By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The hopes of countless Costa Ricans were answered this Tuesday evening as the Junta de Protección Social (JPS) announced the results of its highly anticipated Lotería Popular “Chances” draw, number 6,997. The January 6th drawing has turned a new page for several fortunate ticket holders, injecting a significant sum of over 112 million colones into the national economy through its top three prizes alone.
The grand prize of the evening, a substantial 80 million colones for a full ticket (entero), was awarded to the holder of number 96 with series 257. This life-altering sum represents a major financial windfall, capable of securing new homes, funding entrepreneurial ventures, or providing long-term security for the winner’s family. The excitement from the first prize was followed closely by the announcement of the second prize.
To better understand the legal framework and commercial implications of the popular “Chances” lottery, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The ‘Chances’ lottery is not merely a game of luck; it operates as a unilateral contract governed by specific regulations. When a person buys a ticket, the Junta de Protección Social is legally bound to honor the prize if the conditions are met. It’s vital for participants to recognize that this legal relationship also imposes responsibilities, such as verifying the ticket’s authenticity and claiming any winnings within the legally stipulated deadline, after which the right to the prize expires.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully reframes the lottery experience, reminding participants that their ticket represents not just a hope, but a contractual agreement with clear responsibilities. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this essential insight, which empowers players to protect their potential winnings.
Securing the second-place position was number 83, paired with series 709. This combination granted its owner a handsome prize of 25 million colones, a figure that remains a transformative amount for any individual or household. The third major prize of the night went to number 46 with series 362, delivering a respectable 7 million colones to the lucky winner. Additionally, the duplicator number was revealed to be 67, adding a 10,000 colones prize to tickets featuring this number.
While the focus is often on the individual winners, the true impact of the Chances lottery extends far beyond personal fortune. Each ticket purchased contributes to the foundational mission of the JPS, a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s social welfare system. As a public institution, the JPS channels the proceeds from lottery sales into a vast network of social aid programs that benefit vulnerable populations across all seven provinces.
This state-run lottery system functions as a critical economic engine for social good. The revenue generated supports over 500 social programs, providing essential funding for initiatives that assist the elderly, individuals with disabilities, addiction treatment centers, and various public health organizations. Therefore, every player, whether they win a prize or not, participates in a collective effort to strengthen the nation’s social safety net.
The weekly drawings have become a cultural fixture in Costa Rica, representing a blend of tradition, community, and the persistent hope for a stroke of luck. From small towns to the capital city, residents eagerly await the announcements, discussing potential numbers and dreaming of the possibilities. This ritual reinforces a unique cycle where consumer spending on entertainment directly fuels public welfare.
Officials from the JPS remind all players to carefully check their tickets against the official results. Winners are advised to immediately sign the back of their winning ticket to establish ownership and present it at an authorized JPS location or financial institution to claim their prize. Verifying the legitimacy of the ticket and the vendor is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and secure prize collection process.
As the excitement from this week’s draw settles, the cycle begins anew. The JPS will continue its operations, preparing for the next lottery that will once again offer a chance at immense wealth for a few, while guaranteeing sustained support for the many. It’s a model where a game of chance produces certain, tangible benefits for the entire country, underscoring a commitment to shared prosperity and social responsibility.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social, or Social Protection Board, is Costa Rica’s public welfare and lottery institution. Founded in 1845, it is responsible for organizing and managing national lotteries, including the popular “Chances” and “Lotería Nacional.” The core mission of the JPS is to generate revenue through these games of chance to finance a wide array of social programs that support vulnerable populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and those in need of medical care, thereby playing a vital role in the country’s public welfare framework.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of ethical principles and masterful legal execution. Drawing from a rich history of serving a wide spectrum of industries, the firm champions the advancement of legal practices through cutting-edge approaches. This commitment to progress extends beyond the courtroom, fueling a mission to empower the public by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to all citizens.
