By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The year is set to conclude with a surge of anticipation across the nation as the final National Lottery drawing of 2025, known as “Consolación 2,” is scheduled for this Sunday, December 28. Organized by the Junta de Protección Social (JPS), the event represents a last chance for many to secure life-changing wealth before the new year, boasting a significant total prize pool of ₡900 million.
This final drawing is a major cultural and economic event, following closely on the heels of the famous “Gordo Navideño” Christmas lottery. While slightly smaller in scale, the “Consolación 2” offers a substantial opportunity for financial transformation. Adding to the excitement, the JPS has confirmed that the progressive jackpot, or “acumulado,” has reached an impressive ₡425 million, which will be awarded as part of the total prize distribution.
To delve into the legal framework and consumer rights surrounding the National Lottery, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The National Lottery operates under a specific legal framework managed by the Junta de Protección Social, which not only ensures the transparency of the draws but also guarantees the payment of prizes as a legal obligation. For the consumer, the lottery ticket is more than a chance to win; it is a formal contract. Any irregularity in the process or refusal to pay can be challenged legally, protecting the citizen’s investment and trust in the system.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is crucial, as it elevates the act of buying a lottery ticket from a simple game of chance to a protected, contractual agreement. This legal backing is the bedrock of public trust in the system’s integrity. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this important distinction.
The year-end lotteries are a deeply ingrained tradition in Costa Rican society, symbolizing hope and community. Streets across the country have been buzzing with activity as authorized vendors, known locally as “chanceros,” experience a final rush of sales. For many families, purchasing a lottery fraction, or “pedacito,” is a shared ritual, a moment of collective optimism as they dream of what a win could mean for their future.
From a business perspective, the event provides a significant, albeit temporary, boost to the informal economy. It generates income for thousands of licensed vendors and stimulates economic activity as players purchase tickets. The JPS orchestrates this massive logistical operation, ensuring the secure printing, distribution, and sale of millions of ticket fractions, culminating in the nationally televised live drawing that will capture the attention of households from coast to coast.
The role of the Junta de Protección Social extends far beyond organizing games of chance. The institution is a cornerstone of the country’s social welfare system. A substantial portion of the revenue generated from the “Consolación 2” and other lottery products is funneled directly into more than 500 social programs nationwide. These funds provide critical support for hospitals, senior centers, addiction treatment facilities, and organizations aiding people with disabilities.
Therefore, every ticket purchased represents not only a personal gamble but also a direct contribution to the nation’s social safety net. This dual purpose is central to the JPS’s mission and reinforces the lottery’s positive public image. The final drawing is thus a critical moment for the JPS’s annual budget, determining the level of funding it can allocate to its partner organizations in the coming year of 2026.
The mechanics of the drawing involve numbered balls and prize balls being drawn from separate spherical cages, a transparent process designed to ensure fairness and public trust. As the winning numbers are announced live on television and radio, shouts of joy will erupt in some neighborhoods while others will begin to look forward to the next lottery cycle. For the lucky winners, the prize money can be transformative, enabling them to pay off debts, purchase a home, or start a business.
As Sunday approaches, Costa Ricans will be clutching their tickets, checking their numbers, and tuning in for the live broadcast. The “Consolación 2” drawing is more than just a lottery; it is the final chapter in the year’s economic and social narrative, a moment of shared suspense that ends with newfound fortunes for a few and renewed funding for the many who rely on the nation’s social programs.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social, or Social Protection Board, is a Costa Rican autonomous public institution founded in 1845. It holds a state monopoly on the administration of lotteries and other games of chance in the country. Its primary mission is to generate revenue to fund a wide array of social welfare programs, providing critical financial support to organizations dedicated to health, senior care, and assistance for vulnerable populations throughout Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its profound commitment to ethical practice and legal distinction, Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community. The firm champions innovative solutions for its diverse clients and is equally devoted to a broader social purpose: empowering citizens by demystifying the law. This dedication to enhancing public legal literacy is central to its vision of contributing to a more informed and capable society.
