Costa Rica
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While Costa Rica, a small country in Central America, has already licensed more than 300 gambling companies and continues to issue more than 100 gaming licenses annually, an agreement to legalize and regulate online gambling has yet to be reached. Costa Rica's law is thus paradoxical: the country issues licenses for iGaming, although there is currently no current legislation on the subject. Worse, online gambling is illegal in Costa Rica! This absolute lawlessness makes Costa Rica a Paradise for gaming companies.
While Costa Rica, a small country in Central America, has already licensed more than 300 gambling companies and continues to issue more than 100 gaming licenses annually, an agreement to legalize and regulate online gambling has yet to be reached. Costa Rica's law is thus paradoxical: the country issues licenses for iGaming, although there is currently no current legislation on the subject. Worse, online gambling is illegal in Costa Rica! This absolute lawlessness makes Costa Rica a Paradise for gaming companies.
Regulator licensed casinos
Some notable gaming companies based in Costa Rica:
- Rome Casino,
- Ace Live Casino,
- WagerWeb,
- Castle Casino,
- 5Dimes,
- Jazz sportsbook & casino,
- Skybet.
In total, more than 300 game operators received Costa Rica licenses by now.
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MEIC review
Costa Rica has neither legislation nor a regulatory body to oversee the online gambling industry. Gambling operators based in Costa Rica are not subject to any rules or controls. In 2013, the Costa Rican government pledged to establish a gambling control Board to regulate online gambling, but to date, this body has not been established.
License types of MEIC
Two bodies - the Municipality and the National Registry of Costa Rica-issue gaming licenses.
Note: Strictly speaking, Costa Rica's license is a data processing license, not a gambling license. It is called a "data processing license".Both documents allow gambling, but there is a difference between them.
- The license issued by the Municipality gives the right to provide services in both land-based and online casinos without any restrictions regarding player nationality.
- The license issued by the National Registry only allows online gambling and prohibits providing services to Costa Ricans.
You can also obtain a sublicense from the license holder, who simply adds the new company to their license.
Even despite the restrictions, Costa Rica's license has its advantages that contribute to its popularity in the world:
- Allows a casino to add a wide range of gambling entertainment (sweepstakes, lotteries, keno, and any other gambling);
- No special software requirements;
- No management obligations;
- No income tax;
- There is no law regulating gambling;
- Obtaining a license does not take much time.
Dispute resolution
Of course, this doesn't look the best for players regarding disputes with a casino licensed in Costa Rica. The chances of solving the issue with the regulator's help are quite low. However, there is an opportunity to complain about the casino. Complaints can be submitted to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Economy of Costa Rica. There is a special form on the site and email and phone for complaints.
Conclusion
Costa Rican legislation is very loyal to online gambling operators. It is also a politically and economically stable country. Companies located in other countries do not pay taxes to the state that issued the license. Companies that have received a license from Costa Rica have an opportunity to cooperate with many countries in Europe and America because Costa Rica is a member of the WTO.
Frequently asked Questions
While not a direct regulator of the gambling industry, the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce of Costa Rica (MEIC) plays a significant role in shaping and overseeing the legislative framework related to this sector. It is responsible for creating the overall economic environment in which the gambling business operates, including taxation, licensing, and other aspects of regulation.
MEIC generally does not issue direct gambling licenses. Its functions in this area include the following tasks. Legislation Development: The ministry develops laws and regulations governing the gambling business in the country.
Economic Analysis: MEIC analyzes the gambling industry's economic impact on the country, including tax revenue and job creation assessments.
Collaboration with Other Bodies: The ministry works with other government bodies, such as the tax service and financial regulators, to ensure comprehensive gambling market regulation.
MEIC creates the overall legal and economic framework within which the gambling business operates. Its decisions and policies significantly influence the industry's development.
Costa Rica is known for its liberal policies towards online casinos. While MEIC does not directly license online casinos, it creates favorable conditions for their operation by setting appropriate tax rates and regulating currency transactions.
Unlike many other countries, Costa Rica does not have a dedicated governmental body solely responsible for regulating online casinos. Several ministries, including the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio de Costa Rica (MEIC), typically manage these matters.
Suppose you encounter issues with an online casino registered in Costa Rica. In that case, you can reach out to several entities:
Casino’s Customer Support: First, attempt to resolve the issue directly with the casino.
Consumer Protection Organizations: There may be consumer organizations in Costa Rica that can help you assert your rights.
Local Law Enforcement: In case of serious legal violations, you can contact the police.
Your Country’s Embassy: If you are a citizen of another country, you can seek assistance from your country’s embassy in Costa Rica.
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| Main info | |
| Casinos number | 3 |
| Jurisdiction | Costa rica |
| License types | Data Processing License |
| Name | Costa Rica |
| Site languages | Español |
| Website | https://www.meic.go.cr/meic/ |
| Contacts | |
| Feedback form | Yes |
| Post address | Costa Rica Commerce Industry and Economy Ministry Edificio del IFAM San Jose Costa Rica 10216-1000 |
