Sportsbook Pays ¢1.5 Million Quarterly For License
The daily Spanish language newspaper Al Día reports that Vice-president and Justice Minister, Laura Chinchilla, has asked the mayor of Montes de Oca (San Pedro), Sonia Montero, to evaluate the "patente" - business license - issued to BETonSPORTS, who is headquarted in Mall San Pedro, following a request by the United States officials.

BETonSPORTS pays ¢1.5 million colones (us$2.900) every three months for a municipal business license, according to Montero.

The president of BETonSPORTS, David Carruthers, is in prison in Texas after being arrested by US officials when he landed in Dallas on is return to Costa Rica from England. Ten others have also been accused of fraud and tax evasion, among other charges, including Gary Kaplan, founder of BETonSPORTS, whose whereabouts are unknown.

"Without getting into the legality of the operations, it is a fact that there are serious doubts about the legal management of bets that the companies are involved in", said Chinchilla, making clear that her request is with the outmost respect of the autonomy of the municipality to issue a patente.

Chinchilla added that the questions are very sensitive and will co-ordinate with the mayors of the municipalities who authorize the functions of these type of businesses.

Mayor Montero explained that she shares the concern of the government, however, a permit can only be rescinded when the business is bothering the neighbours or is not up to date with payments or does not adhere to health (Salud) standards.

"I cannot cancel a patente if they comply. To effect a cancellation, there must be an order issued by a superior body above me", said Montero.

The mayor argues that the judicial problem is something originating outside of Costa Rica and that there are no violations of the law being committed in Montes de Oca. The mayor added that the money does not move in Costa Rica, that the employees are insured (under the CCSS) and are up to date in their payments.

Asked if this type (sportsbooks) of business is good for San Pedro, the mayor responded by saying "I am tied to the law. I cannot make a moral judgement."

Mayor Montero added that she has told the "tax people" that she is not interested in approving any more patentes of this type.