Online Casinos Licensed in Costa Rica
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All Casinos Operating from Costa Rica – Last Updated October 2024
Legal notice
The contents of this page are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise.
Costa Rica enables online gambling sites as official commercial businesses. Although land-based casinos are not allowed to set up shop within its borders, the law does not apply to online casinos. Keep on reading to find out more about casinos online Costa Rica.
Licensing Requirements in Costa Rica
When it comes to a Costa Rica gambling licence, it works in a rather unique manner when compared to other licensing jurisdictions. The law does not address the subject of online gambling licences. An online casino in Costa Rica can simply register in the same way as any other corporation.
The only key exception is that the online casino’s server must block Costa Rica since it is prohibited for residents to gamble online.
Applicants interested in acquiring a Costa Rica online casino licence must supply various bits and bobs of information about their business by filling out the registration form with the Costa Rica Tax Authority. Applicants must also obtain a few government certifications.
Overall, a certification of the legal capacities and corporate identification is required along with the ID of all applicants. A certification of fulfilment of previous tax obligations must also be acquired.
How to Obtain a Licence
To obtain an online casino license Costa Rica, there are a number of steps to follow:
- Research: Before you start your gambling business, you should research the market and identify the target audience. This will help you gain perspective.
- Location: You should pick a location where to set up shop.
- Registration: You would need to register your business with the Costa Rican government. You can either do this by visiting the National Registry or hiring a lawyer to do it.
- Gaming licence: To operate a gaming business in Costa Rica, you must obtain a Data Processing Licence. This is issued by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce.
Player Protection in Costa Rica-Licensed Casinos
Since Costa Rica does not have any special licensing protocols for online casinos. These casinos are still subject to some regulatory standards, albeit not as stringent as those with other gaming licences.
As a result, we recommend that players always tread carefully when opting for an online casino that is solely registered in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Gambling Licence Cost
Since there is no gambling licence in the traditional sense, the cost of opening a gaming company will vary on different factors, including the location, size of the company, and the type of gaming business you would like to start.
Before starting a business, we recommend consulting with a lawyer or a business consultant to get an accurate estimate of the cost of opening a gaming company in Costa Rica.
Pros and Cons of Operating an Online Casino in Costa Rica
If you require a good general overview of what it entails to operate an online casino in Costa Rica, here is a list of pros and cons.
✔️Pros | ❌Cons |
---|---|
Cost-effective. The cost of obtaining a Costa Rican gaming license is relatively low compared to other gaming jurisdictions. This makes it an attractive option for operators on a budget. | Lack of oversight: Costa Rica does not have a well-developed regulatory system for gaming operations. |
Quick and easy. The process of obtaining a Costa Rican gaming licence is relatively quick and easy. This is helpful for casino operators who need to get their business up and running quickly. | Limited reach: Costa Rica is not a widely recognised jurisdiction, which can limit the reach of operators. This can be a problem for operators who are looking to expand their business. |
Boosting revenue through taxation. Lack of taxation on online gambling revenues. | Limited payment services. It may be difficult to secure transaction services from trustworthy international services. |
More freedom. Gambling sites are not subject to marketing and responsible gambling restrictions. | Scepticism. Due to little regulations, players are less likely to trust the casino. |
Contact Details
To register your gaming company with the local finance/tax authority in Costa Rica, you must get in touch as follows:
Official name | Ministerio de Hacienda |
Founded | 14 October 1825 |
Headquarters | Avenida 2, Calle 3, 10104 Cathedral District San Jose |
Parent department | Government of Costa Rica |
Website | https://www.hacienda.go.cr/ |
FAQ
Is there a Costa Rica gaming licence?
Yes. Costa Rica offers a Data Processing Licence for online gambling businesses. Costa Rica does not regulate the online gambling industry.
Is online gambling legal in Costa Rica?
Residents based in Costa Rica are prohibited from gambling online.
Can players from the United Kingdom and Europe play at casinos based in Costa Rica?
Yes. You may still want to check if your preferred casino is licensed by a reputable gambling authority. Some Costa Rican casinos may not be licensed to operate in specific countries.