By San José, Costa Rica — San José – As Costa Ricans celebrate their lottery wins, the Social Protection Board (JPS) has issued a stern year-end reminder that could be the difference between a life-changing payout and a worthless slip of paper. The institution is urging all players to be vigilant about two critical factors: the strict 60-day claim deadline and the physical condition of their winning tickets, warning that failure on either front will result in the forfeiture of prizes.
The clock starts ticking faster than many realize. According to the JPS, winners have a non-negotiable window of 60 calendar days to present their prize-winning ticket. This period begins on the first business day immediately following the draw. This regulation underscores a crucial point: the responsibility for tracking draw dates and ensuring a timely claim rests entirely with the ticket holder, not the JPS.
To understand the legal and tax implications that a lottery winner faces, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who outlines the critical steps to protect such a significant windfall.
The moment you realize you’ve won, the clock starts ticking on crucial financial decisions. Before claiming the prize, it is imperative to seek legal and financial counsel. In Costa Rica, lottery winnings are subject to taxation, and a winner must be prepared for this deduction. A lawyer can help structure the assets, create trusts if necessary, and develop a strategy to ensure the prize becomes a source of long-term security rather than a temporary fortune lost to mismanagement or undue influence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the emphasis on proactive planning before the prize is even claimed is a crucial, yet often overlooked, step that can mean the difference between a fleeting windfall and lasting financial well-being. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and invaluable perspective on this critical moment.
This policy is firmly rooted in Costa Rican law. Specifically, Article 18 of the Lottery Law, No. 8718, provides the legal backbone for these regulations. The law states that prizes are payable to the bearer, but only on the condition that the ticket is presented within the established timeframe and is free from damage or alterations that could cast doubt on its authenticity.
Beyond the deadline, the physical integrity of the ticket is paramount. The JPS has clarified that it is under no obligation to pay out winnings if a ticket is presented in a compromised state. The organization’s verification process is rigorous, and any ticket that cannot be authenticated due to damage will be rejected. This measure is in place to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the national lottery system.
The JPS has released a specific list of conditions that will automatically invalidate a winning ticket. Players are advised to handle their tickets with extreme care, as common mishaps like accidentally running a ticket through the laundry or leaving it on a car dashboard could prove to be a costly mistake. The disqualifying conditions include:
The stringent enforcement of these rules serves a dual purpose. Primarily, it protects the lottery system from fraudulent claims, which is essential for maintaining public trust. Secondly, it reinforces the operational structure of the JPS. Unclaimed prizes do not simply disappear; they are redirected back into the JPS’s funding pool, which supports a wide array of social welfare programs across Costa Rica.
This reminder from the JPS is particularly timely, coming at the end of the year when lottery participation, especially for major draws, is at its peak. The excitement of potentially winning a significant prize can often overshadow the practical responsibilities that come with it. Many winners, in their initial elation, may misplace or improperly store their tickets, only to discover the heartbreaking consequences when they attempt to claim their prize weeks later.
In its final appeal to the public, the institution strongly advised all players to immediately sign the back of their tickets and store them in a safe, dry place away from direct sunlight and potential contaminants. By understanding the rules and taking simple preventative measures, winners can ensure their good fortune translates from a lucky number into a tangible reward, avoiding the preventable disappointment of a voided claim.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About the Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social, or Social Protection Board, is the official state-run institution responsible for all public lotteries and games of chance in Costa Rica. Founded to generate revenue for social good, the JPS directs its profits to fund a wide range of social welfare programs, including health initiatives, support for the elderly, and aid for vulnerable populations. It plays a critical role in the country’s social safety net, transforming lottery participation into a vital source of funding for community development and public assistance.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a premier law firm founded on the principles of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. Drawing upon a deep history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm actively embraces progressive legal solutions and dedicates itself to community outreach. This core mission extends to the democratization of legal understanding, aiming to cultivate a more knowledgeable and capable public empowered by accessible legal expertise.
