Costa Rica is one of the most famous online gambling centers in the world.
There is no separate gambling law, but companies can operate under a commercial license (Data Processing License) if their activities are aimed at foreign users.
Such licenses are issued by the Department of Commerce and allow the legal management of online casinos and betting platforms.
Costa Rica attracts operators with low taxes, flexible registration conditions and access to banking infrastructure.
Although locals cannot play on these sites, the country remains a popular base for international iGaming projects.
Why Costa Rica has remained a convenient entry point for iGaming for decades: a "data processing" model instead of a license, low barriers, an English-language operating system, taxes and FTZ benefits - along with risks for payments, reputation and geo-compliance.
Learn more →A selection of well-known online brands whose operating headquarters/offices have historically been based in San Jose: Betcris, BetUS, BookMaker. eu, 5Dimes, WagerWeb, Heritage Sports и др. Brief profiles, formats, registration notes, and sources.
Learn more →Costa Rica does not have a separate online license: operators register as "data processing" and cannot target residents of the country. We analyze where and how local (offshore sites, crypto casinos) play, what makes the platform "popular," and what to look at to avoid risks.
Learn more →Who makes content for Costa Rican casinos and offshore operators with a local operating system: Pragmatic Play, Microgaming (now distributed through Games Global) and Playtech portfolios; slots, live casinos, jackpots, RTP/volatility, certification and integration through aggregators.
Learn more →How to pay in Costa Rican casinos and offshore online projects: cards (Visa/Mastercard), alternative methods, vouchers and especially cryptocurrencies - with an emphasis on the popularity of bitcoin. We analyze on-ramp/off-ramp, limits, commissions, KYC/AML and practical recommendations for players and operators.
Learn more →Costa Rica does not have a separate law and regulator for online casinos: operators operate under a "data processing" model rather than a gaming license. What does this mean for the player? There are no mandatory Responsible Gambling tools, independent arbitration, integrity standards, deposit protection funds and transparent advertising rules. We analyze the risks and give practical recommendations.
Learn more →What awaits iGaming in Costa Rica in 2025-2030: maintaining an "operating" model without an online license, pressure from payment partners and BigTech-KYC, possible reforms (light license, ADR, RG standards), growth of crypto payments and A2A, increased compliance, role of FTZ and personnel of the San Jose market.
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