What sportsbooks are available in Costa Rica?

Sports Betting in Costa Rica: What You Need to Know
Costa Rica is one of the world’s top locations for online sportsbooks, but there’s a catch—most of these sportsbooks cater to international markets rather than local bettors.
The country has become a hub for offshore betting operations, with hundreds of online sportsbooks headquartered in Costa Rica due to its favorable business regulations.
However, Costa Rican residents looking to place bets face a more complex situation.
Costa Rica’s gambling industry generates over $1.5 billion annually, with sportsbooks accounting for a significant share.
The country does not heavily regulate online sports betting for international operators, allowing major sportsbooks to flourish without strict oversight.
While this makes Costa Rica an attractive location for companies, it also means there are no government-backed sportsbooks available for locals.
Top Sportsbooks Operating in Costa Rica (For International Bettors)
Many well-known sportsbooks have headquarters or significant operations in Costa Rica, providing betting services to players around the world. These include:
- Bookmaker.eu – Established in 1985, this sportsbook is one of the most recognized names in offshore betting. It is popular for offering early betting lines and high wagering limits, making it a favorite among professional bettors.
- BetCRIS—A powerhouse in Latin America, BetCRIS (Costa Rica International Sports) has existed since 1985 and serves a global audience. It is known for its competitive odds and strong reputation for reliability.
- 5Dimes – Previously one of the most popular offshore sportsbooks, 5Dimes underwent legal restructuring in 2020, shifting operations away from the U.S. market. While it no longer operates as it once did, it left a lasting impact on the industry.
- Heritage Sports – Originally an invitation-only sportsbook, Heritage Sports offers reduced juice betting and excellent customer service, making it a premium option for serious bettors.
- Pinnacle – Although not directly headquartered in Costa Rica, Pinnacle has a strong presence in offshore betting markets and is renowned for its high limits and low-margin odds.
While these sportsbooks operate legally from Costa Rica, they are not licensed to accept bets from Costa Rican residents. They exist primarily to serve bettors from North America, Europe, and other international regions.
Can Costa Ricans Bet on Sports?
The local betting landscape is more restrictive than many people assume. While Costa Rica is home to many sportsbooks, there are no locally regulated sportsbooks available for residents. Instead, Costa Ricans have limited options:
- International Sportsbooks That Accept Costa Ricans
Although most Costa Rica-based sportsbooks don’t allow local players, some international betting platforms accept Costa Rican residents. Examples include:- Betfred – A UK-based sportsbook with extensive international coverage.
- 888Sport – A widely recognized European sportsbook that allows Costa Ricans to bet legally.
- Betfair – Offers a betting exchange and sportsbook accessible from Costa Rica.
- Local Casinos Offering Sports Betting
While online sports betting options are limited, some land-based casinos in Costa Rica offer sports betting kiosks. Notable casinos include:- Casino Club Colonial (San José) – One of the few locations where locals can place sports bets in person.
- Sheraton San José Hotel & Casino – Offers a mix of casino gaming and limited sports betting options.
- Cryptocurrency Betting Sites
Some Costa Rican bettors turn to cryptocurrency sportsbooks, which operate in a legal gray area. Bitcoin and other digital currencies make it easier to place bets without traditional banking restrictions. Popular crypto sportsbooks include:- Stake.com – A global crypto sportsbook with no geographical restrictions.
- Sportsbet.io – Another crypto-friendly platform with a wide range of sports markets.
The Future of Sports Betting in Costa Rica
Despite hosting some of the largest offshore sportsbooks, Costa Rica has not implemented a local licensing system for its residents.
However, there have been discussions about regulating online sports betting domestically, especially since neighboring countries like Colombia and Argentina have legalized and regulated it.
If Costa Rica follows suit, it could create a legal framework that allows locals to bet through licensed platforms.
According to industry estimates, Latin America's online gambling market is expected to reach $6.75 billion by 2028, growing at an annual rate of 18.4%.
Costa Rica has the infrastructure to become a major player in this space, but regulatory changes would be needed to open up the market for locals.
Final Thoughts
While Costa Rica is a global hub for online sportsbooks, local bettors face limited options.
Most sportsbooks based in the country do not accept Costa Rican residents, but alternatives exist, including international sites and crypto betting platforms.
The future of sports betting in Costa Rica remains uncertain, but if regulations evolve, local bettors could soon have more legal and accessible options.
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