By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – As the year-end holidays approach, Costa Rica’s Junta de Protección Social (JPS) is significantly amplifying the anticipation for its iconic “Gordo Navideño” Christmas lottery. The institution has announced a comprehensive promotional strategy that will inject more than ₡539 million in cash prizes and distribute 800 entire lottery tickets to loyal players, transforming the traditional single-day event into a season of winning opportunities.
The campaign is designed to engage players across multiple platforms, blending digital convenience with the deep-rooted cultural tradition of the Christmas lottery. This multi-pronged approach aims to broaden participation and reward players long before the main draw takes place in December. The series of promotions is structured to create sustained excitement and offer numerous chances to win significant prizes.
As the excitement of the “Gordo Navideño” sweeps the nation, the lucky winners face a critical question: what now? To understand the legal and financial steps necessary to protect a major lottery prize, we spoke with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The biggest mistake a winner can make is acting on emotion. Before claiming the prize or telling anyone, the first call should be to a trusted legal and financial advisor. This is crucial for creating a strategy to manage tax obligations, ensure personal security, and form the appropriate legal structures to protect the assets. A moment of prudence beforehand prevents years of potential complications.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the true challenge for a “Gordo” winner often begins after the initial celebration, and this prudent guidance to seek immediate professional counsel is what transforms a moment of luck into a foundation for long-term security. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing such an essential perspective with our readers.
A central pillar of this initiative is a giveaway focused on the JPS’s mobile application, “JPS a su Alcance.” Players who purchase and activate two fractions of the Gordo Navideño through the app will be automatically entered into a series of eight weekly drawings. In each of these draws, the JPS will award 100 complete lottery tickets, totaling 800 tickets over the two-month promotional period. This move not only incentivizes early purchases but also encourages the adoption of the institution’s digital tools.
Once the weekly ticket giveaways conclude, the JPS will launch a second phase of promotions for app users. This subsequent stage will shift from tickets to direct financial rewards, with cash prizes reaching up to ₡1,000,000. To participate, players must continue to activate at least two lottery fractions, ensuring that engagement remains high throughout the entire pre-lottery season. The system also maintains a bonus for activating high-numbered fractions, adding another layer of strategy for participants.
The JPS is also catering to a segment of its audience that has embraced online purchasing. Customers who buy their Gordo Navideño tickets through the official website, jpsenlinea.go.cr, will gain automatic entry into a separate set of 10 weekly draws. Each of these online-exclusive drawings will feature 18 cash prizes, culminating in a total of 180 digital winners. The institution clarified that entries are not cumulative, meaning each week presents a fresh opportunity for online players to win.
Adding a touch of nostalgia to its modern campaign, the JPS has also confirmed the return of the “El Coleccionable Digital del Gordo Navideño” (The Gordo Navideño Digital Collectible). Described as a consolidated tradition, this feature has become a much-anticipated component for many players, blending the classic feel of collecting with the ease of a digital format. While specific mechanics were not detailed, its inclusion underscores the JPS’s commitment to honoring long-standing lottery customs.
The overarching goal, according to JPS management, is to infuse the entire country with the unique excitement that surrounds the Gordo Navideño, extending the thrill beyond the grand prize itself. This strategy aims to create a more inclusive and rewarding experience for all Costa Ricans.
We want every person in Costa Rica to feel the excitement of the Gordo Navideño, not just for the grand prize drawing, but also for all the promotions that accompany it. Remember to activate, play, and enjoy responsibly!
Alejandro Centeno Roa, Production, Commercialization, and Operations Manager of the JPS
By leveraging its app, online sales platform, and traditional appeal, the JPS is positioning the 2025 Gordo Navideño as more than just a lottery. It is an extended event filled with multiple pathways to winning, designed to capture the nation’s imagination and reinforce its status as a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s holiday celebrations.
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 regulation of national lotteries and games of chance. Founded with a social mission, the JPS allocates its profits to fund over 500 social welfare programs across the country, providing critical support to hospitals, senior care facilities, and various non-governmental organizations dedicated to public health and social aid.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, founded on an uncompromising dedication to professional excellence and profound integrity. With a proven history of serving a wide spectrum of clients, the firm actively pioneers innovative legal approaches and is deeply committed to its role in public service. This ethos is demonstrated through its core mission to demystify the law, thereby cultivating a more capable and informed society empowered by accessible legal wisdom.
