Jurisdictions
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has hosted online gambling operations for almost three decades — one of the longest-running iGaming jurisdictions in the world. But it works differently from every other jurisdiction we cover: there is no gaming license, no gaming authority, and no gaming-specific regulation. Operators incorporate a company with online entertainment / game administration as its stated purpose, and the government treats activity on internet servers as outside its borders.
That model made Costa Rica the default launchpad for crypto-casino startups. At peak, around 300 gambling companies operated from the jurisdiction, though numbers have since contracted as licensed alternatives like Anjouan and Curaçao have become faster and more accessible. For crypto-only operators, it remains a practical starting point.
We maintain offices in Costa Rica and have been incorporating gaming companies there for almost 30 years. We recommend it in specific situations — primarily for crypto-only operators testing a concept before committing to a licensed jurisdiction. For anything beyond that, we’d steer you toward a proper license.
Why businesses choose Costa Rica
Zero Barrier to Entry
There is no gaming license to apply for, no licensing fee to pay, and no regulatory authority to satisfy. Operators incorporate a company with gambling as its stated business purpose and begin operations. For founders validating a concept before committing to a licensed jurisdiction, this is the most direct path available.
Built for Crypto
Conventional banking is difficult for Costa Rican gaming companies — payment providers require a license to onboard operators. That’s made Costa Rica the natural home for crypto-only casinos and sportsbooks. Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and other currencies are fully supported, and operators can even pay staff in crypto.
The Lowest Cost in iGaming
At €4,000 for setup and €2,850 annually, Costa Rica is the cheapest entry point into online gambling operations. No paid-up capital and no regulatory fees of any kind. For operators running on cryptocurrency payments, the total cost in year one stays under €4,000.
What You Can Do Here
iGaming Setup
Incorporate a gaming company and begin operations without a formal license. Full cryptocurrency support, no regulatory barriers, and the most affordable path to a live gambling platform.
View setup detailsCompany Formation
S.A. and S.R.L. entities for holding structures, trading companies, and service businesses. Zero tax on foreign-sourced income with no exchange controls.
View formation detailsNot for everyone
We’d recommend Costa Rica for crypto-only gambling operations, for testing a platform concept before investing in a full license, or when being live at the lowest possible cost is the priority. It’s the right fit when your players transact in cryptocurrency and your target markets don’t require a regulated license.
It’s not the right choice if you need fiat payment processing — without a license, banks and payment providers won’t onboard you. For operators who need regulatory credibility, Anjouan offers a real license with similar speed at a still-competitive price. Curaçao provides broader payment access at a higher cost. Many of our clients start in Costa Rica to prove their model, then move to a licensed jurisdiction when revenue supports it.
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