The Social Protection Board, the government agency that oversees Costa Rica’s lottery system, will award more than $2.3 million this Sunday in its semiannual “Gordito” raffle, also known as the “little chubby” lottery.

The highly anticipated draw will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. It will be broadcast live on state-owned Channel 13 and streamed on the Board’s official YouTube channel.

Watching the draw has become a cherished national tradition, as viewers eagerly follow the spinning of the three lottery drums that determine the series, number, and prize, often met with cheers or groans.

To win the grand prize, a player must match both a two-digit number (from 00 to 99) and a three-digit series (from 000 to 999).

Each printed lottery entry consists of three identical sets of 10 tickets, known as an "Entero." One set costs around $40. Players who purchase all three sets, totaling roughly $120, and match the correct number and series will win the $2.3 million jackpot.

Tickets can also be purchased individually as a "Pedacito," or a single ticket for about $4. A winning ticket pays approximately $79,000.

Beyond the "Gordito" jackpot, the lottery offers a second prize of about $475,000 and a third prize of approximately $200,000.

These top three prizes are divided equally among the three ticket series.

There’s also an additional draw for the “Acumulado” or accumulated jackpot, a separate raffle with six more prizes ranging from $4,000 to $1.3 million. Like the main prizes, these are also split across three series and awarded based on a new number and series combination.

In total, more than 100 additional prizes will be distributed, ranging from $5 to $500 per ticket.

All prizes are tax-free and paid out immediately. Winners can claim their earnings at the lottery headquarters in San José or any Banco de Costa Rica branch.

Anyone in Costa Rica, regardless of nationality or immigration status, can purchase printed lottery tickets. Authorities strongly recommend buying only from authorized sellers to avoid counterfeit tickets or inflated prices.

Residents with a Costa Rican bank account can also purchase tickets online through the Board’s official website. The platform allows unlimited purchases, and any winnings are deposited into the buyer’s registered account within 24 hours.

Proceeds from the lottery help fund a range of social programs and charitable organizations throughout the country. A portion also goes toward commissions for lottery vendors.

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