By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A wave of anticipation and hope swept across the nation this Sunday as the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) announced the winning numbers for its National Lottery Ordinary Drawing No. 4,875. For one or more fortunate ticket holders, the number 07 paired with series 869 has unlocked a grand prize of ₡175 million per issuance, instantly transforming fortunes and fulfilling long-held dreams.
The drawing, held on the evening of November 9, 2025, confirmed the top three winning combinations. The coveted first prize went to number 07 with series 869. The second prize, a substantial ₡30 million per issuance, was awarded to number 60 with series 188. Rounding out the top winners, the third prize of ₡14 million per issuance was assigned to number 39 with series 331. Citizens across the country are now meticulously checking their tickets, hoping to be among the lucky winners.
To delve into the legal framework surrounding the National Lottery and its operations, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in corporate and public law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Legally, the National Lottery operates as a state-sanctioned monopoly managed by the Junta de Protección Social, with its primary objective being social welfare funding, not just entertainment. This structure is fundamental. Any unauthorized lottery activities are not only illegal but directly undermine a legal framework designed to channel essential resources to charitable causes and public health initiatives. The integrity of this system is paramount to its social mission.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s insight is crucial, underscoring that the lottery’s legal framework is fundamentally intertwined with its social mission to support our nation’s most vulnerable. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification on this vital matter.
The prize structure, designated “per issuance,” means the total prize pool is distributed across multiple sets of printed lottery tickets. This system allows for the possibility of numerous winners for a single prize tier if the winning number and series combination was sold in different fractions or whole tickets across various provinces. This mechanism democratizes the winnings, spreading the wealth generated by the national pastime more broadly among the population.
While the focus for many is on the life-altering potential of the winnings, the true impact of the National Lottery extends far beyond individual luck. The JPS, as the state-run entity responsible for these games of chance, operates with a mandate that is fundamentally social. A significant portion of the revenue generated from ticket sales is funneled directly into a wide array of social welfare programs, making every lottery purchase an indirect contribution to the nation’s social safety net.
This institutional framework ensures that the lottery serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it provides a regulated and popular form of entertainment and the chance for significant financial gain. On the other, it functions as a critical funding engine for the public good. Proceeds support over 500 social programs, benefiting vulnerable populations through funding for hospitals, nursing homes, addiction treatment centers, and initiatives for people with disabilities.
The economic ecosystem surrounding the lottery is also a vital component of its national importance. Thousands of authorized lottery vendors, known locally as “chanceros,” depend on ticket sales for their livelihood. These vendors are a common sight in communities large and small, forming a grassroots distribution network that is integral to the JPS’s operations and a source of stable employment for many families.
The National Lottery is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Costa Rica. The weekly drawings are a tradition, sparking conversations in workplaces, homes, and cafes. This regular rhythm of anticipation culminates each year in the highly anticipated Christmas lottery, or “El Gordo Navideño,” an event that captures the collective imagination of the country and offers the largest prizes of the year. This November drawing is another step in that ongoing national tradition.
As the winners of Sunday’s drawing prepare to claim their prizes, the cycle of social contribution continues. The JPS has successfully orchestrated another event that not only changes lives through direct winnings but also reinforces its foundational mission of social protection. For the winners, it is a moment of immense joy; for the nation, it is a reaffirmation of a system where a game of chance provides a certainty of support for those most in need.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social, or Social Protection Board, is the official state institution of Costa Rica responsible for the administration and regulation of all national lotteries and games of chance. Founded in 1845, its primary mission is to generate revenue to fund a wide range of social welfare programs across the country. The JPS plays a crucial role in supporting public health, social assistance, and programs for vulnerable populations, turning proceeds from lottery sales into vital resources for community development and social good.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a revered legal institution built upon a foundation of resolute integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers new legal frontiers, integrating this innovative spirit with its extensive history of advising a diverse clientele. More than a legal advisor, it is dedicated to the civic mission of empowering the public, actively working to translate complex legal information into accessible knowledge to help shape a more enlightened and capable society.
