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Gambling License in Costa Rica

The Republic of Costa Rica is a relatively small country whose economy is based on tourism, agriculture, and the production and export of electronics. Foreign investors are attracted by the country’s political stability, skilled workforce, and tax benefits. However, most often, entrepreneurs are interested in licensing business activities in the gambling sector.

It is important to note that organizing and conducting gambling activities here is not prohibited, but there is no specific law regulating the licensing and operation of online gambling. Therefore, a traditional gambling license in Costa Rica is not required, since the business is neither controlled nor regulated by the government or any regulatory bodies. Instead of a full gambling license, online operators use another one — the Data Processing license.

This license does not directly state or grant permission to conduct gambling activities. However, it allows operators to legally organize online gambling operations and process internet bets. At the same time, operators are prohibited from accepting bets from Costa Rican residents.

Steps

01

Company Registration in Costa Rica

You must register a local company to which the license will later be issued. This requires choosing a company name, specifying the participants, and providing their documents.

02

Opening a Bank Account

The company must open a bank account to deposit share capital. Opening an account is a complex process that should be entrusted to professionals. It requires preparing a document package and conducting further negotiations correctly.

03

Contribution of Share Capital

The exact amount of share capital depends on the license type. If necessary, the beneficiary must provide documents confirming the source of funds contributed as share capital.

04

Hiring Mandatory Staff

The company must employ staff in key positions, some of whom must be local residents. We assist with recruitment and staffing.

05

Renting an Office

One of the mandatory requirements is renting an office. We will help select a cost-effective option that meets all requirements.

06

Preparing Documents for License Application

A business plan, policies, and technical documentation must be prepared. In addition, application forms need to be completed. The client only provides basic information, and we prepare all documents in compliance with local legislation.

07

Submitting the Application

After preparing the company and documents, the application must be submitted to the regulator. Once submitted, you must be ready to answer additional regulator queries. We ensure timely and professional responses.

08

Obtaining the License

After successfully completing the previous steps, the company receives the license. It must begin operations within six months of obtaining the license; otherwise, the license may be revoked.

Gambling License in Costa Rica: What is required for licensing

The Data Processing license is issued by the local municipality, and to apply, you only need to have an office in the country and hire a legal representative. If the enterprise is foreign-owned, this position must be filled by a Costa Rican resident.

The state does not require what is usually requested in other jurisdictions for licensing:

  • No business plan is needed;
  • No profit plan requirements;
  • No measures required regarding gambling addiction prevention;
  • No requirements related to software;
  • No financial reporting or mandatory bank accounts, etc.

There are also no requirements for a large initial capital. However, to obtain a gambling license in Costa Rica, at least 25% of the issued share capital must be paid during company registration.

If you want to operate in the gambling sector, Costa Rica imposes only one condition: the company’s activities must not target the country or its residents. This is because Costa Rican residents are prohibited from using such online operators’ services. The restriction also applies to the equipment needed for online operations — it must be physically located outside of Costa Rica.

Online Casino License: Costa Rica and its licensing specifics

When applying for a license, business owners must pay a one-time fee of $15,000 and then pay $1,500 quarterly for renewal. An additional advantage is that if the operator offers services in any country in the world except Costa Rica, from the government’s perspective such a company is considered self-regulated and therefore exempt from income tax.

If you are interested in a gambling license, Costa Rica issues this permit within 2–5 weeks. You can simplify and speed up the procedure by contacting our specialists. We will handle the entire licensing process, after which you can start operating in the online gambling sector as a licensed operator.

Free initial consultation on legal issues, related to the daily activities of the business

Additional services

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Malta Gaming license

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Curacao Gaming License

Curacao hosts many companies operating in the gambling industry. This is explained by simple and business-friendly legislation regulating gaming activities. Additional factors include accessibility and low taxation. All of this makes the Curacao gaming license highly attractive for online casino operators, opening wide opportunities for successful business in the gambling sector.

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Gambling License of the Isle of Man

A company holding a gambling services license gains a strong market reputation, earns trust among players and business partners, and has the legal right to cooperate with other market participants. But the main advantage is clear: licensed online operators can legally conduct any operations and activities related to gambling, including accepting online bets.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

To open an online casino in Costa Rica, you need to prepare a business plan, register a company, obtain a license, set up the technical infrastructure, and open a bank account. The entire documentation must be prepared carefully, and the license application submitted correctly. These processes are best entrusted to professionals.
A Costa Rican gambling license can be obtained within 2–4 months.
To obtain a gambling license in Costa Rica, you need to submit: – copies of passports and proof of address of company directors and shareholders; – documents confirming the experience and financial standing of company participants; – company’s founding documents; – technical documentation; – company policies.
The final cost of obtaining a gambling license in Costa Rica depends on various factors (list of services offered, number of domains, etc.). You can find out the exact cost by contacting our specialists.

Contact
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+85281926676

info@incluence.net

Rm 7B, One Capital Place, 18 Luard Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

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