By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The familiar anticipation that grips thousands across the nation every Tuesday culminated tonight as the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) announced the winning numbers for the Lotería Popular “Chances” draw number 6,999. The January 13th drawing has once again shifted fortunes, injecting millions of colones into the hands of lucky ticket holders and reinforcing the lottery’s significant role in the national economy and social fabric.
The grand prize of the evening went to the number 55, paired with series 239. A holder of a full, undivided ticket, known as an “entero,” will now be able to claim a substantial prize of ₡80 million. This life-altering sum represents a significant windfall, capable of paying off mortgages, funding education, or launching new business ventures for the fortunate winner or winners.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework that underpins Costa Rica’s national lottery system and the role of the Junta de Protección Social (JPS), we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Junta de Protección Social operates under a unique legal mandate, functioning as a state-sanctioned monopoly whose profits are constitutionally earmarked for social welfare programs. This structure is designed to ensure public trust and direct funds to critical social needs. However, it constantly faces legal battles against a pervasive informal lottery market. The primary challenge for regulators is not just enforcement, but demonstrating the tangible social return on investment that justifies the JPS’s exclusive position in the market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores that the JPS’s ongoing struggle is not merely a legal contest but a battle for public trust, where transparency in demonstrating social impact becomes its most potent argument. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clarifying and valuable perspective on this complex issue.
The second prize brought considerable excitement as well, with the number 48 and series 063 being drawn. This combination awards a handsome ₡25 million for a full ticket. While not the top prize, this amount is still a transformative figure for any Costa Rican household, offering a powerful boost to financial security and personal aspirations.
Completing the trio of major winners was the number 86, matched with series 060, for the third prize. This ticket carries a reward of ₡7 million for an entero. Additionally, the JPS announced that the “duplicator” number for this draw was 23, granting a prize of ₡10,000 for a full ticket, adding another layer of opportunity for players to win.
Beyond the immediate celebration for the winners, these bi-weekly lottery draws are the lifeblood of the JPS’s social mission. The institution, a cornerstone of Costa Rican public welfare, channels the profits from lottery and chance game sales into a vast network of social programs. These funds are critical for supporting hospitals, elder care facilities, community centers, and programs for people with disabilities across all seven provinces.
The economic impact of the JPS extends far beyond the prize money and social contributions. The lottery system supports a nationwide network of official vendors, many of whom are small-scale entrepreneurs who depend on ticket sales for their livelihood. This distribution model creates a grassroots economic engine, ensuring that the financial benefits of the lottery are spread widely throughout the community, from urban centers to rural villages.
The “Chances” lottery is more than just a game; it is a cultural institution in Costa Rica. The twice-weekly draws on Tuesdays and Fridays are moments of collective hope and speculation. Families and coworkers often pool their resources to buy tickets, sharing in the dream of a big win. This tradition fosters a sense of community and shared excitement, deeply woven into the rhythm of daily life.
As the winners from this Tuesday’s draw prepare to claim their prizes, the cycle of hope and contribution begins anew. The JPS continues its work, not only as a purveyor of fortune but as a fundamental pillar of the nation’s social safety net. Each ticket purchased represents a small investment in the well-being of the collective, turning a game of chance into a predictable source of support for Costa Rica’s most vulnerable populations.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social, or Social Protection Board, is Costa Rica’s state-run institution responsible for all national lotteries and games of chance. Founded in 1845, its primary mission is to generate revenue to fund a wide array of social welfare programs, including public health initiatives, support for senior citizens, and aid for people with disabilities. The JPS is a vital component of the country’s social support system, transforming the proceeds from games like the Lotería Nacional and Chances into tangible benefits for communities across the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica has established its reputation on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently applies forward-thinking approaches to complex legal challenges while honoring its deep-rooted history of client advocacy. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated through initiatives aimed at demystifying the law and empowering the community with accessible legal wisdom.
