🌍Online gambling is racing ahead, and picking the right place to start a business is paramount. Costa Rica is a popular choice for many — all due to its friendly business rules and low taxes. But here's the surprise: yes, Costa Rica stands tall in Latin America’s online gaming market; however, the authority doesn’t officially oversee online gambling.
So, is there gambling in Costa Rica? Yes — and it’s perfectly legal. But is there such a notion as a Costa Rica gambling license? Not exactly. Still, operators can set up a legal gambling business there. We’ll provide clarity below. Keep reading.
Costa Rican Laws: From the History to Modern Gambling Practices
Costa Rica does online gambling differently than most places. The country’s 1922 Gambling Law made all games of chance illegal at first. But later laws and government decisions allowed for a legal gambling industry to grow.
So, are there casinos in Costa Rica? Yes, there are. As of 2025 and recent gambling laws, land-based casinos can operate inside hotels, offering slots and other casino favorites. However, betting is controlled by the government, which holds a monopoly over it.
Costa Rica’s take on the internet gambling industry is different, too. The local law states that online gambling takes place as a result of mutually processed transactions between players and operators, not as a result of the operator’s being based within the country. This leads to a trend that’s not going anywhere in 2025: operators are allowed to run an iGaming business from within the country as long as they don’t use local financial institutions for transactions and don’t target Costa Ricans.
Online Gambling in Costa Rica: 2025 Trends and Expert Predictions
📈 Costa Rica remains a magnet for online gambling operators in 2025. No heavy online casino regulations mean businesses registered there can target global players and stay lawful. This easy system lets startups try new things and grow, all in a business-friendly space. Following the mentioned-before rule is paramount, though: do avoid local banks and never target locals.
Experts predict that in 2025 Costa Rica will become a hugely attractive place for ambitious operators wanting a low-cost path to global growth in the online gambling business.
The Myth of Online Casino License in Costa Rica: What It Really Is
Costa Rica doesn’t regulate gambling directly, it’s true. Yet it’s home to hundreds of gambling services operating internationally. While there are no strict gambling laws, Costa Rica’s membership in the OECD guarantees that it follows global standards, as well as offers a safe and reliable environment for both investors and customers.
A Costa Rican gaming license, technically a data processing license, offers start-ups a great way to test their business ideas. It allows them to experiment with their online casino software, website, platform engagement, and target audience before committing substantial resources to a formal licensing process.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Operating an iGaming Site From Costa Rica
Costa Rica attracts thousands of gaming business owners, and the reasons for this are more than solid: the country offers tax-free gambling revenue and unmatched regulatory flexibility. You will find some major benefits of starting an online casino from Costa Rica below:
- Access Without Boundaries. Partner with US and EU markets without being labeled offshore.
- Freedom Over Regulations. Fewer restrictions give operators room to breathe.
- A Sandbox for Innovation. Test new gaming models in a stress-free environment.
- Tax-Free Profits. Keep your earnings intact with zero taxes on gambling and overseas revenue.
- Swift Start-Up Process. Launch business quickly with little-to-no bureaucracy.
- Cost-Effective Gaming Operations. No annual Costa Rica gambling license fees and low setup costs.
Last but not least, Costa Rica’s recognition of cryptocurrency payments is a major advantage, too. Gaming companies can process Bitcoin and Ethereum payments, which stimulates the growth of crypto casinos. Crypto casinos are on the rise, using blockchain for unmatched security and outpacing fiat casinos in customer trust and appeal.
As for a few drawbacks of (no) Costa Rica gaming license, they are worth covering, too. For example, partnerships and fiat payments are harder to secure without a formal license. While crypto bridges the gap, most players still prefer fiat systems. Additionally, without strict iGaming regulations, some players may lean towards fully licensed options, e.g. casinos running under the Curacao gambling license
5 Steps for Starting a Gambling Company in Costa Rica
Costa Rica doesn’t issue online gambling licenses as such, so operators just register a business in Costa Rica and get a data license to run their platforms. To operate there, businesses need to register with the Ministry of Commerce and prove they have a physical address. This makes it possible to run an iGaming platform within the country’s flexible rules. You will find 5 steps for starting a gambling company in Costa Rica below.
- Register Your Company. Start by officially registering your business. The process is usually less-than-a-month long and the main license requirements are:
- Proof of your company’s legal status and corporate ID.
- IDs of applicants (foreigners need Immigration Department certification).
- Proof of land use, like an office rental agreement.
- A tax iGaming legal compliance certificate.
- Prepare a Data License Application. Collect all necessary documents, including a business plan and shareholder IDs.
- Set Up AML/CFT Policies. Establish internal anti-money laundering policies to meet legal standards.
- Submit Your Application. Fill out the application for the gambling license in Costa Rica: do it in Spanish and submit it to the local municipality.
- Pass the Municipality Inspection. Make sure your business meets local standards during an inspection. This step usually takes five business days.
While there’s no formal Costa Rica gambling license cost, there are still expenses involved in setting up. The total cost depends on a business model, service specifics, and other nuances. It includes things like consultations, company registration, required documents, and creating website policies. The average first-year cost is approximately $7,000. For more details, please contact the NuxGame legal services department — we’re always here to help.
Conclusion: Obtain a Gambling License With Our Expert Assistance!
Even the most attractive coin has two sides, and Costa Rica’s approach to online gambling is no exception. Despite its relaxed rules and cost-effective setup, the lack of a formal gaming license in Costa Rica may require operators to get creative in securing partnerships and payment options. Yet, the country’s benefits — tax-free revenue, flexible regulations, and crypto integration — are hard to ignore. Costa Rica’s reputation as a testing ground for innovative ideas continues to grow, making it a win-win choice for future-forward operators ready to think outside the box. The global iGaming market is prospering — don’t miss your chance to be part of it. You already know how to get a gambling license in Costa Rica in theory. Contact NuxGame today for expert practical assistance!
