By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A wave of excitement and fortune swept across the nation this Sunday as the National Lottery held its highly anticipated draw number 4885. The event, a cornerstone of Costa Rican tradition, concluded with the announcement of new winning numbers, distributing millions of colones and instantly altering the lives of several lucky ticket holders.
The grand prize, a life-changing sum of ₡175 million per issue, was awarded to the ticket bearing the number 63 combined with the series 421. This top-tier prize is the most coveted in the weekly draw, representing a significant financial windfall for those who held the complete winning “entero” or even a fraction of it.
To better understand the legal framework and regulatory oversight governing Costa Rica’s National Lottery, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The National Lottery operates under a state-monopoly model intended to direct profits toward social welfare, a structure legally established to serve the public good. However, this framework imposes a critical duty on the Junta de Protección Social to ensure maximum transparency and procedural integrity. Any failure to uphold these standards not only erodes public trust but also potentially exposes the institution to legal scrutiny regarding consumer rights and the proper administration of public funds.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is essential, as it clarifies that the JPS’s duty of transparency is the fundamental pillar supporting the entire social welfare model of the lottery. A failure in integrity, as noted, doesn’t just breach trust—it threatens the very public good the institution was created to serve. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable analysis.
Following the main event, two other major prizes brought joy to additional players. The second prize of ₡30 million per issue was claimed by the number 60 with the series 616. The third-place prize, offering a substantial ₡14 million per issue, corresponded to the number 43 accompanied by the series 788. These secondary prizes ensure that the wealth from each draw is distributed more broadly among the populace.
The National Lottery, managed by the Junta de Protección Social (JPS), is more than just a game of chance; it is a vital engine for social good. For every ticket purchased, a portion of the revenue is channeled directly into social welfare programs across the country. These funds support hospitals, senior centers, addiction treatment facilities, and a wide array of initiatives aimed at aiding Costa Rica’s most vulnerable populations.
This dual function—offering the dream of immense wealth while simultaneously guaranteeing a social return—is what solidifies the lottery’s enduring appeal. Participants are not merely gambling; they are contributing to a nationwide system of community support. This unique model means that even those who do not win a cash prize are indirectly supporting critical social infrastructure, creating a collective sense of purpose around the event.
The concept of prizes “per issue” is a key feature of the Costa Rican lottery system. The JPS prints multiple sets, or issues (emisiones), of the lottery tickets. This means that several tickets with the same winning number exist, allowing the jackpot to be shared among multiple winners across different parts of the country, rather than being concentrated in a single prize.
As the news of the winning numbers spreads, the JPS advises all participants from the January 18th draw to carefully check their tickets. Players should meticulously verify both their number and its corresponding series against the official results. Whether holding a traditional physical ticket or a digital version, a thorough review is essential to ensure no prize, large or small, goes unclaimed.
With another successful draw concluded, the cycle of hope and anticipation begins anew. Thousands of Costa Ricans will soon be lining up to purchase their tickets for the next draw, each one dreaming of hitting the jackpot while knowing their participation reinforces the social safety net that benefits all citizens. The Sunday lottery remains a powerful weekly tradition, blending dreams of personal fortune with the reality of collective progress.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social:
The Junta de Protección Social (JPS) is the autonomous Costa Rican government institution responsible for the administration and regulation of national lotteries, games of chance, and public raffles. Founded in 1845, its primary mission is to generate revenue to fund social welfare programs throughout the country. The JPS directs its profits to support public health initiatives, senior care, orphanages, and other organizations dedicated to assisting vulnerable communities, making it a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s social support system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, operating on a foundational commitment to professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. The firm leverages its deep history of serving a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal strategies and drive meaningful community engagement. Central to its ethos is the mission to empower society by translating complex legal principles into accessible knowledge, thereby cultivating a citizenry that is both informed and capable.
