Location Guide

Where is Bovada Located? Headquarters & Licensing Info [2025]

Discover where Bovada is located, their licensing authority, and what this means for US players. Complete guide to Bovada's legal status and operations.

• 5 min read

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Bovada is located in Costa Rica, where their headquarters and main operations are based. They are licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Canada, which allows them to legally serve US players despite operating from outside the United States.

Bovada's Headquarters Location

Bovada operates from Costa Rica, specifically from offices in San José, the country's capital. The company has maintained its Central American headquarters since its launch in 2011, choosing Costa Rica for its favorable regulatory environment and established infrastructure for online gaming operations.

Costa Rica has become a hub for online gambling companies serving the North American market, offering several advantages including:

  • Stable political environment
  • Advanced telecommunications infrastructure
  • Favorable tax structure for international businesses
  • Proximity to the United States
  • English-speaking workforce

Licensing Authority

While Bovada's physical operations are in Costa Rica, they are licensed and regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC), which is based in Canada. The KGC is one of the most respected offshore gaming authorities and has been regulating online gambling since 1996.

About Kahnawake Gaming Commission

  • • Established in 1996
  • • Based in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, Quebec, Canada
  • • Regulates over 50 online gaming operators
  • • Provides player protection and dispute resolution
  • • Maintains strict technical and financial standards

Why Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has become the preferred location for many online sportsbooks and casinos serving the US market for several strategic reasons:

Regulatory Environment

Costa Rica doesn't specifically license online gambling operators, but it also doesn't prohibit them. This creates a permissive environment where companies can operate legally as long as they don't target Costa Rican residents.

Business Infrastructure

The country offers excellent business infrastructure with:

  • Reliable internet connectivity
  • Modern data centers
  • Skilled workforce
  • Competitive operational costs
  • Time zone alignment with North America

Financial Benefits

Operating from Costa Rica provides significant financial advantages including lower corporate tax rates and reduced operational expenses compared to other jurisdictions.

Company History & Operations

Bovada was launched in 2011 as a replacement for Bodog's US operations. The brand was specifically created to serve American players after regulatory changes affected Bodog's ability to operate in the US market.

Key Milestones

  • 2011: Bovada launches from Costa Rica
  • 2012: Expands sportsbook offerings
  • 2016: Introduces live dealer casino games
  • 2019: Launches mobile-optimized platform
  • 2020-2025: Continues expansion of betting markets and features

Current Operations

Today, Bovada operates as one of the largest offshore sportsbooks serving US players, with comprehensive offerings including:

  • Sports betting on major leagues
  • Live in-game betting
  • Online casino games
  • Live dealer games
  • Poker room
  • Horse racing

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bovada's headquarters located?

Bovada's headquarters are located in Costa Rica. The company operates under the Kahnawake Gaming Commission license, which is based in Canada.

Is Bovada legal in the United States?

Bovada operates in a legal gray area in the US. While they accept US players, they are not licensed by US authorities. Players should check their local laws before playing.

What gaming commission regulates Bovada?

Bovada is licensed and regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which is based in Canada and is one of the most respected offshore gaming authorities.

Why does Bovada operate from Costa Rica?

Costa Rica provides a favorable regulatory environment for online gambling operators, with lower taxes and fewer restrictions compared to other jurisdictions.

Can I trust Bovada even though they're offshore?

Bovada has operated successfully since 2011 and is regulated by the respected Kahnawake Gaming Commission. They have a solid track record of paying players and maintaining fair gaming practices.

How does Bovada's location affect withdrawals?

Bovada's offshore location means withdrawals may take longer than domestic operators (typically 1-2 weeks), but they maintain multiple payout methods including check by courier and cryptocurrency.

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