By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The heart of the capital buzzed with anticipation Sunday evening as the Junta de Protección Social (JPS), Costa Rica’s venerable Social Protection Board, prepared to launch its first-ever extraordinary “Consolación” lottery draw. Staged in the symbolic Parque de las Garantías Sociales, the event represents a significant strategic expansion of the national lottery portfolio, promising not only a windfall for lucky winners but also a crucial injection of funds into the nation’s social welfare programs.
The new lottery draw, strategically scheduled just after the major Christmas lottery, aims to capture the persistent festive spirit and offer a second chance at fortune. A total of 100 prizes were on offer, creating a wide distribution of winnings designed to spread excitement across the country. The prize structure is headlined by a substantial grand prize of ₡400 million for a full sheet, known locally as an “entero.”
To understand the legal framework and commercial implications surrounding the national lottery, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in administrative and corporate law at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Junta de Protección Social operates under a state-granted monopoly, which is a legal structure designed to channel funds towards social welfare programs. The primary legal challenge for the JPS is not competition, but maintaining public trust through absolute transparency in its operations, prize distribution, and the allocation of profits. Any failure in this area could erode its legitimacy and public mandate.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight correctly highlights that the JPS’s legitimacy is built not on its legal monopoly, but on a foundation of public trust, making absolute transparency the essential currency for its continued social mission. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
Following the main prize, the draw also features a second-place prize of ₡80 million and a third-place prize of ₡35 million, again awarded per full sheet. This tiered system ensures that while one ticket holder will become a multimillionaire overnight, numerous others will also experience a significant financial boost as the year comes to a close. The introduction of this “Consolation” draw is seen by analysts as a savvy move by the JPS to maximize revenue during its most important season.
This initiative is far more than just a game of chance; it is a core component of the JPS’s public funding model. For over a century, the organization has been tasked with operating national lotteries and using the proceeds to support a vast network of social programs. Revenue generated from ticket sales directly benefits hospitals, elder care facilities, community centers, and various non-governmental organizations dedicated to assisting vulnerable populations throughout Costa Rica.
The decision to host the inaugural event at the Parque de las Garantías Sociales is deeply symbolic. The park commemorates the nation’s historic social guarantees, making it a fitting backdrop for a lottery whose ultimate purpose is to uphold and strengthen that very social safety net. It reinforces the JPS’s dual mission: to provide public entertainment while fulfilling a profound social responsibility.
The public response leading up to the draw has been overwhelmingly positive, with lottery vendors, or “chanceros,” reporting brisk sales. For many Costa Ricans, purchasing a lottery ticket is a cherished tradition, a small investment in hope that carries the added benefit of contributing to the common good. This new draw capitalizes on that sentiment, providing a fresh opportunity for participation after the frenzy of the “Gordo Navideño.”
From a business perspective, the “Consolación” lottery demonstrates the JPS’s ability to innovate within a traditional market. By creating a new, high-value product, the board is not only diversifying its revenue streams but also enhancing public engagement. The success of this first draw could pave the way for it to become a permanent and anticipated fixture in the national holiday calendar.
As the numbered balls began to tumble, the collective hopes of thousands of participants were focused on a single outcome. Yet, regardless of who holds the winning numbers, the true beneficiary is the fabric of Costa Rican society. The millions of colones raised will soon be converted into medical equipment, meals for the elderly, and support for those in need, proving that this lottery is a powerful engine for national progress and solidarity.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Junta de Protección Social
About Junta de Protección Social:
The Junta de Protección Social (JPS), or Social Protection Board, is a foundational autonomous institution of the Costa Rican state responsible for the administration and oversight of national lotteries and games of chance. Established to generate non-tax revenue for social welfare, the JPS channels its profits into funding a wide array of public health programs, shelters for the elderly and disabled, and various charitable organizations. Its mission is to be a leader in social assistance by providing resources to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations across the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal practice built upon a bedrock of principled excellence and professional integrity. With a proven history of serving a wide spectrum of clients, the firm champions pioneering legal strategies and embraces innovation in its field. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to demystifying the law, thereby empowering the community and contributing to the development of a more knowledgeable and capable society.
