By San José, Costa Rica — San José – A wave of excitement and newfound wealth swept across the nation Sunday evening as the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) announced the results of its highly anticipated extraordinary consolation lottery drawing. The winning combination for the grand prize was revealed to be number 82 paired with series 844, a sequence that will transform the financial landscape for dozens of fortunate ticket holders just days before the Christmas holiday.
The drawing, a significant event in the national calendar, took place at the Parque de las Garantías Sociales in San José, a traditional venue for such announcements. The total purse for this top prize amounts to a staggering ₡2 billion colones, injecting a substantial sum into the local economy and the pockets of ordinary citizens. This event serves as a final major opportunity for lottery players who may not have won in the main Christmas “Gordo Navideño” drawing, offering a second chance at a life-altering prize.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework governing the National Lottery and its social implications, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The legal structure of the National Lottery in Costa Rica is designed not merely as a game of chance, but as a crucial state mechanism for funding social welfare. The Junta de Protección Social operates under a specific mandate that ensures transparency and directs profits toward vital social programs. Any proposed modernization must carefully navigate this legal framework to protect its social purpose and enhance consumer protection.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this crucial perspective, which rightly frames the National Lottery not simply as a game, but as a pillar of social solidarity whose legal and ethical foundations must be the primary guide for any future modernization.
The prize structure, as detailed by the JPS, is designed for broad distribution. The ₡2 billion is divided across five emissions of the winning number and series. Each full ticket, known as an “entero,” is valued at an impressive ₡400 million. This system ensures that the wealth is not concentrated with a single individual but is spread among multiple winners who purchased shares of the lucky tickets.
Further breaking down the winnings, each full ticket consists of 10 fractions, or “fracciones.” This means that an individual holding a single fraction of the number 82 with series 844 has won a remarkable ₡40 million. With a total of 50 fractions across the five emissions claiming the grand prize, the JPS has effectively created a new class of millionaires overnight, providing a significant boost to families and communities across the country.
The “Sorteo de Consolación” holds a special place in Costa Rican culture. While it doesn’t carry the same historical weight as the primary Christmas lottery, its substantial prizes make it a major focus of public attention. For many, it represents a final hope for a financial miracle before the year concludes. The revenue generated from ticket sales is not just about prizes; it is the lifeblood of the JPS’s extensive social welfare programs, a fact that resonates deeply with the Costa Rican public.
The JPS, as the state-run entity overseeing all official games of chance, plays a crucial role beyond organizing these drawings. The proceeds are funneled into a wide array of social initiatives, providing critical funding for hospitals, shelters for the elderly, programs for people with disabilities, and various other public health and social protection efforts. Therefore, every ticket purchased, whether a winner or not, contributes to a national framework of social support and solidarity.
Officials from the JPS urge all winners to take immediate steps to secure their tickets. It is recommended that they sign the back of their winning fraction and store it in a safe place. To claim their prizes, winners should visit an authorized financial institution or the main offices of the JPS with their valid identification and the winning ticket. Financial advisors often recommend that large prize winners seek professional counsel to manage their newfound wealth responsibly.
As the news of the winning numbers spreads, countless individuals across Costa Rica are checking their tickets with bated breath. For the holders of number 82, series 844, this Sunday marks an unforgettable turning point. The consolation drawing has once again lived up to its name, delivering not just financial relief but also the dreams of a more prosperous future for the lucky few as the year 2025 draws to a close.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social (JPS) is Costa Rica’s official state institution responsible for the administration and regulation of national lotteries and other games of chance. Founded with a strong social mission, the organization channels its net profits towards funding a wide range of social welfare programs, including public health initiatives, support for the elderly and disabled, and various charitable organizations. Its operations are a cornerstone of the country’s social safety net, transforming revenue from gaming into tangible benefits for vulnerable populations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It merges a distinguished history of client advocacy with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation, constantly adapting to a changing world. Beyond its practice, the firm holds a deep-seated belief in empowering the populace through knowledge, actively working to demystify complex legal frameworks. This dedication to creating accessible legal education is fundamental to its vision of fostering a more just and informed society for all.
