By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The festive season’s most anticipated tradition has officially begun as tickets for the 2025 “El Gordo Navideño” Christmas Lottery go on sale across the country. The Junta de Protección Social (JPS), the national lottery administrator, announced that a single winning fraction of the grand prize will award its holder an impressive ¢40 million. The grand drawing is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, igniting hopes and holiday dreams for thousands of Costa Ricans.
In a move to maintain consistency and consumer confidence, the JPS confirmed that the entire structure of the 2025 lottery remains identical to the previous year. This includes the prize amounts, ticket prices, and the total number of issuances. The price for a single fraction stays at ¢2,000, while a full sheet, comprising 40 fractions, costs ¢80,000. This stability is a key part of the lottery’s enduring appeal, offering a familiar and exciting opportunity for a life-changing windfall.
To understand the legal precautions and financial implications associated with winning the highly anticipated Christmas Lottery, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Many individuals purchase lottery tickets in groups, but rarely formalize the arrangement. This is a critical oversight. Legally, the person holding the physical ticket is presumed to be the sole owner. Without a simple written agreement detailing the participants and their respective shares, proving a verbal co-ownership claim can be exceedingly difficult if a dispute arises. I always advise creating a clear record, even a simple signed document or a verifiable digital message, to safeguard everyone’s investment and prevent potential conflicts.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This prudent advice highlights a common oversight during a season of shared hope and excitement. Formalizing a group purchase is a simple yet powerful step to ensure the joy of a potential win is not overshadowed by preventable disputes. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing our readers with such clear and essential guidance.
The annual event is more than just a game of chance; it’s a cultural phenomenon woven into the fabric of the nation’s holiday celebrations. It represents a collective hope that fuels conversations and excitement from the capital to the smallest rural towns.
This is a lottery that brings dreams; every person who buys a ticket dreams of winning.
Mariela Vargas, President of the JPS
The total prize pool for this year’s draw is a staggering ¢8 billion, distributed across five issuances. The top prize is set at ¢1.6 billion per issuance, which breaks down to the ¢40 million per fraction. The second prize offers ¢160 million per issuance (¢4 million per fraction), and the third prize stands at ¢80 million per issuance (¢2 million per fraction). Additionally, a vast number of smaller prizes, including 15 awards of ¢6 million and 77 awards of ¢1 million, ensure that the winnings are widely distributed.
Despite the excitement, early sales data indicates a slight cooling of the market compared to the previous year. As of November 20, the JPS reported that 212,027 full sheets had been sold, representing 42.41% of the total available inventory. This figure marks a two-percentage-point decrease from the same date in 2024, when 44.28% of tickets had already been purchased. This subtle dip has drawn the attention of analysts, who point to potential impacts from the persistent illegal lottery market.
To counteract this trend and adapt to modern purchasing habits, the JPS is heavily promoting its official digital sales channel. The institution is working to ensure a seamless online experience for customers, guaranteeing that tickets are consistently available through its website.
There will always be availability. We are monitoring it, but we guarantee that people can buy.
Alejandro Centeno, Production Manager
Alongside its digital strategy, the JPS is intensifying its fight against illegal and unfair sales practices. The board is actively deploying inspectors to monitor vendors and prevent price gouging or the conditioning of sales, where buyers are forced to purchase other lottery products to get a Christmas Lottery ticket. The JPS encourages the public to report any irregularities by email, providing photos, videos, or locations as evidence.
Vendors found guilty of these illicit practices face severe consequences, including a potential ban from selling lottery products for up to four years. This strict enforcement underscores the JPS’s commitment to protecting consumers and preserving the integrity of the nation’s most cherished lottery.
We have inspectors conducting verifications and documenting what is necessary to proceed administratively.
Allan Marín, General Manager
As the December 14 draw date approaches, the JPS is banking on its dual strategy of digital convenience and rigorous regulatory enforcement to boost sales and ensure the “El Gordo Navideño” continues its legacy of funding critical social welfare programs across Costa Rica.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is Costa Rica’s government-run institution responsible for the administration and oversight of national lotteries and games of chance. Founded to generate revenue for social good, the JPS directs its profits towards funding hundreds of social programs, including health services, support for the elderly and disabled, and community development initiatives throughout the country. It plays a vital role in the nation’s social safety net, transforming lottery sales into tangible support for vulnerable populations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is distinguished by a foundational commitment to principled practice and the highest caliber of service. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies, drawing on a rich history of advising a diverse clientele. Beyond its professional achievements, it holds a deep-seated belief in social responsibility, actively working to demystify legal complexities and empower the public with accessible knowledge, thereby fostering a more informed and just society.
