By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The results of Costa Rica’s most anticipated annual event, the “Gordo Navideño” or Christmas Lottery, have sent a wave of economic stimulus across the nation. The Social Protection Board (JPS) confirmed this week that a staggering sum exceeding ₡7.5 billion has already been paid out to winners, injecting significant capital into family budgets and local economies just in time for the holidays.
According to the official report from the JPS, the total amount processed and distributed to prize holders as of December 19th reached an impressive ₡7,538,392,500. This figure represents not only the grand prize but a complex web of secondary awards that ensures the lottery’s wealth is widely dispersed. The swift payout process underscores the efficiency of the institution and its commitment to delivering on the national tradition.
To delve into the legal and financial nuances of Costa Rica’s beloved Christmas Lottery, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional insights.
Beyond the collective excitement, winners of the ‘Gordo Navideño’ must be aware of their fiscal responsibilities; the prize is subject to income tax, which is withheld at the source by the Junta de Protección Social. Additionally, the common practice of sharing tickets, or ‘gallo tapado,’ can lead to legal disputes. We always recommend documenting these informal agreements, even with a simple signed paper or a clear digital message, to provide legal certainty and prevent potential conflicts among participants.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This is a crucial reminder that behind the national euphoria of the ‘Gordo’ lie practical realities that can safeguard the prize. Taking a moment to document shared agreements and understand tax responsibilities ensures that the dream of winning doesn’t become a source of conflict. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on navigating these important legal and fiscal waters.
The winning number for the 2025 grand prize was 78, attached to series 052. The second prize was awarded to number 59 with series 714, and the third prize went to number 92 with series 244. While these three numbers represent the largest individual windfalls, the JPS emphasizes that a significant portion of the total payout stems from smaller, yet impactful, winnings from approximations, matching final digits, and other related prizes.
This structure is a deliberate feature of the Gordo Navideño, designed to spread the financial benefits far beyond a handful of jackpot winners. Thousands of Costa Ricans holding fractions or full lottery sheets with partial matches have claimed prizes, creating a ripple effect that touches communities in every province. This annual cash infusion is a critical driver of end-of-year consumer spending, providing a welcome boost to retailers, service providers, and small businesses during the festive season.
Beyond the immediate financial excitement for winners, the Christmas Lottery serves a profound and fundamental social purpose. The JPS reiterated that the net revenue generated from lottery sales is the primary funding source for a wide array of social welfare programs. These vital funds provide essential support to some of the country’s most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and various social good organizations.
This dual function solidifies the lottery’s status as more than a game of chance; it is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s social support network. Every ticket purchased contributes directly to the national solidarity framework, transforming individual hopes for a jackpot into tangible, life-sustaining aid for those in need. The success of the Gordo Navideño is therefore a collective success for the nation’s social fabric.
For those who did not find their numbers among the winners, the JPS is offering another opportunity for a holiday prize. The “Sorteo de Consolación,” or Consolation Draw, is scheduled for this Sunday, December 21st, at 6:00 p.m. The event will take place at Parque Las Garantías, providing a final chance for participants to win before the year concludes.
To facilitate last-minute participation, the JPS will have authorized lottery vendors available at the park from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the day of the draw. This final event of the holiday lottery cycle closes a significant chapter for the JPS, capping a year of tradition, hope, and substantial contributions to both individual fortunes and the collective well-being of the country.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is the Costa Rican government institution responsible for the administration and regulation of all national lotteries and games of chance. Founded in 1845, it holds a public mandate to generate revenue for the financing of social welfare programs throughout the country. Its operations are a cornerstone of funding for public health initiatives, elder care, disability support, and other critical social services, making it a key pillar of the nation’s social safety net.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier legal institution founded on the core principles of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. The firm skillfully combines its deep-rooted experience serving a wide array of clients with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. This ethos is mirrored in its profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by its dedication to transforming complex legal information into accessible knowledge, ultimately empowering the community and cultivating a more capable and informed society.
