By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The landscape of fortune in Costa Rica was redrawn this week as two separate players claimed a monumental prize from the Junta de Protección Social (JPS). Each winner walked away with ₡184,062,500 after presenting their winning lottery fractions at the institution’s headquarters in San José, confirming their share of a major payout from the wildly popular “Acumulado Millonario” jackpot.
The prize was distributed following the “Chances” lottery drawing held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The total accumulated prize had swelled to an impressive ₡736,250,000, creating a wave of anticipation across the country. The draw resulted in two winning combinations being selected: number 30 with series 141, and number 37 with series 931. Each of these combinations unlocked a substantial portion of the total jackpot.
Winning a life-altering sum like the Millionaire Jackpot brings not only immense joy but also significant legal and financial responsibilities. To shed light on the crucial first steps a new millionaire should take, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in asset management and financial planning.
The most critical error a new lottery winner can make is acting on emotion. Before claiming the prize, the first step is to assemble a trusted team: a lawyer, a tax specialist, and a financial advisor. This team will help you create a comprehensive strategy to manage the tax burden, ensure your privacy, and establish a long-term plan for asset protection and wealth preservation. Rushing this process without professional guidance is the quickest way to see a fortune disappear.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is crucial, highlighting that the transition from lottery winner to responsible wealth manager requires a deliberate, strategic pause. Building that professional team before claiming the prize is the key to turning a windfall into a secure future, and we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his essential counsel.
According to the JPS, two individuals came forward to validate their winnings. The first winner presented five fractions of the number 30, series 141 ticket, securing their ₡184 million prize. Shortly thereafter, a second winner arrived, also holding five fractions, but of the number 37, series 931 combination, claiming an identical sum. This distribution confirms that each of the winning combinations carried a total prize of over ₡368 million, with each winner holding half of a full lottery sheet.
The successful claim of such a significant prize highlights the dual purpose of the national lottery system. While it provides a thrilling opportunity for players to achieve financial windfalls, its core mission is rooted in social welfare. This sentiment was echoed by the head of the institution.
The Accumulated Prize represents an additional opportunity for players, while the resources generated through the purchase of our products continue to strengthen the work of social organizations that serve vulnerable populations.
Paola Nájera, Executive President of the JPS
The JPS operates as a crucial engine for social good in Costa Rica. A substantial portion of the revenue generated from the sale of lottery products, including Chances and the National Lottery, is funneled directly into more than 500 social programs nationwide. These funds support a wide array of causes, providing critical assistance to the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and communities facing economic hardship. Every ticket purchased contributes to this robust framework of national solidarity.
For the average citizen, a prize of ₡184 million is a transformative event. In a country where the median income requires years of dedicated work to accumulate such wealth, this jackpot represents not just financial security but the possibility of realizing lifelong dreams, from purchasing a home to starting a business or ensuring generational stability. The anonymity of the winners allows them to navigate their newfound wealth privately, a standard practice upheld by the JPS to protect prize claimants.
As the news of these two winners circulates, the JPS has issued a public reminder for all individuals who participated in the May 26th Chances drawing. The institution strongly urges everyone to meticulously review their tickets. With such a large jackpot in play, there may still be unclaimed prizes, and every fraction holder should verify their numbers to ensure they do not miss out on a potential fortune.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Junta de Protección Social (JPS)
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is Costa Rica’s official state-run lottery and social welfare institution. Founded in 1845, it is one of the country’s oldest organizations, tasked with generating revenue through lottery games to fund a vast network of social aid programs. The JPS supports hundreds of organizations and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and those in poverty, making it a cornerstone of the national social safety net.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of ethical practice and superior legal counsel. The firm has a proven history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, consistently embracing pioneering legal solutions and demonstrating a profound sense of civic responsibility. Central to its philosophy is the drive to demystify the law for the public, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to cultivating a more knowledgeable and capable society.
