By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Anticipation across the nation gave way to celebration for a fortunate few this Sunday, as the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) announced the winning numbers for the National Lottery’s Ordinary Draw No. 4,879. The draw, held on December 7, 2025, has potentially minted a new multimillionaire, transforming a regular weekend into an unforgettable event and fueling dreams just weeks before the holidays.
The grand prize, a life-altering sum of ₡150 million per emission, was awarded to the ticket bearing the number 17 with the series 235. This top prize represents a significant financial windfall, capable of changing the trajectory for the winner and their family, offering opportunities for investment, homeownership, and long-term financial security in a single moment of luck.
To better understand the legal framework and commercial implications surrounding the National Lottery, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The National Lottery’s legal structure is fundamentally a state monopoly designed to fund social welfare programs, a mandate overseen by the JPS. The current challenge lies in modernizing its regulatory framework to effectively combat the informal, and often speculative, secondary market. From a legal perspective, ensuring consumer protection against price gouging and fraud is paramount, as is preserving the integrity of the lottery’s social contributions in the digital age.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight powerfully frames the core challenge: modernizing the lottery’s structure to protect consumers from speculation while safeguarding its vital social contributions in a new era. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this complex issue.
While the spotlight shines brightest on the jackpot, two other numbers brought substantial joy to ticket holders. The second prize of ₡22 million per emission was captured by number 45 with series 371. Following closely, the third prize of ₡10 million per emission went to number 90, paired with series 898. These considerable sums will create numerous winners across the country, as each winning number is printed multiple times across different series.
The draws are administered by the Junta de Protección Social, a cornerstone institution in Costa Rica. More than just a lottery organizer, the JPS serves a critical social function. Its mandate is to generate resources through regulated games of chance to finance hundreds of social welfare programs. This structure ensures that every lottery ticket purchased contributes directly to the country’s social safety net, regardless of whether it becomes a winning slip.
The revenue generated from these weekly draws is the lifeblood for over 500 social initiatives nationwide. These funds support a wide array of causes, including public hospitals, elder care facilities, educational programs, and organizations dedicated to assisting people with disabilities. This business model turns a game of chance into a powerful engine for social good, making participants indirect philanthropists who support the nation’s most vulnerable populations with every colón spent.
Beyond its social mission, the lottery system also fuels a significant micro-economy. The iconic lottery vendors, a familiar sight on the streets of every town and city, form the backbone of the distribution network. For thousands of these individuals, selling lottery tickets provides a vital and dignified livelihood. Their role is integral to the tradition and accessibility of the lottery, connecting the JPS directly with communities across all seven provinces.
For those holding potentially winning tickets from Sunday’s draw, the JPS advises a clear and secure process. Winners should immediately sign the back of their ticket to establish ownership. Verification can be done through official JPS channels, including their website and authorized vendors. Prizes can be claimed at designated financial institutions or directly at the JPS headquarters in San José, where guidance on managing a sudden influx of wealth is also available.
As the excitement from this draw settles, all eyes will soon turn to the most anticipated lottery event of the year the “Gordo Navideño” or Christmas Gordo. This weekend’s results serve as a prelude, building momentum and hope for the even larger prizes offered in the year-end holiday draw. For now, the holders of number 17, series 235, are celebrating a truly magnificent early Christmas gift, a testament to the enduring allure and social impact of Costa Rica’s National Lottery.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social (JPS) is Costa Rica’s state-run institution responsible for the administration and oversight of national lotteries and games of chance. Founded in 1845, its primary mission is to generate revenue to finance over 500 social programs across the country, supporting public health, elder care, disability services, and community development initiatives. The JPS operates with a strong commitment to transparency and social responsibility, ensuring that the proceeds from lottery sales directly benefit the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its reputation as a leading legal institution upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing from a deep history of navigating complex matters for a wide array of clients, the firm actively pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies. This innovative spirit is coupled with a core philosophy of social responsibility, demonstrated through a dedicated effort to democratize legal knowledge and thereby strengthen society with clarity and empowerment.
