Colombia Coljuegos is a government regulator of gambling in Colombia, established with the aim of organising and overseeing the gambling industry within the country. It was founded in 2011 following the dissolution of the Empresa Territorial para la Salud (ETESA), which was unable to effectively manage the regulatory challenges of gambling. Since then, Coljuegos has assumed responsibility for issuing licences, ensuring compliance with regulations, and guaranteeing fair play in both online and land-based casinos.
History and Development
Key milestones
- 1943: Legalisation of gambling in Colombia.
- 1993: Establishment of ETESA to manage gambling activities.
- 2011: Dissolution of ETESA and creation of Coljuegos.
- 2016: Adoption of the eGaming Act.
- 2017: Issuance of the first online gambling licence.
- 2018: Implementation of stringent KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations.
- 2020: Adoption of technical standards for online gaming.
These events laid the foundation for the establishment of modern gambling regulation in Colombia, aligning it with international standards.
October 2023: Coljuegos places emphasis on regulating gambling advertising in Colombia.
In 1943, Colombia legalised gambling, marking a significant shift in the nation’s stance on gaming activities. Prior to this, gambling had been either prohibited or heavily restricted. The legalisation of gambling in Colombia in 1943 enabled the establishment of casinos, lotteries, and other gambling establishments. This transformation was likely driven by a desire to generate revenue and stimulate economic growth. Since then, the Colombian gaming industry has evolved, with various forms of gambling becoming integral to the country’s entertainment and economic landscape.
Main Functions of Coljuegos
Coljuegos carries out several key functions, including:
- Issuance of licences: All Colombian gambling operators are required to obtain licences from Coljuegos in order to conduct their operations legally.
- Regulatory compliance oversight: Coljuegos monitors operators to ensure adherence to all statutory rules and requirements.
- Consumer protection: Coljuegos safeguards players’ rights by ensuring fairness and safety in gambling activities.
- Tax collection: The regulator is responsible for collecting taxes from operators, which are subsequently allocated to fund healthcare and social programmes.
Bogotá, 25 November 2024. Coljuegos has significantly reduced response times for requests concerning localised games.
Since the implementation of the pre-application system in August of last year, Coljuegos has decreased response times for requests submitted by localised gaming operators by 38%. This advancement has enabled the unprecedented launch of over 15,000 electronic gambling machines in the country.
Modern Initiatives
Combatting money laundering
In 2023, Coljuegos established a partnership with the Colombian Games Association (Asojuegos) to collaboratively combat money laundering. The initiative “Pacts for Legality” aims to enhance governance and transparency in the operations of licensed establishments. The President of Coljuegos, Marco Emilio Hincapié, emphasises the significance of such initiatives in safeguarding public health and reinforcing the legal gambling sector.
Responsible gambling habits
Coljuegos is also actively engaged in initiatives promoting responsible gambling behaviour. This includes the development of strategies aimed at preventing gambling addiction and protecting vulnerable social groups. The regulator has implemented a policy for responsible player conduct, marking the first such initiative in Latin America.
Bogotá, 28th November 2024. Operators are required to implement programmes aimed at preventing uncontrolled gambling.
By Resolution 22654 of 2024, Coljuegos has established guidelines for responsible gambling, which operators are mandated to implement at a national level to educate and raise awareness among players, mitigate risky behaviour, and provide support to those facing issues related to uncontrollable gambling. “These recommendations enhance the regulation of responsible gaming. We urge operators to conduct campaigns that inform players about the risks associated with gambling addiction,” stated Marco Emilio Hincapié, President of Coljuegos.
Current Challenges
Despite its successes, Coljuegos is confronted with a number of challenges. One such challenge is the fight against illegal gambling. In 2024, the regulator conducted numerous raids against unlawful operators, seizing a substantial amount of illegal equipment. This highlights the necessity for ongoing oversight and the enhancement of legislation to combat the escalating threat posed by the illegal gambling industry.
Bogotá, 29 November 2024. Coljuegos is investigating illegal betting on Colombian professional football through illicit portals.
Coljuegos has initiated a preliminary investigation to request the blocking of web pages operating from countries such as China and Russia, through which bets related to Colombian professional football are placed without the requisite payments for their usage.
“We are examining the origins of several web portals that facilitate sports betting on the outcomes of professional football. We will do everything possible to safeguard both legal operators and players,” stated Marco Emilio Hincapié, the president of Coljuegos.
Development Prospects
Coljuegos is dedicated to the further development of the legal gambling industry in Colombia. In the upcoming years, an increase in the number of licensed operators and an expansion of the range of services offered are anticipated. Furthermore, plans are in place to enhance security technologies and protect player data, which will subsequently increase trust in online platforms.
CNJSA informational system
In connection with the ongoing process of digital transformation, the Technical Secretariat of the National Council of Games of Chance (ST-CNJSA) invites its operators to participate in the implementation testing of the first phase of the CNJSA information system. This system comprises modern and updatable processes for the reception, processing, generation of data, reports, and statistics related to information on local games of chance.
Cocnlusion
Coljuegos plays a pivotal role in shaping a safe and regulated environment for gambling in Colombia. Its efforts to combat illegal operations, implement standards for responsible gaming conduct, and ensure transparency establish this organisation as a significant player in the Latin American gambling market. Considering the current trends, further growth and development of the gambling industry under the reliable oversight of Coljuegos can be anticipated.
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