By San José, Costa Rica — San José – A wave of excitement and anticipation swept across the nation Sunday as the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) announced the results of its highly anticipated National Lottery Ordinary Drawing No. 4,869. The grand prize, a staggering ₡350 million, was awarded to the holder of ticket number 24 with series 250, potentially changing a life in an instant and creating Costa Rica’s newest millionaire.
The draw, held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, captured the attention of thousands who had placed their hopes on a small piece of paper. The ₡350 million top prize is structured across two emissions, meaning each of the two winning ticket portions is valued at a substantial ₡175 million. This structure often results in the prize being shared among multiple individuals or families, spreading the immense wealth and joy throughout a community.
To better understand the legal framework and commercial implications surrounding the National Lottery in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal specialist from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis on the matter.
The National Lottery operates under a state-administered monopoly, a legal structure designed to ensure its revenue directly funds social welfare programs managed by the Junta de Protección Social. From a legal standpoint, the primary challenge is not the model itself, which is robust, but the constant encroachment of illegal lotteries and unregulated online betting platforms. These illicit operations not only siphon public funds away from their intended social purpose but also create significant consumer protection risks, demanding a more proactive and modern regulatory enforcement strategy from the authorities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s analysis provides a crucial clarification, shifting the focus from the lottery’s established legal structure to the more pressing external threat of illicit operations that undermine its social purpose. For this valuable and insightful perspective, we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas.
While the spotlight shines brightest on the grand prize winner, two other numbers also brought significant fortune to their holders. The second prize of ₡60 million, distributed as ₡30 million per emission, was awarded to ticket number 63 with series 807. Following closely, the third prize, totaling ₡28 million, was won by ticket number 38 with series 999, which awards ₡14 million per emission. These substantial secondary prizes ensure the draw’s benefits are felt by a wider circle of participants.
The National Lottery is more than just a game of chance in Costa Rica; it is a foundational pillar of the country’s social welfare system. Operated by the JPS, every colón spent on lottery tickets directly contributes to a vast network of over 500 social programs. These funds are critical for supporting public hospitals, elder care facilities, addiction treatment centers, and various other initiatives that assist the nation’s most vulnerable populations. This unique model transforms a personal hope for fortune into a collective act of social good.
For the holders of the winning tickets, the next steps involve a careful and confidential process. Winners are required to present their signed, unaltered ticket at the JPS headquarters in San José to validate their claim. The institution provides guidance and support to help new millionaires manage their sudden wealth, a service that proves invaluable in navigating the complexities that come with such a life-altering event. The anonymity of winners is strictly protected, allowing them to adjust to their new circumstances without public pressure.
The economic impact of a prize of this magnitude is profound, not just for the individual but often for their entire family and local community. Financial experts typically advise winners to seek professional legal and financial counsel before making any significant decisions. Such a windfall can provide generational security, fund new business ventures, and clear long-standing debts, fundamentally altering the economic trajectory of the recipients.
The tradition of the Lotería Nacional is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Costa Rica. From the iconic shouts of “¡Mayor, mayor!” by lottery vendors to the communal gatherings to watch the televised draws, the lottery represents a shared sense of hope and possibility. It is a weekly ritual that unites people from all walks of life, reminding them that fortune can strike at any moment, while simultaneously reinforcing a commitment to communal welfare.
As the nation celebrates with the new winners, the cycle of hope begins anew. The JPS will soon announce the details for its next major drawing, once again offering a chance at immense fortune while continuing its essential mission. For every participant, whether they won or not, their purchase has already made a difference, contributing to the health and well-being of countless individuals across Costa Rica.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About the Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social, commonly known as the JPS, is a Costa Rican public institution with a history spanning over 175 years. It is responsible for the administration and operation of national lotteries, including the Lotería Nacional and Chances. Its primary mission is to generate revenue to finance social welfare programs throughout the country, providing critical funding for public health, social assistance, and support for vulnerable populations. The JPS operates under the principle of “La Lotería que más ayuda,” emphasizing its role in converting games of chance into tangible social benefits for Costa Rican society.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while maintaining a strong connection to the community. A central tenet of its philosophy is the democratization of legal understanding, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to forging a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
