Incorporate a gambling business in Costa Rica

To incorporate a gambling business in Costa Rica, you will need to follow certain steps and adhere to the legal requirements of the country. Here is a general overview of the process:

1. Research and Planning: Conduct thorough research on the gambling industry in Costa Rica, including the legal framework, licensing requirements, and market opportunities. Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your objectives, target audience, marketing strategy, and financial projections.
2. Choose a Business Structure: Select the most suitable legal structure for your gambling business, such as a corporation (Sociedad Anónima or S.A.), a limited liability company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or S.R.L.), or another appropriate legal entity. Consult with a legal professional to determine the best structure for your specific needs.
3. Register the Business: Register your company with the Costa Rican Registry of Legal Entities (Registro Nacional) and obtain a unique tax identification number (Número de Identificación Tributaria or NIT) for your business. This involves completing the necessary forms, providing required documentation, and paying the registration fees.
4. Office and Infrastructure: Establish a physical office presence in Costa Rica, which is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a gambling license. Ensure that your office space meets the legal and operational requirements specified by the local authorities.
5. Hire Local Directors and Key Personnel: Appoint local directors and key personnel who meet the residency requirements of Costa Rica. This is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a gambling license.
6. Obtain a Gambling License: It is important to note that Costa Rica operates under a “data processing” model for online gambling, which means that no specific gambling license is issued. However, companies are required to obtain a general business license and comply with certain regulations to operate legally.
7. Compliance and Regulation: Comply with all local laws and regulations pertaining to gambling, including player protection measures, responsible gambling practices, and financial reporting requirements. Implement robust internal control systems, security measures, and anti-fraud measures to ensure the integrity of your operations.
8. Ongoing Compliance: Maintain ongoing compliance with the regulatory requirements of Costa Rica, including timely submission of financial reports, taxes, and renewal of licenses. Regularly review and update your policies and procedures to align with any changes in the legal framework.

To ensure a smooth and successful incorporation process, it is highly recommended to seek guidance from legal and business consulting professionals experienced in the gambling industry in Costa Rica. They can provide personalized advice, assist with the documentation process, and help navigate the complexities of incorporating and operating a gambling business in the country.

What sets our service apart from others?

Szilaghi Consulting is the leading option when it comes to establishing your gambling company in Costa Rica. Their deep understanding of the local gambling industry and regulatory environment sets them apart, offering unmatched expertise and support throughout the entire process. With their skilled team, they ensure full compliance with all legal requirements, simplifying the process of company incorporation and licensing. Szilaghi Consulting takes a personalized approach, tailoring their solutions to meet your specific needs and assisting you in navigating any complex challenges that may arise, increasing your chances of achieving success. With a strong reputation for trustworthiness, reliability, and a steadfast commitment to client satisfaction, Szilaghi Consulting is the top choice to guide you in the establishment of your gambling business in Costa Rica.

Types of licenses

In Costa Rica, there are two main types of licenses available for gambling companies:

1. Data Processing License: This license is issued by the local municipality and allows the holder to provide services for organizing and conducting gambling games both online and in physical gaming establishments within Costa Rica. With this license, companies can offer a wide range of gambling games, such as card games, roulette, craps, sports betting, bingo, keno, virtual slot machines, and more. It is important to note that the data processing license also permits the provision of services on the Internet.
2. Virtual Gaming License: This license is issued by the National Registry of Costa Rica and enables the holder to offer services exclusively in the field of virtual gambling games, solely on the Internet. However, it is prohibited to provide these services to residents of Costa Rica. Unlike the data processing license, the virtual gaming license does not allow for operations in physical gaming establishments within the country. It is also possible to obtain a sub-license for a specific type of virtual gambling game, which can be obtained from the holder of a data processing license.

It’s crucial to be aware that these licenses do not authorize the provision of virtual gambling services to residents of countries where the national legislation prohibits, restricts, or regulates such activities differently. Some examples of these countries include the United States, European Union member states, Switzerland, Canada, Russia, among others.

When obtaining either of these licenses, it is necessary to have an office located in Costa Rica. The choice between the data processing license and the virtual gaming license depends on the specific requirements and objectives of the gambling company, as well as the target market and types of services to be provided.

Advantages and disadvantages of having a Costa Rica Gambling License

Obtaining a gaming license in Costa Rica offers several advantages, such as the ability to generate online revenue from customers in other countries without being subjected to taxes on profits. Additionally, the absence of anti-money laundering policies specifically for online gaming can attract certain individuals or entities, considering the large amount of money, around $140 billion annually, that is laundered through sports betting worldwide.

However, there are several disadvantages to running a gaming business in Costa Rica:

1. Ineligibility of Costa Rican residents: Costa Rican residents cannot be accepted as customers for online gambling services provided under a Costa Rica gaming license. This limitation can restrict the potential customer base for the business.
2. Challenges with local banking: Local banks in Costa Rica are reluctant to process online gaming transactions. This can create obstacles when it comes to managing financial transactions and accounts for the gaming business.
3. Difficulty in opening corporate accounts: As the banking industry in Costa Rica is largely influenced by the United States, opening a corporate account for the gaming business can be challenging. The influence of US regulations and controls may complicate the process and make it more difficult to establish banking relationships.

It’s important to carefully consider these disadvantages and assess the potential impact on the operations and goals of the gaming business before choosing Costa Rica as the jurisdiction for obtaining a gaming license.

Why do we recommend obtaining a license for the organization and conduct of gambling in Costa Rica?

A gaming license obtained in Costa Rica enables your company to operate legally in the field of virtual gaming services. Costa Rican legislation governing gambling services is known for being highly permissive, with minimal requirements for server location and software usage. The registration process for the company, license application, and associated costs are comparatively low when compared to other jurisdictions. While the license is officially referred to as “Data Processing,” it effectively meets the requirements for online casinos and similar activities. Costa Rica is thus considered an ideal jurisdiction for registering casino companies, lotteries, and other gaming ventures.

Under the Costa Rican licensing framework, companies holding a license are considered self-regulatory organizations and are not subject to taxation on their profits if their activities are conducted exclusively outside the territory of Costa Rica. To obtain a “Data Processing” license, it is necessary for the company to have a physical office in Costa Rica and employ staff members. During the license application process, we can provide nominal staff if needed. It’s important to note that personal presence in Costa Rica is not required to obtain the license.

Our services

Our Services Offered in Costa Rica

1. Company Registration: We assist in the registration process of your company in Costa Rica, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and providing guidance throughout the process.
2. Registered Address Provision: We provide a registered address for your company, which serves as the official location for legal correspondence and business operations in Costa Rica.
3. Government Fees and Tax Payments: We handle the payment of government fees and taxes on your behalf, ensuring timely compliance with regulatory obligations.
4. Tax Registration Statement: We assist in preparing and submitting the necessary documentation to obtain the company’s tax registration, ensuring compliance with tax regulations in Costa Rica.
5. Office Space Provision: We help you find suitable office space for your business operations in Costa Rica, considering your specific needs and budget requirements.
6. Employee Provision: We offer support in hiring and recruiting employees for your company, ensuring compliance with local labor laws and providing access to a skilled workforce.
7. Bank Account Opening: We facilitate the process of opening a bank account in Costa Rica for your company, ensuring smooth financial operations and access to banking services.
8. Merchant Account Assistance: We provide guidance and assistance in obtaining a merchant account, enabling your company to accept online payments from customers.
9. License Acquisition: We guide you through the process of obtaining the necessary licenses for your business activities in Costa Rica, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

With our comprehensive range of services, we strive to support your business endeavors in Costa Rica and ensure a smooth and successful establishment of your company.

Term of receiving the license in Costa Rica

2-3 months

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