By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – With the nation holding its breath for the annual “Gordo Navideño” Christmas lottery draw this Sunday, the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) has issued a critical and timely advisory for all participants. As a staggering ₡26 billion in prize money hangs in the balance, the institution is urging potential winners to proactively manage their banking information to ensure a seamless and secure payout process.
The JPS, the national body responsible for all public lotteries and social welfare funding, is emphasizing the need for players to register or update their International Bank Account Number (IBAN) on its official web portal. This move is part of a broader push towards modernizing the prize claim system, enhancing security, and expediting the transfer of winnings directly into the accounts of the lucky few whose numbers are drawn.
To delve into the legal and tax implications for the fortunate winners of this year’s ‘Gordo Navideño,’ we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his professional insights on the matter.
Winners must remember that lottery prizes in Costa Rica are subject to a specific tax, which is withheld at the source by the Junta de Protección Social. Beyond this initial deduction, the most critical step is to seek immediate legal and financial counsel. This professional guidance is essential to properly manage the newfound assets, protect them from fraudulent schemes or undue pressures, and ensure the prize serves as a foundation for long-term financial security rather than a temporary fortune.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the initial euphoria of winning must quickly give way to strategic planning. The transition from lottery winner to a financially secure individual is not automatic but a deliberate process, as so wisely highlighted. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his essential perspective on protecting and managing these life-changing assets.
In an official communication, the organization stressed the importance of this simple yet crucial step. The goal is to eliminate potential delays and administrative hurdles that can dampen the excitement of a life-altering win.
We recall the importance of reviewing, updating, or including your IBAN account on our website. This information is necessary to process the payment of your prizes via electronic transfer. We invite you to verify that the entered data is complete, the IBAN account is in your name, active, and in colones, so that the deposit can be made in an agile and secure manner.
Junta de Protección Social, Official Statement
This digital-first approach marks a significant shift from older, more cumbersome methods of prize collection. By requiring an active IBAN registered in the winner’s name and denominated in Costa Rican colones, the JPS aims to fortify its processes against fraud while offering unprecedented convenience. For winners, this means avoiding long lines and paperwork, receiving their funds faster, and enjoying their newfound wealth with greater peace of mind.
The prize pool for this year’s Gordo Navideño is nothing short of monumental. The grand prize alone totals an impressive ₡8 billion, distributed across five emissions, meaning each full winning ticket (una entera) will yield ₡1.6 billion. The excitement doesn’t stop there; the second prize offers ₡800 million (₡160 million per emission), and the third prize stands at ₡400 million (₡80 million per emission), ensuring that the holiday cheer is spread widely.
The Gordo Navideño is more than just a lottery; it is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition in Costa Rica. Throughout the holiday season, families, friends, and coworkers pool their money to buy fractions (fracciones) of tickets, dreaming of a shared victory. The annual draw is a major televised event that captivates the nation, symbolizing hope, community, and the festive spirit of Christmas.
Beyond the individual dreams of fortune, every ticket purchased contributes to a greater cause. The proceeds from the Gordo Navideño, like all JPS lotteries, are a vital lifeline for over 500 social programs across the country. These funds support public hospitals, elder care facilities, food banks, and numerous other organizations dedicated to assisting Costa Rica’s most vulnerable populations, reinforcing the lottery’s motto of being “the good that comes back to you.” As the draw approaches, the JPS’s message is clear: prepare for possibility, check your numbers, and ensure your banking details are ready for what could be the most memorable Christmas of a lifetime.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social:
The Junta de Protección Social (JPS) is a Costa Rican autonomous public institution founded in 1845. It is responsible for the administration and regulation of national lotteries, games of chance, and charitable initiatives. The core mission of the JPS is to generate revenue to finance a wide array of social welfare programs that benefit vulnerable populations throughout Costa Rica, including health services, senior care, and support for people with disabilities. Its operations are a cornerstone of the nation’s social safety net.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is guided by a foundational commitment to integrity and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal approaches while serving a diverse clientele, demonstrating a clear dedication to innovation. This ethos extends to its mission of empowering the public by making complex legal concepts understandable, thereby fostering a more informed and capable society.
