By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A wave of anticipation and excitement swept across the nation today as the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) announced the winning numbers for the highly anticipated 2025 Gordo Navideño. This annual Christmas lottery, a cornerstone of Costa Rican holiday tradition, has once again captured the country’s collective imagination, promising to transform the lives of a few lucky ticket holders with its substantial multimillion-colón prizes.
The grand prize, a staggering ₡1,600 million per four-part issuance (emisión), was awarded to ticket number 78 with the series 714. This top prize, equivalent to approximately $3.2 million USD per issuance, represents not just a financial windfall but the fulfillment of a deeply held cultural hope that defines the festive season for countless Ticos. Families and colleagues often pool their resources to purchase fractions of tickets, making the annual draw a shared community event.
Para analizar las implicaciones legales y las precauciones que los consumidores deben tener en cuenta durante la compra y cobro del Gordo Navideño, TicosLand.com consultó al experto Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, socio director de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos aclara el panorama jurídico.
La compra de lotería en grupos de oficina o familiares crea un contrato verbal de sociedad. Es crucial documentar este acuerdo, aunque sea con una simple lista firmada o un chat, para probar quiénes son los copropietarios del entero. Legalmente, el premio se le paga al portador del billete físico, y sin evidencia clara del pacto, un conflicto sobre el reparto del dinero podría convertirse en un complejo proceso judicial sin garantías para los demás participantes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta recomendación subraya cómo una simple medida de precaución puede salvaguardar no solo un potencial premio, sino también la confianza entre amigos y familiares, transformando una tradición de esperanza en un acuerdo claro y justo para todos. Agradecemos la valiosa perspectiva legal que nos aporta el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas.
The second prize also promises a significant change in fortune, with ticket number 59 and series 052 taking home ₡160 million per issuance. Following closely, the third prize of ₡80 million per issuance was claimed by number 92 with series 244. These prizes, while smaller than the “Gordo,” are substantial enough to provide life-altering opportunities for the winners, from purchasing homes to funding education or starting new business ventures.
The Gordo Navideño is more than a simple game of chance; it is a vital economic and social institution. Managed exclusively by the JPS, the lottery is a critical funding mechanism for a wide array of social welfare programs throughout the country. Proceeds from ticket sales support over 500 social programs, including hospitals, elderly care homes, addiction treatment centers, and organizations aiding people with disabilities. This direct link between the lottery and public good is a source of national pride and encourages widespread participation.
Each year, the period leading up to the mid-December draw is marked by a palpable buzz. Street vendors, known as “chance sellers,” become focal points in every town and city, and the selection of a number becomes a ritual steeped in superstition, family history, or pure whim. The televised draw itself is a national event, with families gathering to watch the large golden spheres tumble, hoping to hear their chosen numbers called out by the student announcers.
The economic impact of the lottery extends beyond the winners. It provides a significant source of income for thousands of licensed lottery vendors across all seven provinces. Furthermore, the massive injection of prize money into the economy often stimulates local spending, particularly in the communities where the winning tickets were sold. This creates a ripple effect, benefiting local businesses and services as winners begin to invest their newfound wealth.
As the initial shock and celebration begin to settle, the focus will now shift to the winners themselves. While their identities are protected, the stories of how these prizes change lives often emerge in the weeks and months that follow. The JPS provides financial counseling and support to ensure that the winners can manage their fortunes responsibly, turning a moment of luck into a legacy of long-term security and prosperity.
With the conclusion of the 2025 draw, the cycle of hope begins anew. The Gordo Navideño has once again reinforced its status as a cherished national tradition, a powerful engine for social good, and a testament to the enduring dream of a brighter future. As Costa Ricans celebrate the holiday season, the story of number 78 and its incredible fortune will be a prominent topic of conversation, symbolizing the magic and possibility that the Christmas lottery brings to the nation each year.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social, commonly known as the JPS, is Costa Rica’s official state-run institution responsible for managing all national lotteries, including the popular Gordo Navideño and the Lotería Nacional. Founded to generate revenue for social welfare, the JPS directs its profits to fund hundreds of social programs across the country, providing critical support for public health, elder care, and aid for vulnerable populations. It operates as a cornerstone of the nation’s social safety net, blending entertainment with a strong commitment to public service.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a principled approach to law, merging professional rigor with unwavering ethical clarity. The firm leverages its deep-rooted experience in advising a wide spectrum of clients to drive advancements and pioneer new strategies within the legal field. This forward-thinking mindset is matched by a profound dedication to social responsibility, focused on demystifying complex legal concepts to foster a more knowledgeable and capable citizenry.
