While Costa Rica is a popular jurisdiction for online gambling operations, it's important to understand that there is no official gambling license offered by Costa Rica, meaning that online gambling sites based in this country are not subject to licensing, regulation, or oversight.
There is an official authorization called "data processing license" that is often considered as an analog of the standard online gambling license. Still, even holders of data processing licenses in Costa Rica are not under any formal regulatory framework.
In Costa Rica, a gambling company is essentially a corporate entity with its primary purpose defined as conducting online gambling. This setup enables operators to run online gambling activities from Costa Rica, despite the lack of a dedicated regulatory framework for online casinos and betting.
For the sake of simplicity, under “Costa Rica online gaming license” in this article, we will understand the setup which includes the incorporation of a company in Costa Rica with the receipt of the data processing license for online gambling operations.
Here are some key benefits and considerations of obtaining a gambling license in Costa Rica
Compared to other jurisdictions, the cost of obtaining and maintaining a gambling license in Costa Rica is relatively low. This makes it an attractive option for startups and smaller operators.
Costa Rica does not have specific laws governing online gambling. Instead, companies operate under a "data processing license" which is less stringent than a typical gambling license.
One of the major advantages is the favorable tax situation. Companies in Costa Rica enjoy low taxation, and since there is no specific gambling tax, this can be financially advantageous.
Costa Rica is known for offering a high level of privacy and confidentiality, which can be beneficial for operators.
There are no restrictions on offering online gambling services to international markets, allowing operators to target a global audience. However, local rules of countries where the company operates, shall be taken into consideration.
Since the regulations in Costa Rica are less stringent, some players and business partners may perceive Costa Rican-licensed casinos as less trustworthy compared to those licensed in stricter jurisdictions.
The lack of specific gambling legislation can sometimes make banking and payment processing more challenging.
At Inteliumlaw, we specialize in guiding businesses through the establishment of online gambling operations in Costa Rica. Our services encompass company formation and registration, ensuring compliance with Costa Rica's unique legal framework. We provide expert advice on legal compliance, banking, and crypto solutions available to gambling companies in Costa Rica, ongoing support in navigating Costa Rican laws, along with risk management and adherence to international standards.
In general, there a no specific requirements to incorporate a company with a data processing license in Costa Rica. You will only have to provide some KYC documentation such as a passport, proof of address, source of funds confirmation, etc. to setup a company and receive a license.
The process of setting up an online gambling operation in Costa Rica, while not involving a traditional gambling license, does require a series of steps to legally operate under the framework of a "data processing license". Here's a general overview of the process:
The first step is to incorporate a company in Costa Rica, as this entity will be used to conduct the online gambling operations. This process involves registering the company with the appropriate Costa Rican authorities, which requires various legal documents and may involve legal assistance.
Although not a gambling license per se, a data processing license is necessary for online gambling activities. The process involves applying to the Costa Rican government. This application typically includes details about the company, its owners, and the nature of the data processing (i.e., online gambling).
You will need to open an account (fiat, or, more often, crypto) for your company. This step can be challenging due to the nature of the business and may require finding a bank that accepts online gambling-related businesses.
Due to the nature of the business and the lack of a specific gambling regulatory framework, finding payment processing solutions can be challenging. Often, companies opt for cryptocurrencies or other alternative payment methods.
The entire procedure, from inception to completion, typically spans from 2 to 6 weeks.
Due to the absence of a regulatory framework for online gambling in Costa Rica and the lack of a formal online gambling license, the Costa Rica gaming license cost is significantly lower compared to jurisdictions that mandate an online gambling license. If you have a question “How much does it cost to get a casino license in Costa Rica?”, please contact us to receive the most up-to-date pricing information.
As there is no formal Costa Rica casino license, no license fees are due from the gambling business in Costa Rica. Also, a Costa Rica-based gambling company is not subject to tax on its revenue. This is because the revenue is generated externally, not within Costa Rica, leading to the non-imposition of taxes by the authorities on such companies. In general, you will have to pay only annual fees related to the company’s maintenance.
Except for assistance with Costa Rica online gambling license and associated matters, we could help you to obtain a license in other jurisdictions such as Curacao, Anjouan, and Isle of Man. In addition, we provide a broad range of other business legal services such as assistance with bank accounts opening, incorporation of companies etc.
In Costa Rica, there is no specific "gambling license" for online gambling businesses. Instead, companies in this industry typically operate under a "data processing license." While this license does not specifically pertain to gambling, it is the closest equivalent and is widely used by online gambling companies operating in Costa Rica, especially startups.
KYC documentation of the owners and directors such as passport, proof of address, source of funds confirmation, etc. The full list is available upon request.
InteliumLaw can assist in renewing a data processing license for online gambling by reviewing and updating documentation, handling the renewal application and communicating with local authorities.
The main task of every entrepreneur is the development of his business. And the main condition for the realization of this goal has always been
Inteliumlaw has a developed network of foreign banks and non-banking financial institutions, as well as payment aggregators around the world to offer our clients tailored
International structuring is of great importance for any business, both already functioning and planning to enter the international market. The correct organization of the legal
The accumulated experience and tracking of future changes in this area allow us to be proactive
for our clients and develop the most adapted business structures to modern conditions.
By submitting this form, you hereby authorize Inteliumlaw to process your information for the purpose of addressing your inquiry. You retain the right to revoke this consent at any point. For further details, please review our Privacy Policy.