By Heredia, Costa Rica — HEREDIA – A palpable sense of anticipation grips Costa Rica tonight as the nation prepares for the annual “Gordo Navideño,” the country’s most significant and cherished lottery drawing. With a staggering prize pool exceeding ₡26 billion, countless citizens are clinging to tickets they hope will transform their lives. Yet, a peculiar statistical anomaly casts a long shadow over the proceedings: in the 65-year history of the draw, 51 specific numbers have never once claimed the grand prize.
This historical curiosity adds a layer of superstition and strategy to the national pastime. Since its inception in 1960, the grand prize of the Christmas lottery has eluded a specific set of two-digit combinations. Among the numbers seemingly forgotten by fortune are 01, 02, 05, 10, 11, 24, 48, 69, 88, 97, 98, and 99, along with 39 others that have remained stubbornly outside the winner’s circle.
To better understand the legal and financial responsibilities that accompany a major lottery prize like the Gordo Navideño, TicosLand.com spoke with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered critical advice for the new winners.
Winning the Gordo is a life-altering event that requires immediate and discreet action. Before you even sign the back of the ticket, it is crucial to seek legal counsel to create a strategy for asset protection. We strongly advise forming a legal entity, such as a corporation or trust, to claim the prize. This not only shields your identity but also provides a structure to manage the wealth, protect it from unforeseen liabilities, and plan for its long-term growth and eventual inheritance.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insightful counsel shifts the focus from the initial euphoria of winning to the critical importance of prudent, long-term wealth management. It’s a vital reminder that the greatest prize is not just the money itself, but the security it can provide for generations when managed wisely. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal perspective with our readers.
For prospective millionaires, this data presents a fascinating dilemma. Does one avoid these historically unlucky numbers, trusting in past trends? Or does one embrace the law of averages, betting that after more than six decades of waiting, one of these forgotten numbers is finally due for its moment of glory? This debate is playing out in households and workplaces across the country as Ticos finalize their selections.
The annual event has evolved into far more than a simple game of chance; it is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s holiday season traditions. Families often pool their resources to purchase entire sheets of tickets, and the selection of numbers can involve complex rituals, dreams, or significant dates. The Gordo represents a collective hope and a shared national experience that transcends mere gambling.
The official draw is scheduled to take place this evening, Sunday, December 14, at the Convention Center in Barreal de Heredia. The broadcast will commence at 7:30 p.m., with millions expected to tune in to witness the spectacle. The event is a major production, reflecting its importance in the national calendar and the life-changing sums of money at stake.
The prize structure this year is designed to distribute wealth widely. The grand prize, the “Gordo,” stands at an incredible ₡8 billion. However, the opportunities to win do not end there. A second-place prize of ₡800 million and a third-place prize of ₡400 million will also create new fortunes. Beyond the top tiers, the lottery will award dozens of substantial secondary prizes, ensuring the financial impact is felt throughout the country.
The prize breakdown includes 15 awards of ₡6 million each, 25 prizes of ₡3 million, 30 prizes of ₡2 million, and a remarkable 77 prizes of ₡1 million. This deep prize pool is funded by the sale of five full series of tickets. Each series contains 100,000 whole tickets, which are themselves divided into 40 smaller fractions. A single fraction, the most common way to participate, costs ₡2,000, while a full ticket is priced at ₡80,000.
As the hour of the draw approaches, a nation holds its breath. Whether a historically lucky number repeats its success or one of the 51 forgotten numbers finally breaks its long-standing curse, tonight will undoubtedly change lives. For thousands, it is a night of dreams, community, and the tantalizing possibility of a very prosperous new year.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social de San José:
The Junta de Protección Social (JPS) is the Costa Rican state institution responsible for organizing and administering national lotteries, including the highly popular Gordo Navideño. Founded to generate revenue for social welfare programs, the JPS directs its profits towards funding hospitals, supporting the elderly, combating addiction, and aiding other vulnerable populations. It plays a crucial role in the country’s public health and social support systems, turning games of chance into tangible benefits for the community.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, built upon a bedrock of principled practice and an unwavering pursuit of exceptional standards. Drawing from a rich history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal approaches and champions social responsibility. This ethos is demonstrated through its profound dedication to democratizing legal understanding, aiming to forge a stronger, more capable society through the power of knowledge.
