Is Gambling Legal in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica takes a hands-off approach to gambling. Land-based casinos are legal but must be housed within hotels, following rules set by a 2008 decree. Sports betting remains banned, and lotteries are controlled by the state.

There’s no formal licensing system for online gambling. Operators can register locally as data processing businesses, provided they don’t target Costa Rican players. In practice, many do – and enforcement is limited. This setup has turned the country into a popular base for international gambling brands, without regulating its own market.

Online Gambling in Costa Rica

Regulatory Authority	There is no dedicated gambling authority in Costa Rica.
Key legislation	There is no specific regulation for online gambling at the moment.
Allowed activities	Online operators can register as data processing businesses, provided they serve only international players. There’s no formal gambling licence or oversight, and targeting Costa Rican residents is not permitted.
Prohibited activities	Targeting Costa Rican players with gambling services (even from locally registered entities).
Taxation and fees	No available information at the moment
Licence validity / duration	No available information at the moment
SOFTSWISS products compliant	No products available at the moment

Land-Based Gambling in Costa Rica

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Key legislation	Gambling Law (1922)
Allowed activities	Hotel-based casinos Slot machines Authorised casino games State lottery products
Prohibited activities	Among others: Stand-alone commercial casinos (outside of qualified hotels) Sports betting shops (retail sportsbooks), and any gambling facility operating without a municipal permit
Taxation	No gambling-specific taxes; standard corporate and municipal taxes apply.