Betcris
- Founded
- 2006-01-01 in Costa Rica
- Headquarters
- Costa Rica
Betcris is a global iGaming and sports betting operator with a strong presence in Latin America and a re-emerging footprint in the United States. The brand's name derives from 'Bet Costa Rica International Sports,' reflecting its origins in Costa Rica. Under CEO JD Duarte, Betcris offers sportsbook, casino, live dealer games, poker, and horse racing through online platforms and over 100 physical betting shops in the region. The company is known for proprietary technology and competitive odds, achieving around 30% annual growth in Latin America. Following the 2006 UIGEA, Duarte acquired the brand and pivoted to regulated Latin American markets. In 2025, Betcris re-entered the US with an online sportsbook in Arizona. It secured a landmark NFL sponsorship as the league's first official betting partner in Latin America. The company employs 501-1,000 people with a customer support hub in Costa Rica.
Detailed Review
History and Ownership
Betcris was founded in Costa Rica during the early dot-com era, with "CRIS" standing for Costa Rica International Sports. The brand gained popularity for its wide range of markets and reliable payouts. The major turning point came in 2006 when JD Duarte, then a top executive, acquired the brand after the owner decided to sell following the UIGEA in the United States. Duarte pivoted operations to regulated Latin American markets, leading consistent annual growth of around 30%.
Products and Services
Betcris offers a comprehensive iGaming suite. Its sportsbook covers major leagues including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, MLS, and soccer leagues worldwide, with pre-match, live betting, and same-game parlays. The online casino includes slots, table games, and a live dealer section. Additionally, Betcris provides a dedicated poker platform and betting on international horse racing. The company operates over 100 physical betting shops in Latin America. Betcris uses proprietary technology and integrates alternative payment methods like SafetyPay to serve underbanked customers. In 2025, it launched a dedicated iOS app for its Arizona sportsbook.
US Market Re-entry
After nearly two decades, Betcris re-entered the US regulated market in 2025 with an online sportsbook in Arizona. It received a license through the state's competitive market, competing with DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. The Arizona sportsbook offers same-game parlays, live betting, and a welcome bonus. This move is seen as a potential springboard for expansion into other US states.
Partnerships and Sponsorships
In a landmark deal, the NFL selected Betcris as its first official betting partner in Latin America. Betcris has also partnered with LivePerson to train its customer service team and with SafetyPay for alternative payments.
Licensing and Regulation
Betcris operates under licenses from various jurisdictions. In Arizona, it is regulated by the Arizona Department of Gaming. In Latin America, it holds licenses in Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. The company emphasizes responsible gambling with age verification and self-exclusion tools.
Company Culture and Technology
Betcris uses Agile methodology and OKRs for product development. It is noted for customer-centric approach and 24/7 support. Investments in AI and automation improve service efficiency.
Key Products
Betcris Sportsbook
Online sports betting platform offering pre-match, live betting, and Same Game Parlays on a wide range of sports.
Betcris Casino
Digital casino featuring slots, table games, and progressive jackpots.
Betcris Live Casino
Live dealer games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat) with real-time streaming.
Betcris Poker
Online poker room with various games and tournaments.
Betcris Horse Racing
Betting on horse and greyhound racing, powered by SIS Betting.
Betcris Arizona
Regulated online sportsbook app for iOS and Android, available only in Arizona.
Retail Shops
Over 100 physical betting locations in El Salvador, Panama, and Dominican Republic.
Sportsbook
Pre-match and live betting platform with sharp odds, early markets, reduced vigorish, and comprehensive league coverage. Available on web and mobile app.
Casino
Online slots, table games, and live dealer games provided by multiple software partners.
Poker
Online poker room with tournaments, cash games, and multi-table support.
Horse Racing
Wagering on domestic and international races, powered by SIS Betting.
Retail Betting Shops
Over 100 physical locations across El Salvador, Panama, Dominican Republic, and other Latin American countries.
Betcris Arizona Sportsbook
US-specific online sportsbook launched in Arizona in 2025, available as an iOS app.
Betcris Retail Network
More than 100 physical betting shops in Latin America.
Offices & Headcount
750 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
- Hazel Zuñiga Gutierrez
Automation Supervisor / Senior Automation Architect
JD DuarteChief Executive Officer (CEO)
Germán SarmientoCountry Manager
- Fernando Garita
Speaker
Exhibition History
Recent News
SiGMA North America 2026 to Debut in Mexico City with 4,000 Delegates and Expanded Regional Focus
SiGMA Group will host the first SiGMA North America 2026 summit in Mexico City from September 1-3, expecting 4,000 delegates, 1,000 operators, and over 200 exhibitors, followed by an exclusive affiliate retreat in Cancun. The event aims to strengthen cross-border networking across North and Latin America, leveraging Mexico's growing iGaming market projected to reach $3.61 billion by 2033.
2026-07-14
BetCris bets on conversational betting via WhatsApp as next growth frontier
BetCris has launched a conversational sportsbook on WhatsApp via ChatBet and Plannatech, aiming to transform customer acquisition and retention by capturing player intent through natural-language interactions. The move positions conversational AI as a potential new standard for operator-player relationships in Latin America and beyond.
2026-07-13