Strong regulations and taxes to Costa Rica’s casinos proposed

Liberationists propose a prohibition to operators of gaming venues to contribute to electoral campaigns of political parties. The restriction also includes the purchase of bonds and donations on behalf of others.

“Liberación Nacional seeks to establish strict controls and heavily tax this activity," explained Representaive Francisco Chacon, spokesman for the Fracción of Liberación Nacional in the Comisión de Hacendarios y coordinator of Agenda Legislativa:

Chacon said that a monthly 15 % tax on the gross montlhy income is beeing created for all gaming centers and casinos, which will be used to fund public security programs and fighting crime.

Congresswoman Ileana Brenes, who also signed the ruling, said: "The fraction has made a great effort to prepare a rigorous text in the application of regulations and taxes that are viable for their collection." Brenes reported that this delegation aims to create a 15% tax on the amount of each award resulting from these activities.

It also establishes a tax of $ 250,000 for call centers that operate online gambling sites and a tax of $ 300 for each of the authorized table games in casinos, as well as $ 150 per machine.

Casinos will be allowed only into hotel, with just one per establishment. The casinos will be able to operate ten tables and 60 slot machines for a minimum of 60 rooms.

The new law would create the Gambling, Casinos and Gambling Bureau, under the Ministry of Public Security, Interior and Police. This entity will grant and revoke licenses, exercise controls and impose sanctions.

No licenses will be granted to people convicted of drug trafficking, money laundering, terrorist financing, robbery, theft, fraud, conspiracy or other crime classified as organized crime.

It is also prohibited having business relationships with bookmakers and casinos to all public servants elected by popular choice. The restriction applies even four years after it has ceased to function.

The new law also includes regulations on slot machines. It establishes penalties as monetary fines, temporary suspension and revocation.