All About Casinos in Costa Rica
The first thing to say is that gambling is legal in Costa Rica. It’s important to note, though, that the legal landscape governing casinos and gambling is characterized by a decentralized and somewhat ambiguous set of laws and regulations. Basically, Costa Rica has no centralized regulatory body or unified set of laws that oversee gambling at a national level. Instead, the responsibility for supervising and monitoring casinos falls upon local municipalities.
That said, while no formal regulatory framework specifically tailored to the gambling industry exists, Costa Rica's membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is seen as a positive indicator of the nation's commitment to adhering to international standards and best practices within this industry.
Casinos in Costa Rica: Where Are They?
There are over 40 operational casinos in Costa Rica, most found in the capital city of San José. Many of these casinos, although not all, are located in hotels, usually just off the lobby. They’re essentially viewed as recreational amenities for guests, rather than existing as large-scale, independent gambling venues. That said, Costa Rica hotel casinos welcome all punters and you certainly don’t need to be staying in the hotel to use the casino—most people don’t. Below, we’ll outline some of the better-known Costa Rican casinos around the country, starting with San José.
San José Casinos
If casinos and gambling are a big part of your life, we would definitely recommend a few days in Costa Rica's capital city, San José. This, after all, is where most of the casinos are.
Club Colonial
Located in the heart of downtown San José, Club Colonial offers a variety of gaming options. This place is open 24/7 and features both classic table games and a selection of modern slot machines. There’s also quite a decent place to eat on-site—Restaurante Magnolia—serving international cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, also open 24/7. Casino clients can receive special rates at the nearby Sleep Inn.
Fiesta Casinos around San José
Also downtown, right on Avenida Central, is the Fiesta Presidente, part of the popular Fiesta chain of casinos in Costa Rica. This place offers 24/7 gaming with the latest slot machines and what they say are the area's highest jackpots, although be aware that it’s all machines here - no table games. Those looking for table games at a Fiesta Casino should head to the nearby Holiday Inn in Parque Morazán, which is home to Fiesta Aurola. There’s also a Fiesta casino in Alajuela towards the airport, which offers a range of table games. Nearby is the Fiesta Herradura at the Wyndham San José Hotel, while in downtown Heredia, there’s also the Fiesta Heredia. Bottom line is that Fiesta is the main casino chain in Costa Rica, operating mostly slots, but also some tables.
Casino Palma Real
Heading west out of downtown towards Sabana, there is the Casino Palma Real in the small hotel that shares the same name. It’s fairly nondescript—but friendly—and offers a range of the usual slots for anyone in this area who doesn't want to go downtown.
Casino Concorde
Located at the Holiday Inn in the La Uruca district of western San José, Casino Concorde is a larger casino (in Costa Rica terms) with over 200 modern slot and video machines with a variety of exciting games. They also feature modern electronic roulette games and live table games. For sports fans, Casino Concorde provides international sports betting with a wide range of options.
Grand Casino Escazú
For serious casino aficionados in Costa Rica, the Grand Casino Escazú at the Sheraton Hotel in Escazu, west of the capital, is probably the best in the country. Owned and operated by the French Raineau Group, we’d say this is the classiest casino in Costa Rica. Grand Casino Escazú offers over 130 slot machines and over 21 table games with varying minimum and maximum bets. They offer a standard gaming area and a VIP area with a private entrance. They also claim to be the largest poker room in Costa Rica.
The above casinos are the main ones we recommend in and around the San José area if you’re looking for places focused on actual gaming and gambling. Other locations tend to be more informal and have a different vibe. Now, we’ll head away from San Jose to check out some other casinos in Costa Rica.
Jacó Casinos
Once you leave the capital, the casino scene in Costa Rica thins out quite fast, as most people in these areas focus their time on nature, adventure, or relaxation. That said, of all the locations outside of San José, the Jacó area on the Central Pacific coast offers the most to casino enthusiasts.
This beach and surf community has long been a major party and entertainment destination in Costa Rica, attracting bachelor parties, international anglers, and other similar group types, so it’s no big surprise some casinos have sprung up around here:
Crocs Casino Resort
Crocs Casino Resort is located on the northern end of Jacó Beach, in a quiet neighborhood away from the nightlife, but close enough for those who seek it. This beachfront hotel is also home to a fairly decent casino, offering table games, slots, and a dedicated poker room. Multiple restaurants cater to all tastes, and the casino bar offers signature cocktails for post-gambling relaxation.
Cocal Hotel & Casino
Located in the heart of Jacó, the Cocal is more famous as a pick-up joint for single men than a casino. That said, this beachfront hotel in the center of everything does have a small casino sporting a couple of table games and a wide range of slots. The bar and restaurant area around the pool gets lively at night.
Casino Amapola
This small casino is located at the Amapola Resort, one of Jacó’s most long-established hotels. There’s a poker room (Jacó’s oldest), blackjack tables, slots, and a sports book.
Manuel Antonio Casinos
If you’re staying in Manuel Antonio and you want some casino fun, you’re probably better off heading up the coast an hour to Jacó to check out the places listed above. There is the Best Western Kamuk Hotel and Casino in downtown Quepos, just bear in mind it’s small and not what you’re looking for if you’re a regular at casinos.
Guanacaste Casinos
Like elsewhere outside of the capital, there aren’t a great number of casinos in Costa Rica’s sunny Guanacaste province, but that’s not to say there’s nothing. Gamblers will find (limited) options in Tamarindo, Flamingo, Coco, and Liberia:
Casino Diria
The Tamarindo Diria is one of our favorite Tamarindo hotels, located in the heart of this beach community and close to everything. Their small casino offers a range of table games (blackjack and poker) and 48 slot machines to enjoy when you’re tired of the beach. And again, you don’t need to stay here to enjoy the casino.
Flamingo Casino Costa Rica
North of Tamarindo, in Playa Flamingo, is the Flamingo Casino Costa Rica in the Dumama Hotel close to the marina. Opened in 2023, this place claims to be Costa Rica’s “most luxurious casino.” If you’re staying in the Flamingo or Potrero area, Flamingo Casino is worth checking out. You’ll find poker, table games, and the usual slots to enjoy. They hold a poker tournament every Wednesday evening.
Casino El Coco
For travelers to Playas del Coco, Papagayo, and surrounding areas, Casino El Coco is a small place on the main strip in Playas del Coco. It’s quiet here, but they do have Texas Hold’Em tournaments most weeks.
In addition to these locations, you may find a few casinos in other places, but these are the bigger options in the Guanacaste area. As for other popular tourist destinations in the country, such as Arenal, Monteverde, or Tortuguero, those aren’t the places to go if visiting a Costa Rican casino is high on your priority list. If you’re serious about casinos, we strongly recommend spending time in San José or Jacó while visiting Costa Rica.
Popular Casino Games in Costa Rica
Outside of the ubiquitous slot machines and electronic gaming terminals that make up the majority of Costa Rican casinos, the centerpiece of Costa Rica's casino gaming scene is "rummy," a local adaptation of classic blackjack (21) with a Tico twist.
The gameplay begins with players receiving two initial cards, with face cards valued at 10 and aces at 11. From there, players can request additional cards from the dealer to increase their hand's count based on the cards in front of them. However, it is at this point that the Tico twist emerges.
If a player's first three cards are of the same suit, constitute three of a kind, or form a straight, they are deemed to have a rummy—a nod to the popular card game enjoyed in the United States. In such instances, the player's bet is paid out at double the original wager, unless the three cards fortuitously add up to 21, in which case the payout is typically a lucrative five times the initial bet.
Another distinct rule in the Costa Rican iteration of 21 involves a push scenario. If a player manages to obtain 21 on the initial deal, and the dealer also holds 21, regardless of the number of cards in their hand, the result is a push, and neither player nor house wins.
Another widely enjoyed game is roulette, although it is often played using a unique wire cage to determine the winning number, rather than the traditional spinning wheel.
Visitors can also try their hand at distinctly Costa Rican card games like tute (a variation of Caribbean stud poker) and pai gow poker. Poker itself has gained significant traction in Costa Rica, and the better casinos all hold regular tournaments on a weekly or monthly basis.
Costa Rica Casinos: The Vibe
One of the defining characteristics of Costa Rica's casino scene is the laid-back approach to gambling. Unlike destinations renowned for their high-stakes, high-energy casino environments, like Las Vegas or Macau, gambling in Costa Rica is viewed more as a leisurely pastime than anything serious.
As such, visitors should expect a relaxed, low-key atmosphere in most casinos, with an emphasis on maintaining a quiet and unobtrusive environment. Boisterous or rowdy behavior is generally frowned upon, especially in smaller places. Even casinos in San José or Jacó, which are famous for single guys picking up women, are pretty low-key on the actual gaming floor.
Another notable aspect is the level of professionalism and service provided by casino staff, which may not necessarily match the standards found in major international gaming destinations. Dealers and other casino employees in Costa Rica often adopt a more casual and approachable demeanor, deviating from the strict protocols observed elsewhere.
Also, tipping dealers, which is widely expected in many parts of the world, is not deeply ingrained in Costa Rican casino culture. While not prohibited, leaving gratuities is far less prevalent than in North American or European establishments.
Perhaps the most striking cultural difference is the relaxed dress code in Costa Rican casinos. Rather than dressing up formally or even semi-formally, most patrons—locals and tourists alike—opt for casual wear like shorts and flip-flops. The emphasis is on blending in and feeling comfortable, rather than attempting to project an air of affluence or exclusivity.
Most casinos in Costa Rica offer complimentary non-alcoholic beverages to patrons, although alcoholic drinks are typically available at an additional cost. In line with the country's public smoking regulations, smoking is strictly prohibited inside.
A Promising Future for Casinos in Costa Rica
While the casino industry in Costa Rica may not be as developed or well-regulated as other countries, it still presents an opportunity for growth and expansion in the coming years. The nation's well-established tourism sector, coupled with its reputation as a safe and politically stable destination, could potentially attract increased investment and interest from major international gaming operators, especially as more “name brand” resorts set up shop.
As Costa Rica continues to position itself as a premier destination for nature and beach lovers, the presence of a real casino scene could serve as a complementary offering for travelers coming down to this Central American country.
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