Published on Tuesday, June 23, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica’s Social Protection Board (JPS), the government agency that oversees the country’s lottery system, will award more than $3.3 million during its popular midyear “Gordito” lottery drawing on Sunday, July 5.

The highly anticipated drawing, known locally as the “little chubby” lottery, will take place at 7 p.m. at JPS headquarters in San José. The event will be broadcast live on state-owned Channel 13 and streamed on the Board’s official YouTube channel.

Watching the drawing has become a long-standing national tradition in Costa Rica, with thousands of viewers tuning in to watch the spinning of three lottery drums that determine the winning series, number and prize combinations. The results often spark celebrations for some players and disappointment for others.

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

Each printed lottery entry consists of three identical sets of 100 tickets, known as an “Entero.” One set costs approximately $55. Players who purchase all three sets, for a total cost of about $165, and match the winning number and series will receive the full jackpot of more than $3.3 million.

Players may also purchase individual tickets, known as “Pedacitos,” for about $5.50 each. A winning individual ticket pays approximately $11,000.

In addition to the grand prize, the Gordito lottery offers a second prize of about $176,000 for each winning set and a third prize of approximately $88,000 for each winning set. These prizes are divided equally among individual ticket holders within each winning set.

The drawing also includes the “Acumulado,” an additional jackpot worth approximately $880,000. This prize is distributed among three sets and is awarded based on a separate winning number and series combination.

Additionally, the Gordito drawing will award about 100 extra prizes ranging from $5 to $500 per winning ticket.

All lottery prizes are tax-free and paid immediately. Winners may claim their prizes at JPS headquarters on 4Ave. 4 and 20th St. in downtown San José or at any Banco de Costa Rica branch.

Anyone in Costa Rica, regardless of nationality or immigration status, may purchase printed lottery tickets. Winners can choose whether to receive jackpot payments in cash or through a Costa Rican bank account.

Costa Rican citizens and foreign residents with a DIMEX identification card can also purchase tickets online through the JPS website. The platform allows unlimited purchases, and any winnings are deposited into the registered account within 24 hours.

Authorities urge players to buy tickets only from authorized vendors to avoid counterfeit tickets and inflated resale prices.

Revenue generated by the lottery helps fund social programs and charitable organizations throughout Costa Rica.  A portion of the proceeds is also used to pay commissions to lottery vendors.

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Have you heard of any expatriates winning the lottery in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com