Legal Reality of Online Gaming Structuring

Online gaming and gambling businesses have operated from Costa Rica for decades, yet misconceptions about licensing persist.

The most important clarification:

Costa Rica does not issue a standalone online gambling license.

How Gaming Operators Structure Legally

Rather than licensing, gaming businesses operate through corporate and municipal frameworks.

This includes:

• Company incorporation

• Corporate tax registration

• Municipal business licensing

• Activity classification as IT or data processing

This structure allows international gaming operations while remaining compliant with local law.

Activity Classification Strategy

Gaming companies typically register under:

• Data processing services

• Software platform operations

• IT support and infrastructure

This reflects the technical nature of operations rather than wagering activity itself.

Territorial Restrictions

Operators must ensure:

• No services offered to Costa Rican residents

• IP blocking implementation

• No local advertising

Failure to comply may trigger regulatory issues.

Why Gaming Companies Choose Costa Rica

Key advantages include:

• Territorial taxation

• Crypto compatibility

• Lower operational costs

• Corporate flexibility

Conclusion

While Costa Rica does not provide a gambling license, it remains a long-standing jurisdiction for structuring international gaming businesses through compliant corporate frameworks.