A Flexible Legal Framework for Online Gaming Projects
Costa Rica is widely used as a jurisdiction for online gaming projects that require a practical and operationally simple legal setup. Rather than offering a classic gambling license issued by a dedicated regulator, Costa Rica provides a corporate-based framework that allows gaming businesses to operate internationally under a clear and predictable structure.
This approach makes Costa Rica suitable for operators prioritizing speed to market, lower entry costs, and operational flexibility.
Legal and Regulatory Background
Costa Rica does not have a specific gambling regulator issuing gaming licenses in the traditional sense. Instead, online gaming activities are structured through company incorporation and business activity registration.
Gaming companies typically operate under a Costa Rican entity registered with gaming-related activities, while targeting international markets where such operations are permitted.
This model is commonly used for online casinos, betting platforms, and other gaming services that do not require a locally issued gambling license.
Permitted Gaming Activities
A Costa Rican gaming structure may be used for a wide range of online gaming operations, including:
Online casinos (casino-style games, slots, table games)
Sports betting platforms
Skill-based and chance-based games
International gaming services and platforms
The specific scope of activities depends on the company’s business model and the markets it intends to serve.
Key Advantages of Costa Rica for Gaming Businesses
Costa Rica remains attractive for gaming operators due to several practical factors:
No complex gambling licensing procedure
Fast company incorporation and launch timelines
No requirement for local servers
No obligation to relocate management or operations
Suitable for international-facing gaming projects
Lower setup and maintenance costs compared to regulated gaming jurisdictions
This structure is often selected by operators looking to enter the market efficiently without long approval cycles.
Corporate Structure and Compliance Considerations
Although Costa Rica offers a simplified framework, gaming businesses are still expected to maintain proper corporate governance and internal compliance, particularly in relation to:
AML and KYC procedures
Payment processing and PSP requirements
Contractual and operational documentation
Risk management and internal controls
The exact compliance scope depends on the project’s scale, payment flows, and target markets.
Legal Support and Project Structuring
Proper structuring is essential to ensure that a Costa Rican gaming setup is used correctly and sustainably.
Our legal team supports clients throughout the entire process, including:
Assessment of project eligibility for Costa Rica
Corporate structuring and activity registration
Compliance documentation and internal policies
Support with operational setup and third-party integrations
Ongoing legal and regulatory assistance
Each project is reviewed individually to ensure that the selected structure aligns with the business model and international operational requirements.