01/10/25
Costa Rica’s unique regulatory environment for online gambling poses specific challenges for international operators. While the country lacks formal online gambling licensing, businesses registered as data processing entities must navigate evolving data protection obligations to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
📜 Regulatory Framework
Costa Rica does not have a dedicated online gambling authority, and no specific law regulates online casinos or sports betting. Operators can register locally as data processing businesses, provided they serve only international clients and do not target Costa Rican players. Under Costa Rica’s Law on the Protection of the Person Regarding the Processing of Personal Data (Law No. 8968, 2011), entities processing personal data must implement measures to safeguard privacy, ensure lawful processing, and respect data subject rights.
⚖️ Comparative Analysis
Unlike jurisdictions with formal iGaming licensing regimes, such as Malta or Gibraltar, Costa Rica relies on the data protection framework rather than gambling-specific oversight. This approach means international operators must reconcile general data protection obligations with sector-specific operational risks, particularly concerning cross-border data transfers and customer verification. Limited local enforcement does not eliminate liability under Costa Rican or applicable international privacy laws.
💡 Sector-Specific Implications
Operators commonly adopt robust privacy policies, encryption standards, and data retention procedures to comply with Law 8968 and mitigate reputational risk. For example, companies targeting EU clients must align with GDPR requirements while maintaining compliance with Costa Rican data protection norms. Failure to observe these standards can affect partnerships, payment processing, and market access.
✅ Conclusion
Costa Rica offers an attractive base for international iGaming operators, but the absence of a formal gambling license places heightened importance on strict data protection compliance. Understanding the interplay between local data protection obligations and international standards is essential for operational integrity and legal security. NUR Legal can provide tailored guidance to navigate Costa Rica’s regulatory landscape and safeguard your iGaming operations. Visit us at NUR-Legal.com or contact us directly at info@nur-legal.com
Emil Korpinen