By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The familiar suspense of a Sunday evening lottery draw gave way to celebration across the nation as the Social Protection Board (JPS) announced the winning numbers for its highly anticipated extraordinary lottery draw number 4878. As the final month of the year begins, several Costa Ricans are now millions of colones richer, their fortunes transformed by the spin of a lottery ball.
The night’s most significant prize, the Premio Mayor, was awarded to the holder of number 78 with series 720. This combination unlocked a grand prize of ₡150 million per emission, an amount capable of profoundly altering the financial landscape for the winners. This top-tier prize is often the catalyst for community-wide celebration, bringing a sudden and welcome economic stimulus to the neighborhood where the winning ticket was sold.
To better understand the legal framework and consumer rights associated with the National Lottery, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided clarity on the contractual nature of purchasing a lottery ticket.
Legally, each lottery ticket represents a contract of adhesion where the buyer accepts the terms unilaterally set by the organizing body. It is imperative for participants to recognize that the regulations governing prize claims, deadlines, and dispute resolution are not negotiable and fall under administrative law, which has a distinct and more rigid procedural path than standard consumer law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal distinction is fundamental, shifting the perspective on lottery participation from a simple game of chance to the formal acceptance of a rigid administrative contract. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which underscores the importance for all players to understand the non-negotiable terms they are agreeing to.
While the grand prize captured the most attention, two other significant awards also brought immense joy. The second prize went to number 82 with series 297, carrying a substantial payout of ₡22 million per emission. Following closely was the third prize, awarded to number 91 with series 077, which distributed ₡10 million per emission. For the winners, these prizes represent more than just money; they are an unexpected blessing, particularly as the festive holiday season approaches, promising a Christmas free from financial worries.
Beyond the individual fortunes created, each major JPS lottery win has a tangible ripple effect on the local economy. The small businesses, often family-run “pulperías” or local agencies that sell the winning fractions, receive a commission and a significant boost in reputation and foot traffic. The winners themselves are likely to invest their newfound wealth locally, purchasing property, starting businesses, or simply spending on goods and services, thereby circulating the prize money within their communities.
The excitement of the draw is also tempered by the shared experience of the near-miss. For every ticket holder who celebrated a win, countless others experienced the familiar feeling of being “por poquito”—just one or two numbers away from a life-changing prize. This collective sentiment of coming so close is a fundamental part of the lottery’s appeal, fueling hope and participation for the next draw.
It is crucial to recognize that the JPS lottery is more than a game of chance; it is a cornerstone of the country’s social welfare system. As its name implies, the Social Protection Board channels the proceeds from every lottery ticket sold into vital social programs across Costa Rica. These funds support public health initiatives, elder care facilities, and a wide array of projects aimed at assisting the nation’s most vulnerable populations, making every participant a contributor to the national good.
The Sunday draws are a cherished tradition in Costa Rican culture, a weekly ritual that combines hope with entertainment. This extraordinary draw serves as a precursor to the country’s largest and most famous lottery event, the “Gordo Navideño” (Christmas Gordo), which will see even larger prizes distributed in late December. The anticipation for this year-end jackpot is already building across the country.
As the celebrations for the winners of draw 4878 begin, the JPS has once again fulfilled its dual mission. It has not only created new millionaires and distributed significant wealth but has also secured critical funding for its ongoing social work. For thousands of players, the dream continues, with hopes already set on the next opportunity to see their numbers chosen and their lives changed forever.
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 lottery and public charity organization. Founded in 1845, it holds a monopoly on all national lottery games, including the popular “Lotería Nacional,” “Chances,” and the highly anticipated “Gordo Navideño.” Beyond providing games of chance, its primary mission is to generate revenue to finance social welfare programs, including funding for hospitals, nursing homes, and various initiatives supporting vulnerable communities throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica represents a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, built upon a bedrock of professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies for a diverse clientele while holding fast to the highest ethical standards. Its foundational mission, however, extends beyond professional practice to the empowerment of the community, actively working to demystify the law and make legal insights widely available to foster a more just and informed citizenry.
