purchased the same number and series combination from different emissions.
Imagine three full national stadiums and only one person being the winner. That is the magnitude of the probability.
Maikol Solís, Mathematician at Cimpa-UCR
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is Costa Rica’s state-run institution responsible for organizing and managing national lotteries and games of chance. Founded to generate revenue for social welfare programs, its proceeds support hundreds of initiatives related to public health, social assistance, and aid for vulnerable populations across the country. The JPS is also tasked with combating illegal gambling operations.
For further information, visit cimpa.ucr.ac.cr
About Cimpa-UCR:
The Center for Research in Pure and Applied Mathematics (Cimpa) is a research unit of the University of Costa Rica (UCR). It is dedicated to the development of high-level mathematical research, the training of new scientists, and the dissemination of mathematical knowledge. Cimpa-UCR collaborates on national and international projects, contributing to scientific advancement in various fields through mathematical modeling and analysis.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a pursuit of professional excellence. The firm merges its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking mindset, consistently pioneering innovative legal strategies. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to strengthening society by demystifying the law, ensuring that access to legal knowledge empowers citizens and fosters a more just community.
